Football Saturday: East Fife v Airdrie United

Aug 5 2010 By Colin Paterson

EAST FIFE v AIRDRIE

New Bayview, 3pm

JIMMY BOYLE has admitted that sorting out his own future is not a top priority.

The 43-year-old has been in caretaker charge of Airdrie for two months following the dismissal of Kenny Black.

He enjoyed his first win as interim boss last Saturday when the Diamonds defeated derby rivals Albion Rovers in the Co-operative Insurance League Cup.

But Boyle revealed he is in no hurry to have more permanent arrangements put in place and says preparing the squad for the new season is far more important.

"It's not something I've been thinking about," said Boyle, who has two years remaining on his contract at New Broomfield and will be assisted by Diamonds legends Alan Lawrence and Paul Jack.

"We've not spoken about anything and the chairman has only just got back from holiday this week.

"We are concentrating far too much on getting the team ready. That's our priority and that's what we want to focus on."

Airdrie will begin their Irn-Bru Second Division campaign at East Fife tomorrow and Boyle reckons avoiding the drop would be success.

He added: "I think if we could stay up and then build on that, it would be fantastic.

"But then in three or four months' time, we might be looking to change our goals if we find ourselves doing quite well.

"There are a lot of good teams in this league with experienced players. It's going to be difficult and it will be a tough game at East Fife on Saturday.

"Livingston are full-time, have good players and will probably be the favourites for the title. But I think Ayr United and Alloa will be up there as well.

"I think Jim Weir will do a good job at Brechin City, Dumbarton have a good squad and Peterhead have made an impressive start with the players they have."

Boyle is keen to boost his squad with further signings and added: "I'm still looking at getting one or two more in.

"I'm hoping there are some players who have not found what they were looking for and maybe just want to get back playing again."

The Diamonds' 1-0 win over Rovers was far from easy on the eye but Boyle believes there were signs of encouragement.

"We didn't play well," he said. "But I was delighted to get the win. There's definitely something for us to build on."

Boyle told Advertiser Sport that his only injury doubt ahead of the trip to Methil is 16-year-old striker Tony Watt, pictured, who has a hamstring problem.

Meanwhile, East Fife player/manager Stevie Crawford is targeting a top-half finish as he looks ahead to his second season at New Bayview.

He told The Courier: "If we can stay free from injuries, then we have every chance of doing better than last season.

"I believe that it's a tougher league this year but if we can show the right commitment and attitude, then I'm confident that we can finish higher than we did last season."

Possible Airdrie starting line-up: Ridgers; Bain, Gibson, Grant, Lovering; McCord, Stallard, Devlin; Gemmill, Wallace, Muir.

*AIRDRIE have today been drawn away to face Kilmarnock in the second round of the Co-operative Insurance League Cup. The tie will be played on Tuesday, August 24 or Wednesday, August 25.