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Airdrieonians Football Club,more commonly known asAirdrie,was a Scottish professionalfootballteam from the town ofAirdrie,in theMonklandsarea ofLanarkshire.
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| Full name | Airdrieonians Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Diamonds The Waysiders | ||
| Founded | 1878as Excelsior F.C. | ||
| Dissolved | 2002 | ||
| Ground | Excelsior Stadium Airdrie,Lanarkshire | ||
| Capacity | 10,171 | ||
| League | Scottish First Division | ||
| 2001–02 | Scottish First Division, 2nd | ||
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The club became defunct at the end of theScottish Football League2001–02 season, despite the team finishing asrunners-upin theSFLFirst DivisiontoPartick Thistleand therefore only narrowly missing out on promotion to theScottish Premier League.
During their 124-year existence the "Diamonds", as they were nicknamed, won the oldScottish Division Twothree times, theSpring Cuponce and theScottish Challenge Cupon three occasions. The club also competed in four separateScottish Cupfinals; winning the competition in 1924.
Airdrieonians were the first club in theScottish Leagueto fold since 1967, whenThird Lanarkwent bankrupt.
History
editFormation and early years
editThe team was founded inAirdrie,North Lanarkshire in 1878 asExcelsior Football Club,changing its name to Airdrieonians in 1881. It was elected to theScottish Football Leaguein1894.[1]
The club enjoyed its most successful era in the 1920s, following the signing ofHughie GallacherfromQueen of the Southin 1921. Airdrie challenged the dominance ofRangers,[2]as they finished in second place in the Scottish League championship for four consecutive seasons (1923 - 1926). They won the1924 Scottish Cup Finalbeating Hibernian 2–0.Bob McPhailsaid, "The terror-like attitude of Gallacher caused havoc with the Hibs defenders. He and Russell were easily our best forwards".Willie Russellscored both goals.[3]
Following this victory, in early summer 1925, the club visitedNorwayandSweden,and made a big impression. Translations of local newspaper reports, and some photographs of the tour, are still available.[4]This successful era came to an end after Gallacher in December 1925 and McPhail in 1927 were sold toNewcastle Unitedand Rangers respectively.[2]
Post war era and beyond
editAirdrie spent much of the post war era "yo-yoing"between the top flight andSecond Division.Airdrie entered the firstTexaco Cupcompetition in1970–71,[5]defeatingNottingham Forestin the first round.[6]That tie was decided by apenalty shootoutand Airdrie became the first Scottish club to be involved in that method of deciding a contest.[6]Airdrie reached the Texaco Cup Final in1972,losing 2–1 on aggregate toDerby County.They also reached the1975 Scottish Cup Final,losing 3–1 toCeltic.After the leagues were restructured in 1975, a competition called theSpring Cupwas instituted for the teams in the lower divisions.[7]Airdrie won this competition in1976,but it was discontinued after one season as clubs preferred to play additional league games instead.[7]
Alex MacDonald era
edit
During the 1990s, withAlex MacDonaldat the helm, Airdrie worked their way into thePremier Divisionin the1991–92and1992–93seasons, were regularly considered challengers for promotion and recognised as one of the bigger clubs inFirst Division.
MacDonald also guided the Diamonds to twoScottish Cup Finals.The first appearance coming on 9 May 1992 when the club facedRangersin front of 44,045 strong crowd atHampden Park.Unfortunately for Airdrie on this occasion however, a goal each fromMark HateleyandAlly McCoistearned the blue half ofGlasgowa 2–1 victory.
Although Airdrie lost in the1992 Scottish Cup Finalthey had already qualified for the1992–93 European Cup Winners' Cup,asRangershad also won theScottish league championshipin1992.Airdrie were drawn against Czech sideSparta Praguein the first round. Airdrie lost 1–0 at Broomfield and 2–1 in Prague, losing 3–1 on aggregate.Kenny Black,who later went on to become manager ofAirdrie United,scored the only Airdrie goal.[8]
Airdrie also reached the1995 Scottish Cup Final,where they faced the other half of theOld Firm,Celtic.Airdrie would once again fall at the final hurdle, as they lost 1–0 to aPierre van Hooijdonkgoal.[9]Airdrie also won theScottish Challenge Cupin1994–95.
Stadium problems
editAirdrie sold their Broomfield home to Safeway in 1994, but had to groundshare withClydeat Broadwood Stadium for four years until theExcelsior Stadiumwas opened. It is arguably this stadium re-location and the difficulties generated by it that was Airdrie's first step towards oblivion. The mismanagement of the entire situation by the club's board, as well asNorth LanarkshireCouncil's lengthy delay in granting planning permission caused Airdrieonians financial situation to reach critical level. This was not helped by the low attendances atExcelsior Stadiumfollowing the completion of the move, which was connected to the quality of football on display due to the lack of funds available to be spent on the team.
The demise of Airdrieonians was personified by the sudden and unexpected death of Joey Rowan, the club's sole remaining director. Rowan had a long and intimate association with the club and was son-in-law and advisor to Airdrieonians long term benefactor Jack Dalziel (recognised by having the main stand named after him). Rowan, already a popular figure with the club's supporters due to his passion, candour and trademark ponytail, gained even more respect by remaining with Airdrieonians and incurring substantial personal losses whilst trying to steer the club away from liquidation despite the fact that the rest of the board had resigned amid finger-pointing and acrimony in an attempt to avoid reproach and financial liabilities.[10]He is considered the club's last great hero for his selfless sacrifice and unyielding loyalty.
Liquidation
editIn February 2000,KPMGwere appointed as provisional liquidators of Airdrieonians.[11]This move came soon afterRangerschairmanDavid Murrayhad applied for a court order to seize some of Airdrie's revenue in lieu of funds owed to another of his companies.[11]KPMG and the board hoped more private investment would be made in the club.[11]Most of the playing staff were made redundant at the end of the1999–2000season.[12]Steve Archibaldput forth a bid for the club and during the2000–01season he brought in many foreign players, includingDavid Fernández,Jesus Sanjuán,Antonio CalderónandJavier Sánchez Broto,that became popular with the fans[13]and won theScottish Challenge Cupin 2000.KPMGterminated their management deal with Archibald in February 2001,[14]stating that Archibald had not kept up to date with payment of fees.[15]After difficulty fulfilling their fixtures, Airdrie narrowly avoided relegation to theSecond Division.
Despite the obvious financial problems,Ian McCallmanaged to build a new Airdrie team and retained the Scottish Challenge Cup.[16]The club also performed well in the2001–02 Scottish First Divisionand chased promotion to theScottish Premier League.A run of only two victories in the last 14 games, however, meant thatPartick Thistlewon the First Division and the promotion place. The final match played by Airdrieonians was an away game againstAyr UnitedatSomerset Parkon 27 April.[17]The match was abandoned by the referee after a crossbar was broken during a pitch invasion by Airdrie fans, who were protesting against the Ayr United owner Bill Barr.[17]HisBarr Constructioncompany had built theExcelsior Stadiumand became one of the major creditors of Airdrie.[17]
After Airdrieonians went out of business on 1 May 2002, local accountantJim Ballantyneattempted to gain entry to theScottish Football League(SFL) with a team namedAirdrie United.[18]His bid for league status was rejected, however, in favour of the application byGretna,who were then playing in the EnglishNorthern Premier League.[19]Ballantyne then opted to buy control ofClydebank,another SFL club experiencing extreme financial hardship.[20]With approval by the SFL, their name was changed to Airdrie United, the team relocated to Airdrie and the strip was altered to the famous diamond style of Airdrieonians.[20]AHall of Famewas established by the new club to honour noted players of the previous entity (some of whom also played for the new club), with more entrants added each year.[21]
In June 2013, the SFA allowedAirdrie Unitedto change their name to Airdrieonians.[22]
Stadium
edit
For most of its history, Airdrieonians played atBroomfield Park,which was opened in 1892.[23]The ground was located in a hollow inAirdrietown centre.[23]The Broomfield pitch was very narrow, at just 67 yards wide.[23]These physical features and the proximity of the stands to the pitch meant that Broomfield had a raucous atmosphere, which visiting clubs disliked.[23]Broomfield was known for its distinctive corner pavilion, which was built in 1907.[23]After winning the1923–24 Scottish Cup,the club built a main stand, adjacent to the pavilion.[23]
The final game at Broomfield took place in May 1994 after which the ground, having been sold to supermarket chainSafeway,was demolished to make room for their new store.[23]The club planned to make use of the funds generated from the sale to build a new all-seated stadium, but had difficulties acquiring planning permission.[23]Airdrie went on to groundshare withClydeatBroadwood StadiuminCumbernauld[23]for four seasons with the club eventually moving into its new home, theShyberry Excelsior Stadium,in time for the1998–99season. Airdrieonians played their home games there until they were liquidated in 2002.
The last Airdrieonians team
edit2001–02 Squad Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours and records
editHonours
edit- Scottish Football League
- Scottish Football League First Division:[24]
- Scottish Cup:
- Scottish Challenge Cup:
- Lanarkshire Cup:
- Winners (32):1885–86, 1886–87, 1887–88, 1890–91, 1891–92, 1896–97, 1897–98, 1902–03, 1903–04, 1908–09, 1910–11, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1914–15, 1917–18, 1918–19, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1924–25, 1930–31, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1975–76, 1979–80, 1983–84, 1987–88, 1995–96
- Spring Cup:
- Winners (1):1976
General club records
edit| Record Type | Record | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Most Capped Player | Jimmy Crapnell,9 | forScotland |
| Most League Points in a Season | 60 | inScottish Division Two– 1973–74(2 points per win) |
| 61 | inScottish First Division– 1994–95(3 points per win) | |
| Most League Goals by a Player in a Season | Hughie Baird,53 | in 1954–55 Season |
| Record Attendance | 24,000 | -v-Heart of Midlothianon 8 March 1952 atBroomfield Park |
| 8,762 | -v-Celticon 19 August 1998 at ShyberryExcelsior Stadium | |
| Record Victory | 15–1 | -v- Dundee Wanderers F.C. inScottish Division Twoon 1 December 1894 |
| Record Defeat | 1–11 | -v-HibernianinScottish First Divisionon 24 October 1959 |
| Record Appearances | John Martin,755 | between 1980 and 1999 |
League record
editThe Diamonds Twelve Year League Record
Red =Scottish Football League Premier Division(beforeScottish Premier League)
Yellow =Scottish Football League First Division
Top league goalscorers
edit| Year | Player | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| 2001–02 | Owen Coyle | 23 |
| 2000–01 | David Fernández | 7 |
| 1999–00 | Niall Thompson&Alex Neil | 5 |
| 1998–99 | Steve Cooper | 8 |
| 1997–98 | Brian McPhee | 12 |
| 1996–97 | Steve Cooper,Paddy Connolly&Brian McPhee | 8 |
| 1995–96 | Jim McIntyre | 9 |
| 1994–95 | Andy Smith | 12 |
| 1993–94 | Davie Kirkwood | 10 |
| 1992–93 | Owen Coyle | 9 |
| 1991–92 | Owen Coyle | 11 |
| 1990–91 | Owen Coyle | 20 |
| 1989–90 | Owen Coyle | 10 |
| 1988–89 | Kenneth Macdonald | 22 |
| 1987–88 | David McCabe | 20 |
| 1986–87 | David McCabe | 13 |
| 1985–86 | John Flood | 11 |
| 1984–85 | David McCabe | 21 |
| 1983–84 | John Flood | 11 |
| 1982–83 | Blair Millar | 12 |
| 1981–82 | Sandy Clark | 15 |
| 1980–81 | Sandy Clark | 10 |
| 1979–80 | Sandy Clark | 22 |
| 1978–79 | Sandy Clark | 23 |
| 1977–78 | Joe Cairney | 22 |
| 1976–77 | Derek Whiteford | 15 |
| 1975–76 | Derek Whiteford | 8 |
European record
editAirdrieonians qualified for a UEFA club competition on one occasion. In 1992, Airdrieonians reachedthe final of the Scottish Cupand were beaten byRangers.The winner of theScottish Cupwould normally qualify for theUEFA Cup Winners' Cup,but because Rangers had already qualified for theUEFA Champions Leaguethrough their league ranking in theScottish Premier Division,the place was passed to Airdrie as runners-up. Airdrie were eliminated in thefirst roundbySparta Pragueof Czechoslovakia in atwo-legged tie.
| Season | Competition | Round | Opponent | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–93 | UEFA Cup Winners' Cup | First round |  Sparta Prague
|
0–1 | 1–2 | 1–3 |
References
edit- ^Crampsey 1990,p. 29
- ^abCrampsey 1990,p. 71
- ^"Hughie Gallacher on Queens Legends, qosfc".Archivedfrom the original on 7 November 2017.Retrieved19 April2017.
- ^""Airdrieonians in Norway/Sweden 1925"".Archivedfrom the original on 4 May 2006.Retrieved21 February2007.
- ^Crampsey 1990,p. 183
- ^abCrampsey 1990,p. 184
- ^abCrampsey 1990,p. 197
- ^"Airdrie pay the penalty".The Herald.1 October 1992.Retrieved14 August2017.
- ^"Celtic's compensation".The Independent.27 May 1995.Archivedfrom the original on 3 January 2014.Retrieved14 August2017.
- ^THE FINAL SAY...; Joey Rowan's heart failed him but he failed no one.Daily Record(21 February 2000). Retrieved 2024-06-09.
- ^abc"Hope remains for struggling Airdrie".BBC News.BBC. 2 February 2000.Retrieved16 June2012.
- ^"Sacked Airdrie players to appeal".BBC News.BBC. 16 June 2000.Archivedfrom the original on 16 August 2017.Retrieved16 June2012.
- ^Gordon, Phil (3 September 2000)."Airdrie owner's Spanish colony".Independent on Sunday.Archivedfrom the original on 5 March 2016.Retrieved16 June2012.
- ^"Postponement gives Airdrie time".The Guardian.22 February 2001.Archivedfrom the original on 9 May 2014.Retrieved16 June2012.
- ^"Airdrie closest yet to closure".BBC Sport.BBC. 16 February 2001.Retrieved16 June2012.
- ^"Airdrie retain Challenge Cup".BBC Sport.BBC. 14 October 2001.Archivedfrom the original on 7 March 2016.Retrieved17 June2012.
- ^abc"Airdrie match stopped by invasion".BBC Sport.BBC. 27 April 2002.Archivedfrom the original on 8 February 2009.Retrieved17 June2012.
- ^Lindsay, Clive (17 June 2002)."Airdrie may edge out Gretna".BBC Sport.BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 15 March 2004.Retrieved17 June2012.
- ^"Gretna beat Airdrie United to Scottish League place".The Guardian.Guardian News and Media Limited. 18 June 2002.Archivedfrom the original on 9 September 2014.Retrieved17 June2012.
- ^ab"Airdrie United given green light".BBC Sport.BBC. 1 July 2002.Archivedfrom the original on 7 March 2004.Retrieved17 June2012.
- ^"Hall of Fame".Airdrieonians FC.Archivedfrom the original on 2 May 2018.Retrieved19 July2019.
- ^Paterson, Colin (3 June 2013)."Airdrieonians name revived after SFA approval".Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser. Archived fromthe originalon 24 June 2013.Retrieved3 June2013.
- ^abcdefghiInglis 1996,p. 427
- ^Known as second division prior to 1975
- Sources
- Crampsey, Bob (1990).The First 100 Years.Scottish Football League.ISBN0-9516433-0-4.
- Inglis, Simon (1996).Football Grounds of Britain.Collins Willow.ISBN0-00-218426-5.
External links
edit- Results and statisticsatFitbastats