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Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose!
Aye that's Right! Whilst all you lot spend millions, I am in the enviable position of taking Arbroath to the Champions League before seeking world domination with Greece!( or the Riviera Challenge as can be found here.) This has to be one of the most engaging challenges I've tried and it motivated me to write about it. At present I've typed up well into the second season and I still haven't lost the desire. This will probably be updated once or twice a week, so don't think I've abandoned it
Leagues Running with EP3, Greece (National A only), Scotland ( Div 3 and above) and Spain (Div 2 and above).
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Red Lichties appoint Rod Davies
The shock revelation came after the dismissal of present incumbent, John Brownlie. It
came soon after Brownlie had in fact signed a new deal. Apparently though it seems it was merely a smokescreen to provide those behind scenes to announce their new manager, Mr Rod Davies.
In his press conference, Davies admitted even he didn’t expect to get the job. “ Who would expect it? I am an Englishman at 36 with only my years at Kidderminster and Hereford United as experience. I guided Kidderminster to a play off victory and kept them in the second Division for 2 years before I helped Hereford weather a stormy return to league football for two years before taking this job. Still I am a football enthusiast and I will bring something to Arbroath. I guess there are many critics out there, fans maybe disgusted by the clubs decision, but all I ask is patience, for I do know Scottish football to some degree…”
Davies continued to claim how his knowledge from various sources would benefit the local seaside town. Finishing he gained a mini cheer from the room, proclaiming that his Arbroath side would one day “sh*t on the English bástards” . False optimism perhaps but at least his heart is in the right place. Time will tell as to the wisdom of decision to appoint Davies as manager based on a solely English curriculum vita. At the Herald here, we’re not so sure and I personally have ten quid on him being out by Christmas.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I wasn’t overly ecstatic by some of the welcomings I received from the press and the Arbroath faithful, remind me never to visit the local Arbroath Arms any time soon. I think the anti-English remark may have pacified a few of the disgruntled but then not everyone is going to be happy with change. Sitting in my new oak enamelled office I took in the surroundings. The dusty bookshelf that looked as though it hadn’t been touched in a century, peppered with the odd modern book whose brightness in colour looked so peculiar against it’s older relatives, the filing cabinet on the right hand side of the desk, seemingly brimming already with contracts, forms and letters.
Posters of the side, teamsheets from years gone by when Arbroath defeated Rangers or Celtic, there was an air of foreboding about the place. John Christison had been very forthright in his interview with me over how he wanted the club to progress. Foundations were the key, and establishing ourselves in this league were the priorities, that and ensuring Arbroath had the finances to survive without threats of the Receivers, as had affected many smaller sides. The place smacked of a long unfulfilled desire to play at the highest echelons of Scottish football. To play regular football with the giants of Rangers, Celtic and Partick Thistle. This was the dream – and I so wanted to take them there.
09-16-2003, 07:03 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #2
However this is a club who have never won a league title, and only claim to fame is the malling they handed out to Bon Accord in 1885 when they won 36-0 a record that still stands today. The oldest club north of the River Forth, formed in 1878, it had switched grounds from Hospitalfield to Gayfield in 1880, beating Rob Roy in the Scottish Cup in their first match. Ned Doig is Arbroaths only international, winning 2 caps for Scotland in 1885-1886. He had replaced Jim Milne, keeper in the 36-0 win over Bon Accord. For a club who’s best Cup record was a semi final appearance in 1947, I would have work to do to create a side capable of holding their own in the top flight, that’s if we ever get there of course. Last season the club finished 7th in the first division and for a side of part-timers that’s something encouraging to work on. A repeat of that and maybe the chance to wallop rivals Montrose in the cup competitions would be a good start to build on.
Having analysed the clubs history, it was time to turn to events at the new Gayfield Stadium, which holds a little under 6,500 and so I sat in the hard wooden seat, made only slightly more bearable by the woollen lining that barely covered the head and neck rest, never mind the whole chair, and I stared out the window, preparing to call in some of my friends form England to assist me at Arbroath.
Sitting at my desk, facing me at the chair was the Declaration of Arbroath. It was expected of every new incumbent to read through this document. The people here are proud of their community, northeast of Edinburgh, and of their football club in particular. Since finishing runners up to Alloa Athletic in Division 3 in 1998 the club has made steady progress under the careful stewardship of John Christison, the club chairman and the manager John Brownlie, and in 2001 after 3 years in Division two the club secured promotion to the First Division as they finished runners up to Partick Thistle, now in the Premier League. For now though it is clear my heritage south of the border could cause problems.
09-16-2003, 07:05 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #3
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Declaration of Arbroath
To the most Holy Father and Lord in Christ, the Lord John, by divine providence Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Roman and Universal Church, his humble and devout sons Duncan, Earl of Fife, Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, Lord of Man and of Annandale, Patrick Dunbar, Earl of March, Malise, Earl of Strathearn, Malcolm, Earl of Lennox, William, Earl of Ross, Magnus, Earl of Caithness and Orkney, and William, Earl of Sutherland; Walter, Steward of Scotland, William Soules, Butler of Scotland, James, Lord of Douglas, Roger Mowbray, David, Lord of Brechin, Euan Alexander, Lord of Iain Bartholomew, David Graham, Ingram Umfraville, John Menteith, guardian of the earldom of Menteith, Alexander Fraser, Gilbert Hay, Constable of Scotland, Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland, Henry St Clair, John Graham, David Lindsay, William Oliphant, Patrick Graham, John Fenton, William Abernethy, David Wemyss, William Mushet, Fergus of Ardrossan, Eustace Maxwell, William Ramsay, William Mowat, Alan Murray, Donald Campbell, John Cameron, Reginald Cheyne, Alexander Seton, Andrew Leslie, and Alexander Straiton, and the other barons and freeholders and the whole community of the realm of Scotland send all manner of filial reverence, with devout kisses of his blessed feet.
Most Holy Father and Lord, we know and from the chronicles and books of the ancients we find that among other famous nations our own, the Scots, has been graced with widespread renown. They journeyed from Greater Scythia by way of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Pillars of Hercules, and dwelt for a long course of time in Spain among the most savage tribes, but nowhere could they be subdued by any race, however barbarous. Thence they came, twelve hundred years after the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea, to their home in the west where they still live today. The Britons they first drove out, the Picts they utterly destroyed, and, even though very often assailed by the Norwegians, the Danes and the English, they took possession of that home with many victories and untold efforts; and, as the historians of old time bear witness, they have held it free of all bondage ever since. In their kingdom there have reigned one hundred and thirteen kings of their own royal stock, the line unbroken a single foreigner.
This is the attitude I face as I approach the Scottish side. They all know it, and those who were brought into Arbroath were certainly made aware of it. It can only be good though and it is something I will endeavor to bring to my Arbroath side. If my years at Kidderminster and Hereford had taught me anything, then it was that with a never say die fighting spirit you can achieve what you want to achieve. I’ve staved off relegation before, and I will do it again here if I have to, although I’m looking upwards this season, in spite of what some pessimistic journalists may wish to write. Their words mean nothing to me.
The high qualities and deserts of these people, were they not otherwise manifest, gain glory enough from this: that the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Lord Jesus Christ, after His Passion and Resurrection, called them, even though settled in the uttermost parts of the earth, almost the first to His most holy faith. Nor would He have them confirmed in that faith by merely anyone but by the first of His Apostles -- by calling, though second or third in rank -- the most gentle Saint Andrew, the Blessed Peter's brother, and desired him to keep them under his protection as their patron forever.
The Most Holy Fathers your predecessors gave careful heed to these things and bestowed many favours and numerous privileges on this same kingdom and people, as being the special charge of the Blessed Peter's brother. Thus our nation under their protection did indeed live in freedom and peace up to the time when that mighty prince the King of the English, Edward, the father of the one who reigns today, when our kingdom had no head and our people harboured no malice or treachery and were then unused to wars or invasions, came in the guise of a friend and ally to harass them as an enemy. The deeds of cruelty, massacre, violence, pillage, arson, imprisoning prelates, burning down monasteries, robbing and killing monks and nuns, and yet other outrages without number which he committed against our people, sparing neither age nor sex, religion nor rank, no one could describe nor fully imagine unless he had seen them with his own eyes.
Seems as though me being English could cause one or two arguments against the more traditional folk in these parts. It is also at this point I racked my brain, eager to think of any Scottish relatives I may have, anything to convince them I’m not a pure bred Englishman.
But from these countless evils we have been set free, by the help of Him Who though He afflicts yet heals and restores, by our most tireless Prince, King and Lord, the Lord Robert. He, that his people and his heritage might be delivered out of the hands of our enemies, met toil and fatigue, hunger and peril, like another Macabaeus or Joshua and bore them cheerfully. Him, too, divine providence, his right of succession according to or laws and customs which we shall maintain to the death, and the due consent and assent of us all have made our Prince and King. To him, as to the man by whom salvation has been wrought unto our people, we are bound both by law and by his merits that our freedom may be still maintained, and by him, come what may, we mean to stand.
Yet if he should give up what he has begun, and agree to make us or our kingdom subject to the King of England or the English, we should exert ourselves at once to drive him out as our enemy and a subverter of his own rights and ours, and make some other man who was well able to defend us our King; for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
I now cling to the memory that one of my Grandparents was Scottish. It might just be enough. Despite, all that though I couldn’t help but admire the words and camaraderie instilled in the men, by such figures as Lord Robert. He was clearly someone I will be looking to respect. A portrait, or quote from the man would certainly not go amiss in this office.
Therefore it is, Reverend Father and Lord, that we beseech your Holiness with our most earnest prayers and suppliant hearts, inasmuch as you will in your sincerity and goodness consider all this, that, since with Him Whose Vice-Regent on earth you are there is neither weighing nor distinction of Jew and Greek, Scotsman or Englishman, you will look with the eyes of a father on the troubles and privation brought by the English upon us and upon the Church of God. May it please you to admonish and exhort the King of the English, who ought to be satisfied with what belongs to him since England used once to be enough for seven kings or more, to leave us Scots in peace, who live in this poor little Scotland, beyond which there is no dwelling-place at all, and covet nothing but our own. We are sincerely willing to do anything for him, having regard to our condition, that we can, to win peace for ourselves.
This truly concerns you, Holy Father savagery of the heathen raging against the Christians, since you see the, as the sins of Christians have indeed deserved, and the frontiers of Christendom being pressed inward every day; and how much it will tarnish your Holiness's memory if (which God forbid) the Church suffers eclipse or scandal in any branch of it during your time, you must perceive. Then rouse the Christian princes who for false reasons pretend that they cannot go to help of the Holy Land because of wars they have on hand with their neighbours. The real reason that prevents them is that in making war on their smaller neighbours they find quicker profit and weaker resistance. But how cheerfully our Lord the King and we too would go there if the King of the English would leave us in peace, He from Whom nothing is hidden well knows; and we profess and declare it to you as the Vicar of Christ and to all Christendom.
Maybe I should champion for complete Devolution?
But if your Holiness puts too much faith in the tales the English tell and will not give sincere belief to all this, nor refrain from favouring them to our prejudice, then the slaughter of bodies, the perdition of souls, and all the other misfortunes that will follow, inflicted by them on us and by us on them, will, we believe, be surely laid by the Most High to your charge.
To conclude, we are and shall ever be, as far as duty calls us, ready to do your will in all things, as obedient sons to you as His Vicar; and to Him as the Supreme King and Judge we commit the maintenance of our cause, csating our cares upon Him and firmly trusting that He will inspire us with courage and bring our enemies to nought.
May the Most High preserve you to his Holy Church in holiness and health and grant you length of days.
Given at the monastery of Arbroath in Scotland on the sixth day of the month of April in the year of grace thirteen hundred and twenty and the fifteenth year of the reign of our King aforesaid.
If I can get these men to follow my lead then my life will pass so much the better, surely something that can benefit Arbroath. They have the passion and historical figures to look up to here, let’s hope this can be transferred to the battlefield, er football field. I suspect it is also time for me to start regularly visiting the local chapel more often…
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Authors Note For more info on this Declaration go here
09-16-2003, 07:12 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #4
That was an exhausting document, no question about it but one that gave me a better idea of how to approach the coaching. As I was considering searching the area for a suitable apartment, my current bed and breakfast arrangement was limited; the knock at the door saw Mr. Christison enter with the coaching staff on hand to introduce me to those willing to help. For a split second I was tempted to affect a strong Scottish accent to get them to like me first off, before realising I’d probably butcher it and have the reverse effect.
In all the people helping me are a good bunch. My assistant manager Stevie Kirk joined in November of 2000, helping John Brownlie but he seems perfectly content to work for me, and although he has clearly studied the Arbroath Declaration in detail my English heritage fortunately matters not to the former Partick Thistle, Methil and Falkirk player and coach. I assume he is also sponsored by local company Tayblast Services Ltd, given the large logo spread across his otherwise white t-shirt, and down the side of his Maroon tracksuit bottoms. Steve had been working with the players this week in preparation for the upcoming friendlies. As I settle in Steve will take charge initially while I make my observations of the squads ability. With 4k in the kitty I won’t even bother considering additions to the squad though. As John Christison remarked, they run a tight ship here to just keep it afloat and I’ll try to keep it that way.
Jake Ferrier, a 40 year old coach has been at Gayfield since March of 2000 where up until that point he had been the assistant manager of Brechin City. Looking for a role that was more specifically focussed on the coaching side, he chose to join us in an instant and once again he welcomed me with open arms. Perhaps it had something to do with him wanting my support so he could stay at his home town team. Also another fellow dedicated to the Declaration, and he attends church religiously, in both senses of the word!
Dave Gorman, the former East fife keeper joined the club in Autumn 2001 and will be working mainly as the goalkeeping coach. His previous experience of Englishmen was a bizarre one as he was one of the first Dave Gormans to be spotted by the “comic” Dave Gorman in his quest to find 54 other Dave Gormans as a result of losing a bet. Dave Gorman (mine), did not bring his son Dave Gorman along with him to the club.
Gordon Wallace is one the key coaches at the club, with plenty of experience. He was a former Forfar Athletic coach who joined Gayfield in the summer of 2001 as a Youth Development Coach. He is a central figure in the Skill-seekers programme at the club which focuses on finding young talent and moulding them into first team material.
Jim Crosby is the club Physiotherapist. A Physiotherapy graduate from Queen Margaret's College in Edinburgh, Jim spent almost 8 years as physio at Dens Park with Dundee FC and has worked with the Scottish Hockey Squad as both player and physio. Jim also works as a Physiotherapy Consultant with BUPA and runs his own Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Arbroath.
John Graham is my scout, he is currently off duty on holiday with his family, not looking out for players I might add in Spain so I didn’t get a chance to speak to him in person. I suspect if I ever reach the point where additions are essential he will be my first port of call.
Overall then I was happy meeting the fellow workers who seemed to welcome me. I would never have moved them on for several reasons anyway, the biggest being that my knowledge of Scottish football is scarce. Like many Englishman there is a major focus on English football, with a brief scouring of the Scottish Premier League, and even then I am limited in my understanding of the likes of Dundee, Hearts and so on. This will be a challenge no doubt but one I am ready to take. The sun has started to come out now on this breezy July summer day and I’m staying positive.
Suddenly the intimidating surroundings in these offices do not appear quite so. The hallmarks of Brownlie’s reign still remain but no longer are they the blueprint to follow, but merely another example of what can be done, and there’s plenty of time for me to make my own impressions. Before that though I must see what my players are capable of and the series of friendlies with: Spartans, Elgin City, Gretna and Peterhead ( all away ), and Motherwell and Hartlepool at home to round the summer off should give me an indication of what’s possible.
09-18-2003, 01:58 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #6
The month started with a couple of letters from the SFA. The first informed me of the draw for the League Cup 1st round – where we would be facing a tricky tie away to St. Mirren at Love Street. I knew that St.Mirren had recently been an SPL outfit so that would be a tough game for us and the second reported the draw for the CIS Challenge Cup first round. Falkirk away at Brockville Park. The latter tie was now our second competitive fixture of the season whilst the former would not come around until the middle of September.
Steve Kirk selected the side for Arbroath as I watched patiently from the bench as we played Spartans. I remember a story about how the Spartans fought at the battle of Thermopylae many years ago and were vastly outnumbered. This lack of support clearly continues to today as only 3 people attended the match at City Park in Edinburgh. It finished 1-1 with Craig Feroz scoring our goal. From what I saw Feroz and Gavin Swankie clearly work well together up front. Gary Bowman on the left of midfield also starred.
In between that and the game with Elgin City at Borrough Briggs in Elgin, young centre half Euan Graham injured himself after failing to warm up properly and would miss 3 weeks of training – a critical part of the pre-season routine. As the pre-match warm up Jim Gardner twisted his knee so I had to alter the line-up slightly. Again for this game Steve had most influence in the selection of the side, but I tinkered with it slightly employing a more attacking 442 strategy. We were defeated 2-0 and the game certainly showed up a few weak spots, Craig Hinchcliffe had a terrible time with the goals, so he’ll have to work harder if he’s to maintain his regular first team spot. John Cusick and Dennis Connaghan put in good performances coming on in the second half in defence though.
Because all the squads had been put together in the first training session I took with them it was important that everyone had a fair crack at the whip before I made my final choices over who would be first teamer, reserve player and who could do with a year in the U18’s to progress there. Rookie keeper Tony Woodcock was one of many making a first start against Gretna in their small Raydale Park stand. After going behind early to a David Orminston strike we failed to respond and it took the introduction of Kevin Heenan and Craig Feroz to force an equaliser. Feroz struck with 5 minutes to go to give us a share of the spoils. Sadly, whilst putting a solid performance in midfield, young Darren Spink tore a calf muscle and will miss 2 months of football.
09-18-2003, 02:01 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #7
The Peterhead tie was a chance for those who had half impressed but were still on the cuff of my plans. A mix of probable regulars and a few in need of another run out to prove themselves took to the field on a hot Saturday afternoon. A 1-1 draw was the end result as Andy Cargill rounded off a decent move low into the bottom right corner. That 25th minute effort levelled Peterheads. However after that, and despite substitutions we were unable to create anything of note. Paul Brownlie impressed up front alongside Craig Feroz and then Gavin Swankie.
At the moment I am not concerned about not winning against what might be described as lesser teams as we are a first division side. However I still take the view that we are second division standard side that on paper is playing in the first. Motherwell would be a good indicator of what our capabilities were so I put out what I thought would be my strongest side. Motherwell meanwhile had a transfer embargo placed on them by the SFA for failing to play their players wages. Just before the Motherwell game I was made aware of the fact that several of the squad were entering the last year of the contract and Steve advised me to seriously use the last two games to make some quick decisions.
The coaches feedback will always be invaluable to me as I learn my way around. Brownlie, Cargill Connaghan and Cusick were the only players so far I was sure about extending their deals. While talking to some of these players I was quietly pleased by Dennis Connaghans willingness to drop his pay by £30 to £120 per week if it would help finances. That’s the spirit I’m looking for in this squad. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat, David Clarke grabbing their goal just after the break but I was pleased with the attitude of the players. They put the effort in, closed down well and competed with Motherwell as best they could, and John McAulay put in a stunning display that earned him a man of the match award at the end. Another pleasing aspect of the game, my first home match in charge, was the attendance of 6398. The ground was near packed as the fans were right behind their side, paying the much needed ticket fares. They applauded the side off.
A little tinker here and a little tinker there and I was set for the Hartlepool game.
I was slightly upset by John Cusick’s attempt to rock the boat by rejecting a contract offer, stating the club did not have the financial clout to keep him at the club. Over time I hope this attitude changes, but for now he has been offered one more slightly higher – and we’re talking £20 higher wage as a take it or leave it offer. Connaghan on the other hand had no problems securing his future at the club which was a good start. The more chats I had with the players over the plans for the season the more my accent seem to acclimatise itself to its surroundings and on a call home, my friend almost thought I was someone else. Maybe the English thing won’t be so hard.
1 hour before kick off against Hartlepool and it was good news. John Cusick had verbally agreed a new contract. It seems a chat with Steve Kirk and Dave Gorman had done the trick. The paperwork would be completed this evening. That boosted the side once more, with only a change in goal and up front from the ‘Well game.
Having taken a 2 goal lead through Paul Brownlie and Gavin Swankie on the half hour mark it was irritating to see it crumble by the half time whistle. In the second half I and Stevie attempted to rally the boys into finding a winner but alas it was not to be and the 6000 strong crowd left mildly happy, but still wishing they had held on for the win. Kenny McMillan also starred in midfield.
With the pre-season results over and done with I know had only a little time to compile a few thoughts on the players, which squad they would play for and who would start. Being a tight knit community of just 26 players it was hard to leave some players out but eventually I came to a decision.
09-18-2003, 02:03 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #8
Gary had a good pre-season as he approaches his first season in Arbroath colours. He joined from Premier Division side Partick Thistle after failing to hold down a spot there. This man has good handling skills and can stop well but he also has a tendency to punch when catching it would seem the better option. Played well in the 3 games he had and I suspect he will start as my number 1, although this is a far from guaranteed position.
Tony Woodcock 18 y/o. 2 Games, 3 Conceded, First Team
At 18 this young fellow has the ability to become a fine keeper one day if he continues to work hard. With progress Tony could probably reach SPL levels in about 4-5 years time. He throws well, catches well and is confident in his 6 yard area, although sometimes his youthful enthusiasm does see him caught out on occasions, as shown in the game against Hartlepool. Still, an adequate back up and I wouldn’t be afraid to use him if I needed to.
When I arrived here Steve told me he was the regular keeper for a few seasons at Arbroath and due to his experience I was looking to him initially to start. However a poor pre-season has seen him slip down in my estimations. Dave Gorman though believes this is merely a blip which he can recover from. As such I’ll play him in the reserves for a couple of weeks to see how he plays. Seeing as all 3 squads work so closely together, he will never be too far from my plans.
Defenders
John Cusick 27 y/o, D/DMRC, 4 Games First Team
Rebel rebel as David Bowie might say. Thankfully he signed a new contract in the end but his ability in defence makes him stand out as a regular this season. 7 goals in 61 games is no bad return either, hopefully adding that little bit extra going forward. He had a decent pre-season although at times I felt he was holding himself back, maybe not wanting to risk an injury this early. Still, I expect him to start as my right back this year.
Paul Dirno 17 y/o D/AMRC 2 Games (+ 2 Sub ), Reserve
Paul is a quiet lad, brought up well, who seemed a little off put by my presence at the training ground. However he played well in the games he had, both in defence and midfield. At the moment I would classify him a defender / wing back but it is difficult to see how he will develop which is why I’ve given him to the reserves where hopefully Gordon Wallace will be able to coax the best out of him.
Ross Currie 20 y/o D/DMRC 2 Games ( 1 sub ), First Team
Ross certainly has potential which is why I put him in the first team, but he will have to work hard to hold down a regular spot. He is keen, with no inhibitions when it comes to getting stuck, but he doesn’t have what I’d call a football brain. His tactical awareness is slim but that will come with practice. Might be pushed back to the reserves if he doesn’t get games soon.
Steve Florence 30 y/o, D/DMRLC, 4 Games (+ 2 Sub ), First Team
Steve is the ultimate Arbroathian. He joined the club as a youngster in 1989 and has been with them ever since making over 316 appearances in his time. He will without doubt be my starting left back. His pre-season could have gone better though and sadly I will have to work on my relationship with Steve. His fanatical devotion to the Declaration made life somewhat difficult.
Andy Dow 29 y/o, D/MLC 2 Games ( 1 sub ) First Team
It is difficult to place Andy in the side as I find him equally able in defence or in the middle. His left foot helps, but at defence he is more cover for Steve, so a midfield slot maybe his best chance of regular football. A good enough pre-season to convince me of his worth to the first team though. Having come from Motherwell last year I suspect he will be looking for regular action, and hopefully his pedigree will show.
Dennis Connaghan 26y/o, DC 3 Games First Team
A former Queens Park player, Dennis fell out of favour at Partick in the summer and went on loan to Livingston before joining Arbroath this summer. At 26 he has several good years ahead of him and on the back of an excellent pre-season he will be regular. His willingness to sign a new contract impressed me greatly and hopefully this kind of attitude will spread. Dennis, I don’t think has seen much of the Declaration given his openness towards a fondness for England. Hmm. He is currently a strong candidate for the captaincy, although it could well go to Steve, the Arbroathian.
Euan Graham 17 y/o, DC 0 Games. Reserve
Due to an unfortunate injury I haven’t been able to see much beyond the couple of training sessions I was with him. He’s young and will improve but not a challenger for the first team spot yet. Gordon and Stevie will both work on the lad as he gets some reserve games under his belt.
Eddie Forrest 23 y/o DC, 2 Games, First Team
Eddie is a vocal lad who has been enthusiastic in training, and enthusiasm is infectious. If only some of Dennis’ talent would infect Eddie. He’s the friendly excitable young lad you simply hate to leave out on energy and effort alone, but, although he’s another player coming from Motherwell he still needs work to maintain a spot. An average pre-season didn’t help his chances either. He’s a capable back up though.
Darren Spink 17 y/o D/MC 1 Game ( 1 Sub ) Reserve
Another young talent who sadly had his pre-season cut short by injury and it will be at least 6 weeks before we see him back in a full training programme again. It was a crying shame, because a good pre-season and plenty of praise from Youth Development Coach Gordon Wallace and Jake Ferrier, might have seen the lad push for a place in the first team squad.
Innes Ritchie 28 y/o DC, 3 Games ( + 2 sub ) First Team
Innes’ pre-season could have gone better but he is still a player held in high regard by the coaching staff. His 6”4 stature and 16st build is imposing for most attacking sides. His heading and positional play is superb but his distribution and tackling is erratic to say the least, hence my concerns over whether his position is as safe as he may think. I’ll start with him nevertheless.
09-20-2003, 05:14 PM
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! Post #9
Although he had a decent enough pre-season with good games against Elgin and Gretna, Greg is still young and has a lot to do if he is to make a mark on this side. His defensive abilities are weak at present, and his competitors in midfield are noticeably better so he’ll be working in the reserves this year. He’s also currently injured, with a gashed leg.
Kenny McMillan 19 y/o, D/MC, 2 Games (+ 2 Sub ) 1 MoM First Team
Young Kenny has impressed me most, a good friend of Eddie Forrest it seems the two add energy to the side and Kenny’s pre-season went better than Stevie Kirk expected which means Kenny has been brought into the first team fold. He played his best game in the centre of the park so midfield would seem his position to hold onto, although he has the tackling tenacity to make an adequate centre half if called upon to do so.
James McAulay 30 y/o SW/D/MRC, 4(1) Games, 1 MoM, First Team
James is one of the characters on the training ground who first welcomed me. Marrying into an English family, he himself knew the flak that can sometimes be expected in these parts, so he helped me to get to know some of his team-mates. Add to that his versatility and experience and he was a very useful player to have. Based on pre-season I think centre midfield is his most suited position, that and the profligacy of centre halves competing for the two spots.
David McInally 21 y/o D/ AMLC 2 Games, First Team
Another one of those defender slash midfielder players, David will probably be looking to cement a place on the left wing rather than left back. With Andy Dow and Steve back in the left back slot, he could struggle for first team action. He had games last year but it will be a challenge to hold his spot. I may move him to the reserve under Gordon’s watchful eye if it helps. I l do like him though, first class attitude, solid pre-season and a bit of a joker in the dressing room.
Gary Bowman 27y/o, ML, 4 Games, First Team
Gary has joined us from St. Mirren after failing to establish himself during their SPL year. His pace and threat from set-piece play clearly make him someone who could play an active role in our season and his contributions in pre-season tended to suggest so. However he is weak in a few departments. His physical presence is lacking somewhat and he can be a little timid sometimes, waiting for the ball to come to him rather than going and getting it himself. An odd attitude for a Declaration devotee but one that could harm his prospects.
Andy Cargill 26y/o MRC, 3 Games ( +2 sub ), 1 goal, First Team
Andy is in his second year here at the club and he certainly has the ability in my opinion to make an impression in the league. Steve and Gordon aren’t so sure and still feel there’s plenty he can improve on but after a solid pre-season, including a goal against Peterhead, I can see him being involved in most of our games this year. Fast and tough tackling, he’ll be a handful for many opponents I hope.
Paul Farquharson 18y/o AM/FL 2 Games, Reserve
Another bright player who arrived under the Seeking Skills Scheme. He can run that’s for sure and his work ethic is excellent, however as his pre-season performances highlighted he has a lot of work to be a first teamer so reserve action will suit Paul best. With a bit of luck and if the side played to his strength he could play a useful back up role this year.
Jim Gardner 34 y/o AM/FL 1 Game, ( +2 Subs ) First Team
Jim has been one of those pros encouraging all the youngsters and his presence and his experience will certainly be valuable this year. Jim, a former Motherwell, Cardiff and Stirling player has the ability to create chances for the front men and hold up play where required. A lack of pace could be important. Still with a small squad like ours he is certain to have an important part to play this year.
John McGlashan 35 y/o, AMRLC, 4 Games ( +1 sub ), 1 Assist, First Team
John is in his 3rd season at Arbroath and having been a big part of the previous two seasons at Gayfield I expect him to continue that here. His pre-season was a little disappointing although I had changed his position a couple of times. Technically he is fairly weak, but if you want a solid grafting midfielder then John’s your man. Might be starting as a sub to begin with.
Forwards, Strikers
Paul Brownlie 24 y/o FRC 5 Games ( +1 sub ), 1 Goal, 1 Assist 1 MoM, First Team
Paul is an excellent forward with potential to get even better. I was impressed with his pre-season performance and he was able to adapt easily with whichever person I chose to partner him. More an assistant striker rather than an out-and-out goal getter but still he will play a key role. He scored a good goal against Hartlepool to round off his pre-season. A probable starter.
Kevin Heenan 20 y/o FRC, 1 Game ( + 4 subs ), First Team
At 20 Kevin has had already 2 seasons of regular football with Arbroath under his belt. He is one of the players Gordon seems to enjoy talking about often, although this is to do with more his tales of woe and joy when the lad was coming through his Skill-seekers project. For me, I don’t know how often he’ll start. He’s worthy of a place in the first team squad, but his pre-season did not go as well I hoped it would. A chat with the lad made me realise that he is having some personal problems to deal with at present, so I’ll give him my support for now. Needs to work on his technical skills like passing and crossing if he’s to establish himself in my side though.
Craig Feroz 24 y/o FRC 3 Games ( +2 sub ), 2 Goals, 1 Assist 1 MoM, First Team
For Craig, making an impression was vital for the lad. A history of loan moves at various different clubs gave him no permanent base and it was difficult for him to settle anywhere and improve. Since released by Brechin and picked up by John Brownlie a month ago, I have to question some of the clubs sanity, those who loaned him out all the time, and those who never made the loan permanent. An excellent pre-season showed why’ll he be a regular starter up front. An eye for goal, good awareness of his colleagues and another hard working front man. Very pleasant guy to work with too.
Gavin played very well in his pre-season games and showed all the qualities you’d expect of a confident outgoing 18 year old. Arrogant on the ball, energetic pacy and a ruthless finisher. However on the advise of Gordon I’ll be placing him in the reserves for a couple of weeks while I give Kevin another chance to prove himself. He won’t like my decision!
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So that’s my squad analysis completed. We have no out and out striker, and neither of the forwards is particularly capable with their left foot. We’ll therefore attempt to play to their strengths. In a fully fit squad then my first eleven would line up like so in an experimental 4-3-2-1.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Herald Preview the Scottish Divisions
…. And now for Division One.
Alloa Terry Christie’s side have enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years. Since 1998 there’s been 3 promotions and 1 relegation as they’ve gone from 3rd division to a very capable first division side. Winners of the Challenge Cup in 1999 they will be one of the stronger outfits in this division. Gregg Watson, Ian Little and Scott Crabbe will all be key to Alloa’s potential success this season. Prediction 4th
Arbroath – managed by a complete unknown in Rod Davies I would fully expect them to struggle this year. Long serving pro Steve Florence and Craig Feroz look to be important players this year. Gordon Wallace’s youth development programme is famed in lower league football so any finds there could be key to whether Arbroath stay up or not. Prediction – 10th
Ayr United Long established members of this division, Ayr will be trying to go one better and compete for a promotion spot. They have the players in Paul Lovering to do so and it will be interesting to see how striker Stewart Kean develops this year. An injury free year could see them go the distance. Prediction – 3rd
Clyde It’s going to be a tough season for Clyde and Alan Kernarghan’s side will have to be at their best to avoid a relegation scrap. In Pat Keogh they have experience and Paul Shields a former Celtic prodigy they have a precious talent, but for a side not yet established in this league I foresee trouble ahead. Prediction 9th
Falkirk Easily one of the better sides in this division, Falkirk have quality through out their side and will be looking for a swift return to the Scottish Premier League. With player manager Owen Coyle , ably supported by the supremely talented youngsters of Mark Kerr, Colin Samuel and Lee Miller. Prediction: 2nd
Inverness Caledonian Thistle A side that has developed steadily over the years, since winning the Third Division in 1997, Caley, under John Robertson will be looking to build on a side that has finished mid table in past seasons. In Derek Wyness and Steve Hislop they have a potentially frightening forward line. Prediction: 6th
Queen of the South John Connelly’s side have had a quiet history to report over in recent years, however this year with the likes of Andrew Aitken, John O’Neill and young forward Derek Lyle providing quality in all areas of the side, they will be one of the most competitive outfits in this division, but the lack of a truly class player may cost them. Prediction: 7th
Ross County – a side destined to struggle this year, as they simply don’t have that raw talent that can make a difference. Notable players like Greek midfielder Anastasios Venetis and Steven McGarry will have to be on top form if they are to maintain their position in the league this year. They may be fortunate that Clyde and Arbroath are even worse. Prediction: 8th
St. Johnstone The former SPL side will be desperate to return to the days when they were the 3rd placed side behind Rangers and Celtic, and runners up in the League Cup in 1999. They have talent, in Chris Hay, Jim Weir and Darren Dods, whilst in Ezenwa Panther, they have simultaneously a dangerous left footed winger and an outright contender for best name ever. Prediction; 1st
St. Mirren Jim Coughlin’s side are also another side who will be looking to finish amongst the front runners this year and with a very impressive forward array that includes Martin Cameron, Mark Roberts and Brian McGinty they certainly could prove to be dangerous. Their defence could prove to be the weakest link. Prediction 5th
Listen Laddie, ye can spend big bucks at Chelsea or ye can win great things with Arbroath - Choose! 
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