We are delighted to announce the signing of 21-year-old defender Josh Kerr from Brighton & Hove Albion.

 

Josh, who hails from Coatbridge, joined the English Premier League side in 2017 after four years at Celtic.

 

Having featured heavily as the Seagulls’ U23 side won promotion to the top flight, the central defender then joined Derry City on a six-month loan deal, but will return to his native Monklands to join the Diamonds when his Brighton contract expires at the end of the month.

 

Speaking to airdriefc.com as he signed a deal at the Penny Cars Stadium today, Josh said: “I’m delighted to come here and get the chance of regular first-team football - at my age it’s important to get as many games as I can.

 

“My aim is to play at as high a level as possible in Scotland or England, and I believe coming here and establishing myself will give me the best chance of doing that.

 

“First and foremost I’m a defender, but I’d say I’m very composed on the ball and I can pick a pass - I’m sure the fans will see that, along with my determination to succeed.

 

“The manager has done well with his recruitment, and we have a strong squad, so we’re definitely capable of challenging for promotion.”

 

Delighted Airdrie boss Ian Murray was pleased to get his man.

 

“Josh is a player we targeted from the outset - he’s got great pedigree having been at Celtic and Brighton - and we’re thrilled to get it over the line.

 

“A lot of hard work went into bringing Josh to Airdrie, culminating in myself going over to watch him playing for Derry last weekend.

 

“Someone with Josh’s pedigree is a great attraction for the club, and we’re really looking forward to working with him and helping him to continue his development.”