The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Derby day in League One at Gayfield, New Bayview and Glebe Park
Consistency of selection is bringing consistency of form and results, according to Forfar boss Jim Weir. And long may it continue.
Weir takes his team to Glebe Park for an Angus derby this afternoon, seeking a fourth win in a row.
“Having the same players available has made a big difference,” he admitted.
“Getting the first win was important but so too was being able to pick the same team.
“That was the case for East Fife on their good run and hopefully we can keep our own one going.”
A former Brechin manager himself, Weir has sympathy for the recently sacked Darren Dods.
“I feel for him,” he said. “You can be a victim of your own success sometimes. He did brilliantly to get promotion and then he was up against full-time clubs in the Championship.
“It’s such a tight league and five or six managers have lost their job already.”
Weir expects to come up against a highly motivated Brechin side in Barry Smith’s first game in charge.
“I know Barry well and know what he’s all about,” he said. “It’s a terrific appointment. He was a good player for them and I’m sure he’ll be a good manager.
“There’s no doubt he’ll get a response and we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Meanwhile, Stevie Campbell cannot wait to be in the dugout as assistant to Smith in the derby.
Campbell was confirmed as the club’s number two earlier this week as the experienced pair strive to move Brechin up the League One table in the wake of Dods’ recent departure.
Former Dundee and Dundee United youth supremo Campbell, who was caretaker manager in last Saturday’s narrow 2-1 defeat at Stark’s Park, was targeted in the past by Smith so is thrilled to finally team up with him at Glebe Park.
Dundonian Campbell said: “It’s taken a while but I’m just delighted to be working alongside Barry at long last.
“He tried to get me before but it never materialised although it’s funny how football works out like that.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for me to assist someone of his experience, so really I’m the fortunate one.
“I first met Barry 15 years ago when he was a player at Dundee and I was Dens Park youth coach.
“We’ve always got on well. I’ve seen him in action this week in training and you can tell he has the respect of the players.
“He did a great job as Dundee manager under very difficult circumstances and he can take all that experience into this new job.”
Brechin hope a morale-boosting victory at home to the Loons today can kickstart their season.
Campbell said: “It’s a massive derby game. The atmosphere will be electric and we’ll all get a lift from the new gaffer being here.
“A win would be a dream start. We’ve got good players and we just need to start getting some positive results.”