Airdrieonians Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black has paid tribute to David van Zanten after a knee injury forced his retirement from the game at the age of 33.

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Vanzy was a popular and hugely respected figure in the Diamonds’ dressing-room this season but he was limited to just nine top team appearances after being signed by former boss Gary Bollan in the summer.

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Now that his knee troubles have forced him to call it a day the Club has praised his contribution through what was a tough campaign for the former Celtic, St Mirren and Hibs right-back.

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Eddie said: “One of the saddest things for me about the news with Vanzy is that I never got the chance to work with him at top team level.

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“He has earned every shred of the respect he has throughout the game with his dedication and professionalism and he showed that in his time at Airdrieonians.

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“David will always be welcomed back to the Diamonds whatever route he decides to take in the game now and I wish him well in all his endeavours.”

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Van Zanten has previously shone in some stints as a media pundit and whether he decides to further that or look at coaching it is hoped he is not lost to the game.

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Chief Executive Iain King said: “One way you can gauge the character of top team players is how they behave when they come down to play with the Under-20s.

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“When David did that this season he was a huge help to our younger players and had the patience and class to coach them through the games on the field.

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“It’s sad we never got more chances to see him in a Diamonds shirt and short-term it would be great to see him develop his media work because he brings clarity and wisdom to that role every time he does it.”