The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
New Lichtie loan boys not there to make up numbers – Campbell
Arbroath manager Dick Campbell has told his new loan signings that they are not at the Gayfield club to make up the numbers.
Campbell has made it clear to defender Jake Davidson of Dundee United and midfielder Ben Williamson of Rangers that if they start at Queen of the South today, they should look to hold on to their place in his team.
Campbell said: “I have promised that there will be changes after a disappointing first half of the season.
“Jake and Ben are the first of those changes and they have not come here to fill up my bench.”
The reaction to new faces arriving has given Campbell a selection dilemma.
He said: “As I have said right throughout my career the only reason I bring in new players is to improve the squad.
“Jake and Ben do that and they could well make their debuts at Queen of the South and, if they do, what happens next is up to them.”
“I have spoken long enough about having to keep trying things out to get it right on the pitch.
“Everyone now knows that I meant what I said and to be fair to the rest of the squad their work at training this week was really good.
“There was an edge to it. I am not in the habit of delaying naming a side but I have for this game.
“It will probably be Saturday lunchtime before I ink in the names but I will tell any player, old or new, that they have a chance to keep hold of a starting place.”
The Doonhamers have enjoyed a revival recently with wins over Raith Rovers and Ayr in the league taking them off bottom spot and above the Gayfield side as well as seeing off Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup.
Campbell said: “They will be feeling good about themselves especially as they are scoring goals.
“Connor Shields has been in terrific form and we will need to be wary of him, however if we go about our jobs correctly, we can win.”
Defender Ricky Little is the only absentee from the Arbroath squad.
Doonhamer fans are looking forward to a bright 2021 after winning three out of three in the Championship and the Scottish Cup – but Palmerston Park manager Allan Johnston is not getting carried away.
He said: “We are on a good run but you cannot take anything for granted in this league as anyone can beat anyone.
“Every game is really difficult and you have to be up for every game. Things have gone well for us recently – however, that does not mean we can just turn up and win.
“We are looking up and not down but no matter who we were playing today I would be confirming that our aim is to to pull ourselves closer to the pack of clubs in the middle of the table.
“Arbroath’s aim is the same in they want to pull themselves closer to the teams above them so both teams have plenty of reasons for wanting to win.”