Eddie Wolecki Black is ready for a Boxing Day baptism against Peterhead, and the new Airdrie Head Coach insists his squad fear no-one.

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The visit of Jim McInally's men on Saturday marks the start of a busy festive period for the Diamonds, with the rearranged home tie against Stenhousemuir following on Tuesday night before the Monklands derby in a week's time.

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Wolecki Black was appointed as Head Coach on Tuesday following Gary Bollan's departure to Forfar Athletic, and the new boss says everyone at the Club is concentrating on the match.

 

"The nature of football means that as a coach you have to be prepared for sudden changes, whether that is reorganising the team due to a late call off or in this situation asked to take control of the first team. 

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"Therefore the focus of everyone is to prepare well for the weekends match."

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As always when a new manager takes over, fans are keen to know what changes will be made.

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With Airdrie currently occupying fifth position, just three points outside the play-off zone, Wolecki Black doesn't see the need for drastic measures.

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"Normally when a manager leaves a post it is due to the team struggling at the foot of the table. However in this instance that is not the case. 

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"The club has good players and there is no need for wholesale changes. 

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"As for style of play then of course that may be a little different but it will require time, patience and a lot of hard work on the training park."

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The match itself is the third meeting of the sides as we approach the halfway point of the season.

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It's honours even so far, a Jamie Bain goal proving the difference at New Broomfield in August before a dismal display on the road saw the Diamonds go down 2-0 at Balmoor in October.

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The Blue Toon are enjoying a fine run of form - a seven match unbeaten league run includes a 7-0 mauling of Cowdenbeath and last weekend's impressive 3-0 win over Ayr United.

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Having also reached the Petrofac Training Cup final there is no doubt that the Aberdeenshire side will provide tough opposition, but Eddie is confident his squad are up to the task. 

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"I believe the players have shown they can compete with every team in the league, therefore whilst we respect every opponent we certainly do not fear them."