Falkingham hopes Lichties net second title

League 2 title chase brings back memories for former Gayfield midfielder

It was one of the best days of Josh Falkingham’s life when he helped Arbroath win the first silverware in their long history six years ago.

However, as the Champagne corks popped and players, management, directors and supporters celebrated wildly, he did not fully comprehend exactly what the team had achieved.

It was not until the dust had settled that the historic significance of winning a league title with the Red Lichties fully sank in for him.

The English midfielder was just 20 when player/manager Paul Sheerin’s side were crowned champions of the old Third Division on April 23 2011.

Falkingham netted one of the goals in the 4-1 win over Montrose at Gayfield as his side clinched the title and promotion.

It was the first time in what was the club’s then 133-year history that they had lifted silverware.

Now, Arbroath’s 2017 vintage have the Champagne on ice once again with Dick Campbell’s side on the verge of clinching the League 2 Championship.

They only have to match or better Angus rivals Forfar’s result on Saturday to be crowned title winners – and Falkingham admits no one would be happier than himself if they do so.

He said: “I have some great memories of that title-winning season.

“It was my first full campaign in senior football after leaving St Johnstone.

“I had to drop down a few leagues but after speaking to Paul I didn’t feel it was a risk for me.

“But everything fell into place, we were winning week in, week out and playing some great football.

“We also had a great dressing-room with some big characters like Stuart Malcolm, Kieran McAnespie, Danny Griffin, Steven Doris and Gavin Swankie, who had also all played at St Johnstone.

“There was a great mix of younger boys like me and experienced ones.

“I still keep in touch with the lads and did some of my coaching badges last season with Malcs.

“That game against Montrose was obviously one to remember.

“All my family came up for it and I was lucky enough to score. Towards the end, we were well in control and Paul, who was on the pitch at the time, turned to me and said, ‘I think we have done it’. “That was a really special moment. “Going into the game, I didn’t feel any extra pressure and it wasn’t until afterwards that it really sunk in what we had achieved.

“To be the first team to win silverware in the entire 133-year history of the club really was extra special.

“To be fair, we probably should have won promotion again the following year.

“I still follow the club’s results and it would be fantastic if they could win the title again on Saturday.”

Falkingham left Arbroath in 2012 to join Dunfermline and he helped the Pars win promotion to the Championship last season. However, he was not given a new deal at East End Park and decided to move back down south, signing for National League North side Darlington.

He relished playing for his new club but was left frustrated when they were denied a place in the promotion play-offs due to red tape.

He said: “I have really enjoyed this season with Darlington after what was a tough summer for me.

“I had always planned to go back home but I felt I had unfinished business in Scotland.

“It just didn’t work out for me at Dunfermline but I was delighted to sign for Darlington and I am back living in Leeds.

“We are in a tough league and made the play-offs but unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take part in them because our ground didn’t meet the criteria.

“You need to have 500 covered seats and we only have 298. So our season finished last weekend.

“I will probably have a couple of weeks off and then see what the future holds.

“But I am really enjoying life.”

… it wasn’t until afterwards that it really sunk in. JOSH FALKINGHAM