100 Games in Charge

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100 Games in Charge

Tonight’s game against Alloa Athletic has a certain significance as it marks the 100th competitive game in charge of Manager Dick Campbell, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell and Coach John Young.
The trio were appointed on the 8th March 2016 just hours before an away fixture to Berwick Rangers which the Lichties lost 3-0 and slipped to 9th in League 2.
In their first match in the dugout a 3-0 win over East Stirlingshire was recorded at Gayfield as League 2 survival was achieved with another win away to Clyde and a draw with Montrose at Gayfield.
It wasn’t until the summer that Dick and Ian were finally able to recruit their own players with a large overhaul of the playing staff and goalkeeping coach John Ritchie joining his lifelong friends at Gayfield.
The 2016 / 2017 season was to be one that no Arbroath supporter would ever forget. An opening Betfred Cup fixture live on BT Sport against Dundee United at Gayfield. Two late goals taking the tie to a penalty shoot-out which was to be the very first in the new competition.
Of course it was the league title which was battled for every step of the way. Coming back from being 11 points behind with a record breaking undefeated away record which all came together on Helicopter Saturday down in Stirling. Not only did a Championship trophy come back to Gayfield but Dick was also voted Manager of the Year.
Life in League One was going to be tough, but with several more talented players being recruited over the summer it was clear that the ambition of the Management team was more than just to stay up.
Against 3 full time sides, the Lichties more than proved their worth causing a few upsets along the way and making it into the play-offs on the very first attempt.
A battle against Dumbarton home and away, which we lost out on in the narrowest of margins made everyone at Gayfield even more determined for the new season.
Football and indeed life can be so full of highs and lows and we were devastated that we lost our beloved John Ritchie. Not only was he a pivotal part of the team, but also a friend of over 40 years to Dick, Ian and John.
This season has already erupted into action with a fantastic result and performance at Tannadice with again more quality additions to our already hungry and talented team.
Robert Douglas, another close friend of Dick, Ian and John and who has answered our SOS calls on numerous occasions has also joined our coaching team to bring more knowledge and experience.
The Board of Directors are incredibly grateful for the wealth of experience and personality that Dick Campbell, Ian Campbell and John Young have brought to our club and the journey we have shared together along the way with the players and the supporters.
There is always a level of the upmost professionalism yet there is still time for smiles and laughter and we look forward to celebrating another 100 games together with Dick, Ian and John!
C’mon the Lichties!

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