Airdrie boss thankful to board for summer signing as he explains move for star man almost didn't happen

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ian Murray has thanked the Airdrie board for backing him in his pursuit of Callum Smith last summer.And the Diamonds boss reckons the striker is much-improved compared to his first spell at New Broomfield in 2019/20.Smith is on top form right now with five goals in his last five games, including back-to-back doubles in recent wins over Alloa and Falkirk.But it's not just his goalscoring that has impressed Murray, as he reckons with the 22-year-old as returned to the club from a season at Hamilton Accies in the Premiership last term an all-round better player.The move almost didn't come to fruition, however, and Murray is grateful to the Airdrie hierarchy for making sure it did as they remain on course for a play-off spot and within touching distance of League One leaders Cove Rangers.Murray said: "Callum was one of our most underrated players when he was here the first time.

I know he went through a really long spell without scoring, but I never once thought about dropping him a couple of years ago because of his work rate."He went away to a higher level and matured as a person, matured as a footballer, and now he's making better decisions."It takes time to get there.

People want players to come in and be perfect, do the right things immediately."Of course, you want that but I understand that it takes guys a bit of time to get experience so when I had the opportunity to sign him again, I jumped at it."I was champing at the bit for him in the summer."We thought the deal was dead, then it was revitalised and I have to give thanks to the board for allowing it to happen because we were probably at our limit in terms of players at that point."But we found a wee bit extra for Callum and it's paying off."Smith is the club's top