The 2023/24 season posed significant challenges for Arbroath FC, which tested our resilience and spirit. Despite our best efforts, we finished the season with a heavy heart, as we faced relegation after conceding 79 goals. Our performance this season, although not reflective of our true potential, highlighted areas that require focus and improvement.
Throughout the season, we managed to secure six wins, demonstrating flashes of the quality that saw us finish as runners-up in 2022. However, a series of defeats, including a tough 5-0 loss away at Ayr United, culminated in a difficult situation. We found ourselves 14 points adrift of ninth-place Queen’s Park, underlining a need for strategic changes.
Our defensive challenges were significant, with the team conceding 79 goals. This places us among the ten teams in Britain with the highest goals conceded this season—a statistic that we are earnestly looking to improve.
Despite the Premier League’s focus on the title race between Manchester City and Arsenal, where there are a bucket load of offers and free bets on Oddschecker, such as Bet365’s bet £10 get £30, Sheffield United has faced significant challenges. The Blades have endured a difficult season, conceding a staggering 92 goals with notable defeats of 8-0, 6-0, and 5-0 multiple times throughout their campaign.
In Scotland, Edinburgh City faced the toughest defensive challenges in League One, conceding 92 goals, matching Sheffield United’s unfortunate tally. With only eight points collected all season, their struggle was stark in the harsh competitive environment.
Notts County, after a promising rise to the Football League, conceded 85 goals this season. While they aimed for consecutive promotions, defensive frailties held them back, though they managed to maintain a mid-table position.
The Millers found themselves adrift at the bottom of the English Championship with 85 goals conceded and only four wins to their name. Standing 23 points from safety, the team is now focusing on rebuilding in League One.
Sutton United, just two years removed from an EFL Trophy final appearance, conceded 80 goals and is teetering on the brink of relegation to non-league football. Their final game against MK Dons is critical for their survival in the Football League.
Swindon Town, despite conceding 80 goals this season, managed to steer clear of relegation troubles in the English football’s basement division. Positioned 19th, they are 12 points clear of the drop zone, showcasing resilience amidst defensive difficulties.
Salford City, buoyed in the past by significant investment, faced challenges this season with 80 goals conceded. Financial fair play issues have tempered their progress, but they have avoided relegation, reflecting some stability despite setbacks.
Colchester United also conceded 79 goals but are poised to remain in League Two, holding a slight advantage in goal difference and points over their closest rivals, showcasing their fight to stay competitive.
Forest Green Rovers, known for their unique vegan ethos, conceded 78 goals and faced relegation from League Two following a significant defeat. Their second consecutive relegation marks a challenging phase for the club.
This season has shown that defensive issues are widespread, affecting teams across different tiers of British football. Each team’s experience underlines the critical importance of solid defensive strategies to compete effectively at all levels.
Analysing our matches, it’s evident that our defensive setup needs reinforcing. The team often showed promise in controlling the game’s pace but struggled with consistency in defence and counter-attacks. This has been a focal point in our review sessions, as we plan to enhance our tactical approaches, particularly in how we organize our backline and transition play.
The unwavering support from our fans has been a silver lining during these trying times. Your passion fuels our commitment, and it’s with this mutual respect and support that we look towards rebuilding and achieving collective success.
Looking forward, the management is already working on recruiting new talents and adjusting our training regimes to better suit our tactical needs. We are committed to a strong comeback in League One, with a focus on building a robust team that can not only compete but excel.
Relegation, while disheartening, is not an end but a new beginning. It offers us an opportunity to regroup, re-strategize, and return with a stronger, more focused approach. Our goal for the upcoming season is clear: to lay down a solid foundation that will lead us back to the Championship.
The past season has been a learning curve for everyone at Arbroath FC. We are taking every step to ensure our return to form is swift and effective. With planned enhancements to our squad and tactics, and the ever-passionate support of our fans, we are poised to tackle the challenges of League One.
Let’s move forward together, stronger and more united, as we aim to bring pride and success back to Gayfield Park. Here’s to a future filled with resilience, determination, and football that celebrates the heart and spirit of Arbroath FC.
