We are delighted to announce the signing of striker Andy Ryan, who returns to the club on loan from Dunfermline Athletic until the end of the season.

 

“Chucky” was a hugely popular figure in his previous spell in the Diamond - and rightly so, ending season 2016/17 as the top scorer in Scotland with 27 goals in all competitions.

 

Andy stepped up to the Championship with Dunfermline in August 2017 having already bagged a couple of goals for Airdrie in the opening games of the season. He continued his form at East End Park with a brace on his debut, and went on to grab 16 goals in 42 appearances with the Pars.

 

With the paperwork now complete on his return to the Penny Cars Stadium, Andy told airdriefc.com: “It’s great to be back! As soon as I heard of the interest I just wanted to get myself back here.

 

“When I was here before there was a disappointing end to the play-offs, but the boys have done great to get themselves into a strong position at the midway point.

 

“Now we’ll just take each game as it comes and hopefully we can push for the title.”

 

Manager Ian Murray added: “I’m really glad that Andrew’s decided to sign, we’re delighted to get a quality player for an important area of the park.

 

“He did exceptionally well the last time he was at the club, and the challenge for him now is first and foremost to get into the team in a position where we’ve performed well, and then to aim for the high standards he’s already set in terms of goals.”

 

With the League One title race hotting up as we move into the new year, Andy’s return to the Penny Cars Stadium is a fantastic boost to the playing squad, and we would like to thank Stevie Crawford, the Dunfermline Athletic board, and in particular Pars chairman Ross McArthur for all his effort in making this loan move possible.

 

Of course, the backing from our sponsors and fans is a major factor in our ability to strengthen the squad at this stage of the season and we are grateful for our increased commercial revenues and the success of the Diamond Club, our premium matchday hospitality package. All profits from commercial revenues are invested into the playing squad and the club would like to thank everyone who has supported these ventures. 

 

The club would also like thank the supporters for their magnificent contribution this season which has been a huge factor in our turnaround. A fantastic bond has developed between the players and fans who have been like a twelfth man,  which the players and management have massively appreciated. Attendances have increased in 2019/20 and we would love to see this continue - as we push for promotion to the Championship, we urge everyone to encourage a lapsed fan to return and support the team for what promises to be a very closely fought title chase. Please be assured that every extra pound through the turnstile will be invested in moving our club forward.