We are pleased to announce the signing of 19-year-old central midfielder Dean Ritchie.

Dean joins the Diamonds from Heart of Midlothian, where he captained various academy sides as he rose through the Tynecastle youth system.

Signing on for the new campaign, Dean told airdriefc.com: “I’m really happy to join Airdrie, it’s a club with big ambitions and I’m happy to be part of it.

“A lot of my family come from Airdrie so it’s great to sign for the club.

“I’m dying to get into it in pre-season and hopefully help the team to win games throughout the season. I’m a grafter - I love battling in the midfield and moving the ball about, and I’m also a team player so I’ll always do what I can for my team-mates.”

Director of Football Stuart Millar added: “Dean is a young, energetic player who has been on the club’s radar for the last year.

“He’s a good lad, and we’ve got high hopes for him. He had offers from other League One clubs, so we’re naturally delighted that he’s chosen to continue his development at Airdrie.”

Photo © David Mollison / Heart of Midlothian