Football Season Guide

Arbroath made a strong impression in League One last season, having won a spot in the playoffs after winning promotion from the fourth tier only a year previous. Matching that achievement will be their aim this time around. Manager Dick Campbell is of the old school, and it is little surprise that he has opted for a highly experienced squad heading into the new season. He has only one player in his ranks younger than 25, which is quite an astonishing statistic. There has been little significant turnover from the squad that was used last season. Attackers Leighton McIntosh and Josh Skelly have been allowed to leave for League One rivals Airdrie and Montrose, but Arbroath were overstocked in the forward areas in any case. Right-back Jason Thomson has arrived from Raith Rovers and will be a starter, though he may be utilised as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation if Arbroath go unchanged from last year, which is quite possible. Otherwise, the only big alterations have come in goal, where there has been a complete clear out. Darren Jamieson has joined up from Hamilton and should be the No.1 ahead of the experienced Darren Hill. Arbroath have retained the strength in depth that was so useful for them last season; they may not have the biggest squad, but each of their players is capable of playing a starting role, which could be so important when injuries and suspensions kick in. It also allows them to change things up effectively during games, both in terms of formation and personnel. Their biggest threats, though, are Bobby Linn, who is sometimes overlooked by the manager, and Michael McKenna, who arrived from Berwick midway through last term and was very effective in midfield and attack. If they were unable to make the top four, it would be a significant disappointment as they have invested in their team, which must have an outside chance of winning promotion through the play-offs.