MX23RW : Tuesday, June 18 11:49:49| >> :600:7846628:7846628:

Airdrieonians "mothball" academy and reserve team amid coronavirus pressures

The Scottish League One club will reassess their decision at a later date.

Aidrieonians will mothball their academy and reserve team this year in order to negotiate the first team through the coronavirus crisis.

The Scottish League One club will reassess their decision at a later date but warned that several other clubs may have to take similar action.

A statement on the club’s official’s website read: “Unfortunately Airdrieonians FC have taken the difficult decision to mothball our academy and reserve team operations this year, with a view to reassessing at a later date.

“The issue of preparing our facilities for reintroducing the professional game in a safe workplace environment for our first-team players is crucial, and we doubt that there will be many academy or reserve teams next season as most clubs are having the same crisis management issues at this time.

“We are grateful to all of our players, coaches, and support staff for their fantastic efforts over the years, with the winning of last season’s Reserve League Challenge Cup being a particular highlight.”

Meanwhile, the Diamonds have signed French midfielder Thomas Robert, son of former Newcastle United and France player Laurent Robert.

The 19-year-old joins the Lanarkshire club from Montpellier, the club where his father began his career, reportedly on a 12-month deal.

Robert told airdriefc.com: “I’m very happy to sign for Airdrie, it’s a club with a good structure and a good stadium.

“I think this is a good opportunity for me to come to the UK and play first-team football.

“When I met with the people at the club I got a good feeling from them – and for this reason I think it will be a good platform for me to come and show my abilities in a competitive league. I can’t wait to get started.”

Director of Football Stuart Millar said: “We are delighted to acquire the services of such a talented young player.

“Thomas could have joined any club in Europe but showed a desire to continue his football education at Airdrieonians as part of his longer-term plan of joining a top club in the UK – a decision we are naturally thrilled about.

“Thomas will excite our fans with his pace and dribbling ability, although we must allow him time to settle in a new country.

“We are very grateful to his representatives for entrusting our club with such a gifted young player.”

ID:405810: cacheID:405810:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3530:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Tuesday, June 18
 
5pm
Wednesday, June 19
 
2pm
 
5pm
Thursday, June 20
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Group Stage
Spain
vs.
Italy
Friday, June 21
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 22
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 23
 
8pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 24
 
8pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 25
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Wednesday, June 26
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 29
Sunday, June 30
Monday, July 1
Tuesday, July 2
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Germany Germany11003
2 Switzerland Switzerland11003
3 Hungary Hungary10010
4 Scotland flag Scotland10010

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Spain Spain11003
2 Italy Italy11003
3 Albania national flag Albania10010
4 Croatia Croatia10010

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
1 England flag England11003
2 Denmark Denmark10101
3 Slovenia Slovenia10101
4 Serbia Serbia10010

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Netherlands Netherlands11003
2 France France11003
3 Poland Poland10010
4 Austria Austria10010

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Romania Romania11003
2 Slovakia Slovakia11003
3 Belgium Belgium10010
4 Ukraine Ukraine10010

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Czech Republic Czech Republic00000
2 Georgia Georgia00000
3 Portugal Portugal00000
4 Turkey Turkey00000


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!