McCabe steps down as Airdrieonians player-boss

Rhys McCabe established Airdrieonians back in the Scottish Championship

Rhys McCabe has resigned as Airdrieonians player-manager after three years in charge of the Scottish Championship side.

The club say the 33-year-old midfielder "feels that now is the right time for him to step back from the rigours of management and spend some time with his young family".

McCabe led the Diamonds back to Scotland's second tier after a 10-year absence in his first season in charge and they then finished fourth and qualified for the Premiership play-offs as well as winning the SPFL Trust Trophy.

But last season they finished second bottom and avoided relegation after beating Stenhousemuir and Cove Rangers in the play-offs.

This season, they started with a win away to top-flight Dundee in the Premier Sports Cup group stage but missed out on qualifying after a home loss to third-tier Alloa Athletic.

They have since drawn with Ross County and lost to Dunfermline Athletic at the start of the Championship season.

"The Rhys McCabe era has been an exciting one for everyone at the club and the board of directors would like to place on record their thanks to Rhys for his enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism throughout his time at Airdrieonians," the club added.

The Lanarkshire side are next in action at home to Queen's Park on Saturday, 23 August.

Meanwhile, their league visit to Partick Thistle on Friday, 12 September has been chosen to be broadcast live on the BBC Scotland television channel (19:45 BST).