Wayne Berry may live almost 300 miles away from the Diamonds but his heart has never left Airdrieonians. 

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And on Saturday on Academy Day one of the club’s most dedicated exiled fans will be back at the Excelsior with his wife and two sons to celebrate a special footballing love affair. 

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As a big part of the Club’s first celebration of our revamped Academy, big-hearted transport engineer Wayne has made a £500 donation to kickstart our fundraising efforts that will gather pace over the rest of this season. 

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Now along with his partner Karen Mack and sons Samuel, eight, and five-year-old Alex he will be a guest of the Club as a new era of youth development begins at Airdrieonians. 

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The Berry family travelled north for the Rangers game earlier this season but we decided it was fitting they should also make the return journey on Academy Day. 

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Wayne revealed: “My mother Grace Berry (Boyd) was born in Howletnest Road, Airdrie, and went to Rochsolloch Primary and Airdrie High. 

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“She was the eldest daughter with five brothers, Derek, Jim, Daniel, John and Edward to parents Elijah and Jean Boyd.   

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“In her late teens she moved to Birmingham where she met my father, married and settled in Birmingham until her death from a very short battle with cancer in 2009. 

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“My grandparents moved from Airdrie to Darlington followed by two of my uncles but two remain in Airdrie who I try to visit at least once a year.  

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“My youngest son was born after my mother's death and he is always asking his older brother what he remembers. 

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“They are both at the age now where they will understand and remember trips like this and I can't think of a more perfect trip to show them where my mother lived as a child than coming back to see the Diamonds.” 

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For Airdrieonians chief executive Iain King the visit of the Berry family holds special significance on Academy Day. 

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He said: “Wayne’s donation kickstarted the effort we must make to push the Academy forward. 

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“He specifically asked for his donation to go to youth development and I am looking forward to welcoming him and his family to the game.”