There was a time, not so long ago, when supporting Arbroath meant marching down to Gayfield Park with a pie in one hand, a programme in the other, and the North Sea breeze in your face sharp enough to shave with. While that spirit hasn’t gone anywhere (we still recommend layers, mind), the way supporters engage with the club is changing—and fast.
In an age where your fridge can order milk for you and AI can write half-decent match reports (not as charming as ours, of course), it’s no surprise that football fans, including the maroon faithful, are getting more digital by the day.
Modern Fans, Modern Demands
Football fans aren’t just fans anymore. They’re consumers, creators, critics, and—most importantly—connected. Gone are the days when the only way to catch the game was being at the ground or refreshing Teletext like your life depended on it. Now, fans expect content everywhere, all the time: goals on demand, behind-the-scenes interviews, tactical breakdowns, and the all-important GIF of that outrageous nutmeg from midfield.
So what’s a proud club like Arbroath to do? We adapt.
Say Hello to Arbroath FC TV
Arbroath FC TV has grown from a handy matchday extra into a full-blown digital companion for Red Lichties near and far. Live streams, pre- and post-match interviews, highlight packages, and special features keep fans in the loop whether they’re in Angus or Australia.
For UK-based supporters, there are restrictions—Saturday 3pm games still can’t be shown live due to broadcasting rules. That’s the law of the land, and it’s there to protect matchday attendances across the pyramid. But for international supporters, we can stream those live fixtures legally and directly. So if you’re tuning in from Toronto or Tenerife, welcome aboard!
The Rise of the Virtual Turnstile
Clubs are also more accessible than ever on social media, with fans expecting a constant drip-feed of updates, memes, team news, and transfer whispers. (And yes, we see your tweets about signing a six-foot striker who can do 10k in under 40 minutes—we’re working on it!)
Digital platforms are the new terraces—just slightly warmer, less shouty, and with better camera angles.
But with that accessibility comes a challenge.
VPNs and the Broadcast Balancing Act
We’ve noticed a few sharp-eyed (and tech-savvy) fans trying to sneak around UK broadcast rules using VPNs. It’s tempting, we know. Who wouldn’t want to catch every kick from the comfort of their couch when they can’t make it to Gayfield?
But here’s the thing—those rules exist to protect clubs just like ours. Gate receipts and legal football streaming rights are vital to keeping the floodlights on, the programmes printed, and the pies warm. We know it’s not always ideal, but supporting the team legally and directly helps us grow.
So if you’re tempted to fire up your laptop, slap on an “I’m in Sweden” sticker, and hop on a VPN, just remember: it’s not quite in the spirit of the game. And the spirit of the game is what makes Arbroath FC special.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The habits of football fans will keep evolving. Maybe in five years we’ll be watching matches in virtual reality with commentary from AI versions of the managers. Who knows? But whatever changes come, one thing won’t: the heart of Arbroath FC lies in its fans.
Whether you’re a diehard at the turnstile, a keyboard warrior on Twitter, or a maroon-clad viewer 3,000 miles away, you’re part of the club.
So let’s keep building, keep connecting, and keep doing things the Arbroath way—smart, spirited, and just a wee bit windswept.
Up the Lichties!
If you’re watching from outside the UK, check out Arbroath FC TV for legal live match coverage and all the extras.
If you’re in the UK, support us the right way—grab a ticket, tune in when it’s permitted, and help us keep growing.
Please avoid using VPNs to bypass regional restrictions—it harms clubs like ours in the long run.
