Airdrieonians FC has today announced the release of six players as the Club moves towards full-time football next season. 

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Strikers Jim Lister and Bryan Prunty, attackers David Cox and Jacob Esposito, versatile defender Chris O’Neil and keeper Neil Parry will all move on from the Diamonds following talks on Wednesday night. 

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The Club always knew the move to full-time football for next season would mean a huge change in the profile of the playing squad. 

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In making that switch from part-time, players had big decisions to make with good jobs outside of the game in many cases. 

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And Diamonds chief executive Iain King said: “There is no question that the switch to full-time - which is thrilling for the Club’s long-term future - would always have an impact in Season One. 

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“Jim and Bryan are hugely popular figures and the Club understand fully that it is always hard to see players like that departing. 

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“They will both be welcomed back to the Club any time they want to return to visit the Diamonds. 

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“Chris O’Neil is at a stage of his career where he needs regular first-team football and he has been a great servant of the Club. 

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“Jacob Esposito has returned home to Australia and we all hope that he furthers his career in the A-League or beyond. 

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“David Cox gave every shred he had every time he pulled on an Airdrie jersey and also goes with our best wishes. 

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“With Neil Parry, he has an excellent job outside of football which was always going to be very hard to gel with going full-time at 30. 

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“He is a superb keeper and his legacy will be the massive influence he has had on developing his understudy Rohan Ferguson. We will see that come to fruition next season.

 

“We would like to record our thanks to all these players for their efforts in the Diamond.”