The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Campbell confident Lichties have what it takes to win league
‘Win six games and we’ll win the league’ is his message to his players
Win six games and we’ll win the league – that’s the message Dick Campbell has given his Arbroath team ahead of today’s trip to face Annan Athletic.
A draw in the Angus derby would have been enough to take the Red Lichties top of League Two last weekend, but a late defeat to Montrose meant Campbell’s men didn’t take advantage of another loss for faltering leaders Forfar.
The fact that their promotion destiny is still in their own hands, though, is the main thing for the veteran manager.
“I’ve said from day one that nobody is better equipped than us, team-wise and experience-wise, to win this league,” said Campbell.
“We didn’t play our best on Saturday but it was still a game we should have won.
“We didn’t lose ground, though. That’s was the good thing about the weekend. We’ve got six games to go and if we win them then we win the championship. It’s as simple as that.
“That’s from being 12 points behind Forfar at the turn of the year. Let’s go for it and see where it takes us.”
Forfar are their opponents next weekend but with a trip to the league’s team of the moment, Annan Athletic, to negotiate this afternoon, there’s no danger of anybody at Gayfield looking too far ahead.
Campbell said: “Annan have won six of their last seven.
“If they beat us they’ll be three points behind us and will think they can challenge for the title.
“But we’ve got a very good away record this season. Somebody told me it’s as good as anybody’s in Britain.
“We know this will be a tough match but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
On-loan midfielder Josh Skelly is still sidelined, but Campbell is set to keep faith with the players who were unbeaten in six before last weekend’s defeat.
Annan, who have picked up four points from their two visits to Gayfield this season but lost to the Lichties at home last November, will again rely heavily on the influence of former Queen of the South manager Gavin Skelton, 36, in midfield.