Airdrie United boss John Rankin joked he will be looking for more than three points when he faces his former assistant Darian MacKinnon on Saturday. The Diamonds travel to South Lanarkshire to face his old side Hamilton Accies, who are currently top of League One after making a 100 per cent start and scoring six goals without reply in their opening two games.

Rankin resigned from Accies last season amid the club’s financial woes and him having to constantly chase players’ wages under the previous regime. Things have settled down somewhat under the new ownership and MacKinnon has stepped up as Rankin’s permanent successor.

The duo spent three years working together at Accies and says his old No.2 is a ‘gem’ he is relishing going up against. But Rankin also revealed he has kept receipts in his head for some of the times he helped out his old pal and joked he will be heading back to New Douglas Park with more than three points in mind.

He told Lanarkshire Live Sport: “Daz wears his heart on his sleeve and he is one of the most loyal guys in football. He is a gem and I am looking forward to seeing him.

“However, while Rankin has built a new team from scratch he has seen his old club splash the cash, despite their recent financial difficulties, and knows they have a strong squad.

Next fixture: vs Alloa Athletic (away, 2026-11-07).

Airdrie haven’t enjoyed as bright a start as Accies with a 0-0 stalemate at Cove and a 1-1 draw at home to East Kilbride. However, Rankin has seen his old club splash the cash, despite their recent financial difficulties, and knows they have a strong squad.

He added: “Hamilton will be a tough test. They have invested heavily and they have a good side, so it is should be a hugely competitive game and one we look forward to.

“I think EK are a right good side so we have found out roughly where we are this season. We have not won a league game yet but we have two points and I think, over the piece, a draw was a fair result against East Kilbride.

“We have made progress through pre-season and we need to continue to do that. We are not the finished article yet - we are a million miles away from that - but we will continue to work hard.”