Arbroath's Dick Campbell rewarded with deserved managerial prize

It was an astonishing season for the Gayfield side, who ended the campaign just two points behind title winners Kilmarnock, winning 17 of their 36 matches, drawing 14 and losing just five games – the lowest number of defeats in the division.

Campbell also picked up two Scottish Championship Glen’s Manager of the Month awards during the season.

He said: “First of all, huge congratulations to the team and everyone involved.

"The fact I have earned Manager of the Season alongside two Manager of the Month awards is a celebration to the season the club has had.

“It’s really been sensational as seasons go and I think it will be very difficult to repeat. In 30 years of managing, I haven’t seen anything like it before.”

He told the Angus County Press: “It’s certainly a reflection of where we finished in the league.

"It was an unforgettable season. There have been a lot of compliments but now I'm getting my head down after this season and trying to get a rest.”

Colin Matthews, CEO of Glen’s owner the Loch Lomond Group, said: “I don’t think anybody involved with Scottish football would argue with Dick Campbell being named the Scottish Championship Glen’s Manager of the Season. It was one of the easiest decisions made by the judging panel over the season.

“It is unprecedented for a part-time side to come so close to being promoted to the Scottish Premiership and, while there will have been huge disappointment in the play-off semi-final defeat, I’m sure the season will live long in the memories of the Arbroath fans and everybody connected to the club.

“Dick is a hugely popular figure in Scottish football but that should not hide the fact he is a very astute football coach who has guided teams to success wherever he and his brother Ian have brought their considerable talents.

“My congratulations to Dick and his coaching staff for a season where Arbroath have challenged convention and achieved outstanding results.”

Meanwhile, the Gayfield gaffer reckons he may restrict his squad to just a couple of pre-season games this summer.

Campbell reckons football is being deprived of a proper seasonal rest spell because of the World Cup in

Qatar at the end of the year.

It had been an “unforgettable” season for the Lichties, he said, and it would be a very difficult one to follow.

Campbell hit out at the fact there was a rest period of only about three weeks this year, describing it as “an

absolute disgrace”.

He added: “Everybody needs a rest – the fans need a rest, the referees need a rest, even the pitch needs a rest. But we are not getting it this year because of the World Cup."

Campbell said two pre-season matches already in the diary were all he intended to take – a game on June 25

against Andy Kirk’s Brechin City at Glebe Park, and a visit to Montrose on July 2 in a testimonial for Gable Endies player Terry Masson.

There has been busy player activity at Gayfield, however, with veteran midfielder Gavin Swankie finally calling

it a day.

The 38-year-old has decided to retire but Campbell said he still found it tough to agree to, with the player leaving with best wishes from all.

"You have to say if anybody comes into the legendary status at Arbroath, it is Gavin Swankie,” said Campbell. "Twelve years at the football club, on and off. He is one of the best players I have ever signed.”

Dale Hilson has re-signed and Campbell said: “Dale has a point to prove to himself more than anybody else but I was very happy he agreed to another year. He’s like Steven Doris – he works his arse off and that’s why

we love him.”

Goalkeeper Calum Antell has moved on but Campbell said he was “absolutely delighted” to secure Cameron

Gill from Cowdenbeath, offering another strong option alongside stopper Derek Gaston, who has signed for

two more years.

"Liam Henderson is also on the move, going to Falkirk in search of full-time football.

Campbell indicated talks would continue with players and business should pick up properly in July – with next

season’s prime objective again being to stay in the Championship.