We are delighted to announce the appointment of John Rankin as Airdrieonians head coach.

The 42-year-old former Hamilton Academical boss joins the club after a spell in interim charge at Ayr United, and the move to the Diamonds represents a homecoming for Airdrieonian John, who grew up in the town’s Gartlea area.

A talented footballer from a young age, John was snapped up by English giants Manchester United at the age of 15, spending three years in the Old Trafford youth ranks.

A return to Scotland followed for John, who carved out a distinguished career with over 100 appearances for Ross County, Hibernian and Dundee United alongside spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Falkirk, Queen of the South and Clyde. The cultured midfielder also gained one Scotland B cap in 2006.

Having performed under some big names in management, a move into the dugout was the natural next step for John, who joined Hamilton Academical as assistant head coach in December 2021, earning promotion to the head coach position six months later.

A first taste of success came in 2023 as John’s Accies side lifted the SPFL Trust Trophy, though the season was to end in disappointment for the New Douglas Park club as Airdrie switched places with Hamilton after winning the Championship play-off final on penalties.

John led Accies to an immediate return to the second tier, beating Inverness in the following season’s promotion play-off. Hamilton’s well publicised off-field issues then came to light, and having been relegated courtesy of a points deduction, John left the club after a Scottish Cup defeat to the Diamonds in November last year.

A short spell at Ayr United followed as Scott Brown left the Somerset club in March, and John departed at the end of the season having achieved his objective of keeping the Honest Men in the Championship.

Putting pen to paper on a contract with the Diamonds this morning, John was delighted to take on the head coach role at his hometown club.

He said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, to be honest – obviously the phone went a couple of days ago, and my initial reaction was ‘of course!’

“It’s a blank canvas, I think there’s only a handful of players. Everything needs built, and that’s probably the point where you think you can put your own stamp on it.”

The club are thrilled to welcome John aboard – and the hard work starts straight away for the new boss, who faces the immediate task of rebuilding his squad for the new season.

Welcome to the Diamonds, John!