AIRDRIEONIANS have pulled off a coup by bringing in Queen of the South ace Iain Russell.

Despite missing out on promotion from Ladbrokes League One, the Diamonds are stepping up their plans for progress by going full-time next season.

Several players have been let go, but yesterday the Lanarkshire club announced that Russell will be checking in on a two-year deal.

The 33-year-old netted 11 times for the Palmerston outfit in last campaign’s Championship, and will be an experienced and formidable figure at the forefront of Airdrie’s attack next term.

"I'm absolutely buzzing,” he said.

"I can't believe it's finally happened - and I can't wait to pull the Diamond over my head for real."

Meanwhile, Lanarkshire rivals Albion Rovers have announced midfielder Ross Davidson has put pen to paper on a new contract to keep him at Cliftonhill for the year ahead.

The former Kilmarnock academy graduate has played 61 times for the Coatbridge side since joining in November 2014, and he admits he is delighted to stick around in League One with Rovers for another campaign.

“As a club we’re going in the right direction so that really made me want to stay even more,” said the 22-year-old.

“Everyone is looking to better themselves so that was a big factor for me choosing Rovers. I’ve loved playing under the management and boys in the dressing room are brilliant, there’s a real togetherness around us and we’ll take that into the season ahead.”

“Personally I loved last season. I managed to again start the majority of games, being involved is only going to make me better so I’m hoping for more of the same this season.”