Arbroath begin some home improvements

Work started this week to upgrade the front of Gayfield. Pic by Graham Black

Arbroath FC are matching their progress on the park with further improvements off it.

Gayfield, the home of the Lichties, is one of the most renowned grounds in Scotland, known in particular for its close proximity to the sea.

It’s certainly not lacking in character and now those associated with the club want to make a series of upgrades to enhance the matchday experience even further for both home and away supporters.

Work started on Tuesday when the main front wall, club shop and historic turnstiles were removed.

Those turnstiles, from Baileys of Salford, have been in place since 1925 when Arbroath moved to what is now Gayfield Park, the club believes.

A new entrance is to built which will house a new large Macron club shop and office space.

To each side new turnstiles will be installed which will allow fans an easier and faster entrance into the ground.

New dedicated disabled entry points are being created as well.

It’s work which will compliment the ongoing success of Arbroath on the pitch under the guidance of Dick Campbell.

On Saturday the club returned from Hamilton with a 1-0 win thanks to Jack Hamilton’s 59th minute winner.

The victory keeps Arbroath in touch with league leaders Kilmarnock, just four points separating the two who have still to meet this season.

The Arbroath FC Community Trust is also continuing to grow for girls and boys at all levels.

Announcing this week’s stadium improvements, a club spokesman said: “Off the pitch our board of directors have year-after-year been making sweeping improvements to Gayfield to make sure that our team can continue to play in our historic home for years to come.

"Every close season we have been investing in upgrades, from replacing roofs on the main stands, to extending our current hospitality suite and, with the addition of the champions lounge and amazing supporters wall on it’s side, we have allowed our fans a chance to have their names and the names of past loved ones to forever live on.

"Gayfield Park will always be our home, and we are working hard and investing to improve it and will continue to do so each season.

“We are all excited and our supporters who pass every day will get to see the progress being made in real time.”

And the club won’t be allowing the 10 magnificent 1925 turnstiles to decay away in a scrapyard.

One will be auctioned at the Arbroath FC awards evening this Saturday, April 16 at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

Supporters who can’t make the evening it but want to bid, can do so by contacting Paul Reid at [email protected] with your maximum bid by 6pm Friday, April 15.

One turnstile will forever be in place at Gayfield Park on display whilst the other eight will be preserved.