You’re mad if you think Arbroath can’t win this title
Dodds won’t take Lichties lightly in battle at top
BILLY DODDS insists the Championship’s title contenders would be crazy to dismiss Arbroath’s challenge as a flash in the pan.
Tomorrow’s Gayfield clash gives Dodds’ Caley Thistle the chance to draw level with Dick Campbell’s part-timers at the top of the table.
Arbroath, beaten just twice this season in the league and only once at home, by Inverness, will be eyeing the chance of opening up a six-point advantage depending on results elsewhere.
Dodds said: “If anybody doesn’t take Arbroath for what they are, a very good football side, at this halfway stage in the season, then they’re mad.
“I watched their Boxing Day win away to Dunfermline and they were ruthless.
“They are a top notch team and you’d be mad not to realise they’re title contenders.
“They’ve got too good a team not to be and they work their socks off for one another. They’ve got a couple of really good players as well and they’re there on merit at the halfway point.
“Their game was cancelled during the week, while we’ve not played for a fortnight now for both Covid and weatherrelated reasons.
“Both sides will just be relishing the chance to get back out there.
“They’re more up to speed probably, but I can’t wait for this game.
“It’s a real chance for us to get back level with them on points. We know the way Arbroath are and what they bring to the division and that’s why we will never underestimate them.”
Thanks to a couple of postponements Dodds has been able to get a few of his recently Covid-hit squad back to full pelt in training sessions.
But he also suspects his team may have to battle an added opponent in the elements tomorrow.
He said: “Hopefully it will be a decent day. I was delighted when we were down there on the opening day of the season and it was nice and sunny. It was beautiful.
“That’s part of it at Gayfield. We’ve just got to overcome it if the conditions aren’t ideal.
“If you’re going to go and do well in this league, you’ve got to handle it.
“It’s a good game to be looking forward to. We’re all disappointed to see reduced spectators but I’m sure the 500 there will make their voices heard.”