03-07-2025
Gartcairn squad 'is in place' as boss targets First Division title triumph
Ryan McStay says the Airdrie club are in a good place ahead of the new season
Gartcairn co-boss Ryan McStay says the club is in a good place, with 19 players lined up and ready to kick off next season in the West of Scotland First Division.
Though eight clubs are guaranteed promotion into the Premier Division next season due to Lowland League reconstruction, McStay has targeted the title.
And he says obtaining their SFA Licence could see the Airdrie club leap right up to the Lowland League West.
He said: 'We know there's going to be eight promoted, but we're hoping to build a squad that's going to be challenging for the league.
'There's still talk that if clubs in the Premier haven't got their licence, there's a possibility that we could maybe jump up two leagues to the new top league.
'We need to look after ourselves, start well, do things right.
'We have a new analysis room up at the ground, so we're trying to do things right, and make sure the boys buy in to what we're trying to do, crack on, and have a successful season.
'It's going to be a tough league, when you look at the teams that are in it, but we're going to be in a good position.
'We started back pre-season training earlier this month, we've just got another lad confirmed that's going to sign for us, so that takes us up to 19 for the season.
'We're in a very good position, the squad is looking really good.
'We have a few people coming who are going to do pre-season with us, so people might move on, and others pop up.
'I've been speaking to other managers who are sitting on 12 or 13 players and struggling to get others in, so for us to be sitting on 19 confirmed at this point means we're in a great position.'
Gartcairn have brought in Ryan Dakhil from Pollok as assistant manager, and McStay said: 'We've brought in Ryan, I know and trust him very well.
'Ryan probably knows everyone in this set-up, so he's good to bring players in, and he will be a massive asset.'
Goalkeeper Kieran Hughes, defenders Ryan Locke and Scott Rumsby, midfielder Kenny Barr and forwards Robert Thomson and Ross Caldwell have all left the club.
Meanwhile, Gartcairn drew 2-2 with Lowland League Broxburn on Saturday in their first pre-season friendly.
McStay said: 'It was a brilliant run out for the lads against a good team. There are plenty of positives to take.'
