Forfar decide to transfer captain back to Lichties

Swankie signs two-year deal with hometown team

Forfar have admitted that selling Gavin Swankie back to rivals Arbroath will be a controversial decision.

Their captain still had a year left on his contract but the Loons have accepted an £8,000 bid for him.

And the Station Park board are well aware that it will provoke strong opinions.

A statement read: “Forfar Athletic have accepted an offer from Arbroath of £8,000 for the transfer of Gavin Swankie.

“The directors of Forfar Athletic realise that Loons supporters may not be happy with this conclusion.

“However, the club will be making no further comment in regard to the situation and all three parties will move on with their preparations for the season ahead.”

The 33-year-old made nearly 200 appearances for Forfar, but was placed on the transfer list after deciding he wanted to move on.

The ex-Dundee and St Johnstone forward, who originally crossed the Angus divide in the other direction, will now link up again with the man who took him to Forfar, Dick Campbell. He has signed a two-year deal.

Campbell said: “Gavin is a quality player and the fact that we were willing to pay a transfer fee for him confirms the regard that he is held in.

“I took him to Forfar and I am delighted to take him back to Arbroath where I am sure that he will be a huge hit.”

Campbell has already brought in Thomas O’Brien and Danny Denholm from Forfar – however he is not concerned about stirring up local rivalry.

He added: “I took those boys to Forfar as well, so it is more about bringing in players who I know will do a good job for Arbroath than trying to get one over anyone.”