Calum Gallagher says Airdrie have been through the highs and lows of a play-off, and the experienced players in their squad should use last season’s defeat as a spur.
Having enjoyed an incredible campaign last term, it all came crashing down in the second leg of the final as Queen’s Park won 2-1 to triumph 3-2 on aggregate and seal promotion to the Championship.
Gallagher, who has bagged 22 goals this season, is keen to increase his tally and make sure Airdrie make the step up this time.
He said: “Queen’s Park beat us in the final last season, so we have a lot of experience.
“We’ve been through the highs and the lows of the whole thing and there’s a core group of us who remember how sore it was, so we’ll look to rectify that this year and go one better.
“My record in the play-offs isn’t bad, so hopefully I can grab a couple there.
“We’ve got one more game to prepare us for the play-offs [at FC Edinburgh next Saturday], then it’s a singular ambition for the team, so we need to go and put that into practice.”
A full-strength Airdrie side could beat Edinburgh and finish third, whereas a slip-up and Alloa taking a point or more at home to champions Dunfermline would see the Diamonds finish fourth, and play against the team finishing second-bottom of the Championship, which is likely to be either Cove Rangers or Hamilton Accies.
Finishing third gives them a two-legged semi-final over runners-up Falkirk.
Gallagher said: “There are two lines of thinking; you want to finish as high up as you can, on merit, on pride, but on the other hand, there’s nothing to fear.
“We’re happy to play any of the four teams that are likely to be there, and if there’s an opportunity to rest key players [against Edinburgh] then I think the manager Rhys McCabe and [assistant] Callum Fordyce will certainly talk about that through the week.”
Former Rangers striker Gallagher, 28, ended a superb season with 22 goals, earning him Airdrie’s goal of the season, Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year, leaving him laden down with prizes.
“I’m honestly really delighted,” he said. “It’s my first award I’ve picked up at one of these.
“It has taken me 10 years to get it, and I’ve got all three, so I’m thrilled.
“It was been a great season for everyone, but I think I need to acknowledge the massive part that the manager and Dycey have played, in how they’ve set up to play, which has really complemented my game this year.
“I’m thrilled, and it’s days like today that you live for in football, so it’s a good day.
“The real prize is promotion, and I’ll enjoy this moment and the bottle of champagne tonight, most likely, but then it’s back to hard work next week.”
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