Mark Wilson is determined to defy the critics to make Airdrie United a success.
The former Celtic defender took charge of the Lanarkshire side yesterday in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Previous manager Kevin McBride was replaced despite back-to-back wins that took the club into fourth spot, and a play off place.
‘Football consultant’ Gordon Dalziel undertook a root and branch review of the club, without attending first team matches, and decided to replace McBride with a colleague from the Radio Clyde phone-in.
Addressing the obvious concerns Wilson told The Sun: “I appreciate there might be Airdrie fans concerned over my lack of experience and who will see my appointment as a gamble. I understand that.
“However, I have always felt mature enough in the game and don’t see any problems dealing with players one-to-one. I’ll come in with the kind of fresh ideas that possibly older guys wouldn’t think of.
“I was lucky enough to play at a high level and be successful and I’ve never been one to accept defeat easily. In that respect I’ll be no different.
“I desperately want to be successful as a manager. I’ll be giving everything.
“I played for many excellent managers, none more so than Gordon Strachan. I was always attentive with their coaching.
“I’ll look to use what I’ve learned, but also make sure my own ideas and personality come into it.
“I also very much appreciate the fact Gordon Dalziel will be there with his own ideas and great experience.”
On Saturday Wilson makes his dug out debut at Cliftonhill against local rivals Albion Rovers.
After coming through the ranks at Dundee United Wilson joined Celtic in January 2006 as Gordon Strachan reshaped the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill.
Knee injuries however restricted his hoops career but the 2010/11 season proved memorable on a number of fronts.
In the quarter final of the Scottish Cup he scored the only goal of the game against Rangers (IL) in a stormy game that led to the introduction of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.
Against Motherwell in the Scottish Cup his shot at goal was put into his own net by Steven Craigan as Celtic won 3-0 at Hampden.
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