Football Season Guide

Arbroath are back in League One after a relatively lengthy absence, with the Gayfield club aiming to make a positive impression on their return to the third tier. Last season, they were able to beat local rivals Forfar to the League Two crown and over the course of the summer they appear to have built a side capable of being very competitive in the step up. Manager Dick Campbell, a wily figure who has been around this level of football for many years, has managed to retain the services of all the key figures in his side. Martin Scott and Eddie Ferns are the only players to have departed who might have played a role this season, although neither would have been integral by any means. In the meantime, the experienced boss has added impressively to virtually every area of his team. Arguably his three most impressive signings have all arrived from Forfar - attackers, Gavin Swankie and Danny Denholm, plus centre-back, Tom O’Brien, are all seasoned performers at this level. David Hutton has also joined up from Dunfermline to add quality in goal. Meanwhile, youngsters Jamie Henry and Josh Skelly have been added from Aberdeen and Dundee respectively, having enjoyed little first-team exposure previously. Blair Yule will boost the midfield following his move from Highland League side Cove Rangers, with his performances in the Betfred Cup being very positive. Arbroath's squad is big and deep in virtually every area of the team, with the exception being in the rearguard. This could be a source of trouble for Campbell, who has only three natural defenders on his books at present. Midfielders, Gavin Malin and David Gold, have filled in as full-backs at times to compensate for this lack of numbers so it may be something they are forced to get used to. Nevertheless, expectations are high for this squad.