Lichties boss already eyeing back-to-back titles

Boss targets back-to-back titles as he prepares for his 65th birthday

Dick Campbell reckons he’s in the fast lane for back-to-back titles as he prepares to celebrate his 65th birthday.

Campbell’s Arbroath have motored to a seven-point lead over Raith Rovers in Ladbrokes League One without losing a game.

And the legendary boss, who lifted the League Two title last season, reckons there is no stopping them.

The Red Lichties face third place East Fife tomorrow looking to solidify their position.

Campbell, who has scooped the Ladbrokes League One manager of the month for the second time this season, is fully confident they’ll take care of business.

He said: “The situation we are in now, Raith need to win three games and we need to lose three games.

“And I just can’t see us doing that. I honestly feel we are strong this season.

“We have scored more goals than anyone else and we have conceded fewer than anyone else, so the stats don’t lie.

“I won back-to-back promotions with Brechin which was fantastic but to win consecutive titles would be even better.

“The boys have done well. We’re undefeated this season and we haven’t lost away since March.”

Campbell, who will be 65 on November 22, will be missing Mark Whatley and Callum Smith, who broke his wrist at Stranraer last week, for tomorrow’s home clash with the Fifers.

He said: “I’ve still got the same enthusiasm since when I got my first job in 1983.”

The one black mark in the month was that Campbell was sent to the stand by referee Craig Napier in the 1-1 draw with Rovers at Starks Park on October 6 for something he said to the official.

He has been summoned to Hampden for a hearing on November 15 and it is an occasion he is not unfamiliar with.

Last season he was given a sevengame dugout ban – with two games suspended – for remonstrating with a referee at Ayr.

“It’s called natural enthusiasm,” said Campbell.

We have scored more goals than anyone else and we have conceded fewer than anyone else, so the stats don’t lie. DICK CAMPBELL

Picture: SNS. Arbroath boss Dick Campbell with his manager of the month award for October.