We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Alex King, who joins the club in a swap deal with Northern Irish side Crusaders, subject to SFA approval.

As ex-Morton man King checks in at the Albert Bartlett Stadium, we bid farewell to Elliot Dunlop, who heads in the opposite direction to join the Belfast club.

King, a left-sided 20-year-old midfielder, made his Morton debut aged just 16 and went on to make 69 appearances for the Cappielow club either side of a loan spell with Clyde.

Joining Crusaders in January, Alex has now returned home to sign for the Diamonds.

He told airdriefc.com: “I’m really happy to be here. Airdrie is a great club and there are some great players here – players that have the capability to go into this season and have a real good go.

“I’m excited to get started!”

Manager Rhys McCabe added: “Kingy is a player with lovely balance and a sweet left foot.

“He offers physical presence, but is also very comfortable on the ball, so he’s coming in with all the fundamentals that we look for in a player.

“He has the versatility to play a number of positions too, so we’re looking forward to working with him.”

The Diamonds boss also paid tribute to outgoing midfielder Dunlop.

“Elliot came here from youth football and worked his way into the first-team environment, developing physically as well as picking up good experience on loan at Stranraer.

“He now has the opportunity to continue his development with more regular first-team football. He’s a great boy with a great attitude and desire to improve, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Good luck, Elliot – and welcome to the Diamonds, Alex!