We are delighted to announce that Ian Murray has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

 

The 38-year-old celebrates his first anniversary as Airdrie manager next month, and today put pen to paper on a new deal until the end of the 2020/21 season.

 

Former Dumbarton and St Mirren boss Ian was selected from an impressive list of candidates following the departure of Stephen Findlay last October, leaving his post at Norwegian club Asker SK to take the helm at the Penny Cars Stadium.

 

A steady turnaround in the club’s fortunes followed, with the Diamonds narrowly missing out on May’s promotion play-offs.

 

With the club switching to a hybrid full-time/part-time setup over the close season, a large overhaul of the playing squad took place, and the side currently sit in fourth place in the League One table.

 

Ian told airdriefc.com: “I’m really happy to commit for another two years, and I feel it’s come at the right time. We’re just hitting a wee run of form as we look to progress so this allows us to continue with that.

 

“There were a lot of changes over the summer with the hybrid model coming in, which is perhaps not as black-and-white as people perceive - add to that the turnaround of players and staff, and it was always going to take a while for things to bed in. We’re starting to see that happen now, and this weekend gives us another chance to keep it going.

 

“I’m really happy here, and it was a very quick conversation - the whole thing was done overnight, really. Everyone at the club is singing from the same hymn sheet, which is very important, and I’m delighted to be here to continue the progression of the club.”

 

Director of Football Stuart Millar was equally pleased with the commitment shown by the manager.

 

“Ian’s contract was coming to an end next month, so we had to act upon that and it was the unanimous decision of the board to offer Ian a new contract. We’re delighted that offer has been accepted.

 

“As a club it gives us the stability that we’re after as we look to progress. Ian came in at a difficult time last season, and we ended up only missing out on the play-offs by three points. We believe the league is more competitive this season, and we’re already up challenging in the top four.

 

“A huge amount of progress has been made behind the scenes, and we believe that Ian is the right person to match that progress on the park. Even in the short time that I’ve been here, Ian has proven that he has a great work ethic and his attention to detail is second to none.

 

“We’ve achieved a great deal in a short period of time and we firmly believe that Ian is paramount to continuing that into the future, so we’re delighted that he has committed his future to the club.”