The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Lichties’ chief looking for perfect finale
Arbroath supremo John Christison is hoping to end his time as chairman at Gayfield with a successful ‘Helicopter Saturday’ and a second title success in the club’s history.
Christison has confirmed his plans to end his time as chairman of the Red Lichties and he is hoping that this weekend’s game with Stirling Albion at Forthbank will be his last match in his official role as it will mean his beloved team have won the League 2 title.
The 66-year-old said: “I informed the board earlier this year that I would be stepping down at the end of the season.
“That remains the case and I am hoping that after 28 years with the club Saturday will be my last game.
“I have been on the board since 1989 and been chairman since 1993.
“Being crowned champions on my last day would be a terrific finale.”
“If we don’t win and Forfar win the league I will head down to Annan next midweek still as chairman as we start our play-off campaign,” said Christison.
The Arbroath chairman has praised manager Dick Campbell for taking the Lichties to a win away from only their second ever league success, saying: “We waited 133 years to win a title and we finally did that in 2010 under Paul Sheerin.
“It would be terrific if we just had to wait another seven years for our second one and if we do achieve it then the enthusiasm that Dick and his backroom staff have displayed will be a key reason. I said when I appointed Dick that he would be my 20th and final appointment as manager.
“The work he does along with his brother Ian, assistant John Young and coach John Ritchie is inspiring.
“I believe there is a helicopter booked for the weekend to deliver the trophy to either Stirling, where we are, or to Forfar. We will have 1,000 fans down with us and it would be great for my time in charge to end in such a positive fashion.
“I am fortunate enough to have been given the position of Honorary Club President so my time with the club will not be ending totally.”