New Airdrieonians are finally back after after Scottish Cup Celtic exit derailed our season says midfielder Kyle Wilkie director of football Stuart Millar says he has joined the Diamonds to create a player pathway – and not oversee manager Ian Murray.
Millar, who played for the League One outfit as a teenager, started working at the club again earlier this week.
The former Clyde gaffer left his role as DoF at Stranraer last month but admitted he had been in talks with the New Broomfield club since last summer.
The Chapelhall native says he doesn’t foresee clashes with Murray as the gaffer was used to the system during his time at Norwegian team Asker.
“Airdrie had let it be known to me that if I was to leave Stranraer that they would be interested in bringing me in,” he told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser.
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“There has been a couple of clubs saying the same – I’m not talking Real Madrid or Barcelona – but clubs with a bit of a higher profile at the moment.
“The director of football role is something that can mean a number of things.
“It won’t be like they have at Manchester City, but I see it as a link between the boardroom and the manager.
“The one thing I will say is I won’t be saying anything about the team selection or coaching.
“I don’t have a desire to be manager, I’m an intermediary.
“It’s most important that I come in and put a structure in place.
“I want to improve the scouting and recruitment of the youth academy and create a clear pathway for all age groups to the first team.
“It was very important for me to speak to Ian (Murray) before I took the job, and he told me that this kind of thing happens all the time in Scandinavia.
“He can concentrate on coaching and organising the team.
“Ultimately we are judged on results, and I’m here to support him and give him the tools to get results.”
Millar knows that fans want to see the club back in the second tier, but says a new approach to young players at the club has to be taken if they are to make it into the Championship.
“I think everyone wants Airdrie to be the best part-time team in Scotland, but I would take progress,” Millar added.
“Airdrie have stagnated in League One but I don’t think we should walk before we can run.
“We need to build a bit year on year.”
