We are delighted to announce the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Ewan Simpson, who joins the club subject to SFA and international clearances.

The Europa League winners paid a six-figure fee for Hearts youngster Simpson in 2022, and the 19-year-old is returning to Scotland after four years in Birmingham.

A box-to-box midfielder, Simpson is familiar with League 1 – and with Diamonds coach John Rankin – after spending time on loan at Hamilton Academical last season, where he hooked up with the coach he first worked with at Tynecastle.

He told airdriefc.com: “Hopefully I can bring a lot to the team in terms of my technical ability and passing.

“I’ve known Ranks for years now – great person, I love him. Obviously when he phoned me up I felt like it was a no-brainer. To play under him again is always a pleasure.

“League 1 is very hard. I thought it was a good challenge for me, something different, very physical. I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to play in the league again.”

And head coach John Rankin added: “I first worked with Simmy when he was 14 years of age and have seen him develop into a man.

“He’s got a great passing range and a real love of football, which saw him get a well-earned move to Aston Villa.

“This will be the third time I’ve worked with him, and I’m sure he will flourish here at Airdrie.”

Welcome to the Diamonds, Ewan!