Following yesterday’s squad meetings, a number of players are moving on. It is always a sad and difficult facet of the game when players reach the end of their time with a club, and none more so than the departure of Diamonds stalwart Sean Crighton.

Having amassed some 144 appearances over two spells with Airdrie, Sean endeared himself to fans through his leadership on the pitch and his no-nonsense defending.

First joining from Morton in 2015, Sean quickly showed his abilities at either end of the pitch, leading by example at the back and popping up with some important goals.

His displays earned him a move to Livingston, where he was a first-team regular as the Almondvale side stormed to the League One title, before joining Brechin City.

A return to Airdrie followed in 2018, where Sean was named club captain. Forging a formidable partnership with Callum Fordyce over the last two seasons, he has consistently displayed the talent and passion which made him a hit with the Diamonds faithful. A backroom role also followed after Sean had cut his coaching teeth with Morton and Hamilton Academical.

With Sean now deciding that the time is right for a new challenge, he told airdriefc.com: “I want to say a massive thanks to all the staff, management, office staff, directors - just everyone involved at Airdrie in my time here.

“To all the fans who have welcomed me since my first spell to my last game on Friday night, you have been right behind me as captain of your club and I appreciate it more than you know.

“Finishing second this season was some achievement from all of us involved, but unfortunately in the play-off final we just didn’t have enough in the tank. Injuries and fatigue took their toll on everyone, but not one person can say we didn’t give our best for the club.

“To captain the club has been a real honour and something I will always be proud of, and from my point of view I leave on a high and the timing is right.

“I have made friends for life while playing at this football club and it will always hold a special place in my heart with so many amazing memories from playing Celtic at Parkhead, Falkirk away, winning Directors Player of the Year, to the drama of the play-off semi final, they are just endless.

“I have given my all to the football club over the years, and it’s been amazing. Thanks again everyone, I wish the club and everyone involved all the best for the future and I really do hope the club gets back to where it belongs in my eyes.”

Joining Sean in moving on are striker Ally Roy and midfielder Craig Thomson, who have over 100 Diamonds appearances between them. Both players joined the club in 2019, and both have made valuable contributions over the last two seasons despite being unfortunate with injuries.

Also leaving the club are Joshua Burke, James Hughes, Harlain Mbayo, Joseph Moore, Reece Murdoch and Eoghan Stokes.

Each and every one of the departing players has done themselves proud whilst representing the Diamonds, and we thank them all for their contributions and wish them nothing but the very best of luck in the future.

Six players have also reached the end of their loan deals, and we bid a fond farewell to Kyle Connell (Kilmarnock), Jack McKay (Chesterfield), Andrew McNeil (Berwick Rangers), Paul Paton (East Kilbride), Griffin Sabatini (Dnipro-1) and Kyle Turner (Dunfermline Athletic). We would like to thank all of these players for their considerable efforts, and once again express our gratitude to their parent clubs.

The remainder of the squad are currently in talks regarding new contracts, and we will provide updates on their situations in due course.