Willie McLaren has revealed the secret behind his improved strength and fitness – training sessions from the chairman's wife!

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The 28-year-old was on target for Airdrieonians in Saturday's 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies in the first round of the Ramsdens Challenge Cup at New Broomfield. 

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McLaren has been working with fitness fanatic Gillian Ballantyne, wife of chairman Jim, three times a week since the beginning of last month.

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And the Diamonds winger was quick to praise his new instructor.

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He said: "I've been doing TRX training in the gym three times a week with Gillian. She's helping me get fitter and stronger so a lot of credit has to go to her. I've noticed a big difference.

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"I knew myself that I had to do extra as I had put some weight on since going from full-time to part-time football.

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"I don't think Gillian will ease off me this week. She will probably make it harder because she wanted my man-of-the-match champagne [from Saturday] and I didn't give her it!"

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McLaren is keen to put the disappointment of last term, which ended in relegation for the Diamonds, behind him and be successful this time around.

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"Last season was the worst of my career and we want this to be a good season," he added.

 

"I think we have the players who can help us achieve that."