Now that our season has finally reached its conclusion for 2021/22, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person connected with Arbroath Football Club for helping play their part in having such an incredible and memorable campaign both on and off the park.
The results and performances this season have been no fluke, but testament to many years of hard work, sacrifices and dedication made by everyone associated with Arbroath FC and these amazing experiences make us more determined than ever to continue to build and take the Club forward to be able to enjoy many more in the future.
When we began our Championship season back in July 2021, many couldn’t have predicted just how things would eventually unfold, culminating in our fantastic second place finish and qualification to the Premiership Playoffs. All throughout the season, whether at home or the long trip Inverness on a Tuesday night etc, we have shared many special times together culminating in the incredible 5154 fans attending our final home match of the season and creating such an amazing atmosphere inside Gayfield.
As Chairman this gives me an immense pride to see so many people come together and be part of this special Club and experience many memorable moments together. Togetherness has been the bedrock on which Arbroath FC is built, from inside the dressing room, to the boardroom and into the stands, together we have kicked every ball, celebrated every goal and in rarer times been there for one another in tough defeats, but we will dust ourselves down and be stronger for it next season.
Club’s successes will mainly always be measured first and foremost by on field successes of winning leagues, cups and awards, but we have achieved so much more than silver wear by capturing the hearts and minds of so many people and re-engaging the town with the Club. The connection and bond that has been forged with our supporters, the town and the people is not fabricated but real and the passion that comes from everyone has helped make so many new memories that will not be forgotten by the young and old in Arbroath.
Kids will grow and tell their own children someday about the year Arbroath got the eyes of the football world fixed firmly on the small town from the East coast of Scotland and we became everyone’s favourite second team by daring to dream, many adults have also reconnected and fallen in love with the team all over again and it’s the passion of everyone that makes us more determined than ever to return stronger and continue to build on the amazing experiences we all shared this season going into next.
On behalf of myself and the Directors, I would like to congratulate Dick and Ian, his coaching and backroom staff and the players for their sterling efforts and we are all so proud of the performances and commitment you continually give to Arbroath Football Club.
I would also like to pay tribute to the Board of Directors for constantly pushing boundaries on where we can take the Club. I also wish to say my heartfelt thanks to the business community and individuals who continue to back us via sponsorship, advertising and hospitality which is invaluable in helping us achieve the targets we set to grow the Club and finally a massive thank you to our supporters, we could not have had such a memorable season without your backing and we cannot wait to start all over again together with you in season 2022/23 and help us all to make new memories and dream big.
Have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you all at Gayfield next season.
C’mon the Lichties
Mike Caird
