Striker Iain Russell has informed the club of his intention to retire from the game, calling time on an impressive career after a prolific final season with the side he supported as a boy.

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As a promising football career blossomed, Iain was keen to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Airdrie legend Ian McMillan.

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A handful of appearances for Motherwell were followed by spells at Dumbarton, Brechin City, Morton, Livingston and Queen of the South, as Russell made a name for himself as a tricky forward with a keen eye for goal.

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And his dream of playing for Airdrie was realised last season when he joined the club, going on to captain the side in the absence of skipper Marc Fitzpatrick, and scoring 20 goals over the course of a season which saw the Diamonds narrowly miss out on promotion.

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Perhaps the most memorable of those strikes was a stunning volley at Albion Rovers in March, an incredible effort which bagged Russell the club's Goal of the Season award.

 

As an important part of last season's squad, and a huge influence on those around him in the dressing room, we are sorry to lose Iain, but with a young family and a career outside of the game we understand his decision and would like to thank him and wish him every success in the future - and we hope to see him and Alfie cheering on the Diamonds very soon!