Matty Yates was John Rankin’s first signing as Airdrie boss last week, with the 23-year-old Scottish forward arriving from Northern Irish Premiership side Linfield. The move unites the pair after Rankin had previously tried to sign him while managing Hamilton Accies last season. A deal for Yates to join Accies had been agreed before it collapsed due to the club's off-field issues, which resulted in a transfer embargo for multiple SPFL rule breaches. Rankin said that he had admired Yates for some time and was determined to secure him once he became available, adding that the player, who had his youth training at Rangers and Hibs, was also keen on the transfer. Yates joined Linfield in August 2025 and his contract expired at the end of May 2026. His current Transfermarkt market value is €150k.