The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Campbell key to Lichties’ revival, says winger Linn
Bobby Linn insists Dick Campbell’s clarity has been the key to Arbroath’s remarkable revival.
Linn is a massive fan of former Dunfermline and Forfar boss Campbell, who has led the Lichties to be undefeated so far in 2021 in their quest to secure Championship safety.
Ex-dundee winger Linn reckons 67-year-old Campbell’s no-frills approach is paying off big-time as they bid to stretch their six-game unbeaten run at home to Raith Rovers tomorrow.
Linn said: “Dick doesn’t over-complicate things.
“Some managers can have players bored and confused before a ball is kicked with flip-charts and everything else.
“But Dick is brilliant. He keeps things so simple which the players appreciate – everyone knows their job.
“We’re lucky to have him here. He’s ideal for the weeks ahead and what we’re trying to do – which is above all staying up.”
Meanwhile, Lichties assistant manager Ian Campbell says the hardest work he has seen to keep football going in his 50 years in the game is not being recognised because of the behaviour of a tiny minority of players.
Football found itself getting a kicking from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week amid reports of several Rangers players attending a party, and headlines about ‘football having to get its act in order’ have irked Campbell who believes they are not a fair representation.
The Gayfield No 2 said: “I have been in football a long time and I have also been in business away from football a long time.
“At the moment I run three businesses, all of which are very different in nature, so I know what is required elsewhere for work to carry on.
“What football has done from the very top at the SFA all the way through the leagues has been phenomenal.
“Football has had to adopt a culture of risk and change management as well as different ways of training and travelling.
“People have had to step up and take more responsibility than ever before with Covid officers at every club.
“The level of documentation required is immense and I have to say that people in football have risen to the challenge as well as any other industry, but whilst those industries get praised football gets criticised.”