The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Arbroath chief vows to keep ‘daring to dream’
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It’s the passion that makes us more determined than ever to return stronger
hairman Mike Caird has vowed Arbroath will return for next season “stronger” and more determined following their promotion heartache.
The Red Lichties earned an unexpected crack at the Premiership as they narrowly finished second in the Championship this season, before losing out agonisingly on penalties in their play-off semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle.
Caird believes the 5,154 crowd that packed into Gayfield for Friday’s second leg was proof of the Angus club’s new connection with their local community.
And he is determined to prove the success under Dick Campbell was not just a one-off as the part-timers keep “daring to dream”.
In an address to fans, he said: “As chairman, it gives me an immense pride to see so many people come together and be part of this special club and experience many memorable moments together.
“Togetherness has been the bedrock on which Arbroath FC is built, from inside the dressing room to the boardroom and into the stands.
“Clubs’ successes will mainly always be measured by on-field successes of winning leagues, cups and awards – but we have achieved so much more than silverware, by capturing the hearts and minds of so many people and re-engaging the town with the club.
“The connection and bond that has been forged with our supporters, the town and the people is not fabricated but real, and the passion that comes from everyone has helped make so many new memories that will not be forgotten by the young and old in
Arbroath. Kids will grow and tell their own children some day about the year Arbroath got the eyes of the football world fixed firmly on the small town from the east coast of Scotland, and we became everyone’s favourite second team by daring to dream.
“Many adults have also reconnected and fallen in love with the team all over again, and it’s the passion of everyone that makes us more determined than ever to return stronger and continue to build on the amazing experiences we all shared this season going into next.”