Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lichties boss trying to find solution to test high-flying Pars
ARBROATH boss Dick Campbell reckons that picking a side to face Dunfermline is one of the hardest jobs he has had in all his years as a manager whereas his opposite number in today’s Betfred Cup tie, Stevie Crawford, will be delighted to go with the same again.
Campbell explained by saying: “We are facing what is probably the best Dunfermline team in recent years. They are top of our league and coming here after beating a strong Hearts side so we are massive underdogs.
“I need to come up with a team that can win a oneoff game against them whereas I would imagine their manager will not be looking to change anything after their last outing.
“I need to put a side on the park that will play out of their skins to win. That does not faze me as whilst Dunfermline are doing well, we are in the same league as them and Arbroath have won big games in the past.
“However not only do I need to find a side that can score against Dunfermline, I need a side that can stop them scoring and when you consider their centre half, Euan Murray, has scored seven times it will not be that easy.”
“I have listed several different line-ups and it will be a case of going with the right one. The players selected will be told to go out and look to cause an upset by taking the game to Dunfermline.”
One player missing from all of Campbell’s permutations is defender Thomas O’Brien with Campbell saying: “That is a huge blow. Thomas picked up a knock in the draw with Morton last weekend and he will be missed as he is a huge part of our team and up there with the best defenders in the Championship.”
Also out is Mark Whatley with Campbell adding: “That means we are without our captain and vicecaptain so we need other players to show leadership qualities.”
The Lichties are also without David Gold who is banned.