Banned boss backs his players to carry on

Arbroath manager Dick Campbell will kick off his dugout ban from a seat in the Stair Park stand at Stranraer today.

Campbell, below, was given a fivematch ban plus two suspended by the SFA on Thursday, his punishment for going on to the pitch at Somerset Park to confront referee Mike Roncone during the 4-1 Scottish Cup defeat by Ayr United on January 20.

The Lichties gaffer will miss the clash against the Blues, then also sit out fixtures against Alloa, Raith Rovers, Albion Rovers and, finally, the aforementioned Ayr.

Campbell, who has speculated that he might even give up standing on the touchline for good, is confident that not having their boss shouting at them from the sidelines will not be a problem for his players. He said: “You all know what I’m like – I’m a passionate guy. I’m especially passionate when it comes to football and my team.

“I will see how it goes over the next five games and then take it from there.

“We are going down to Stranraer with confidence because the players have been doing well so it (his ban) shouldn’t affect anything.”

His trip to Hampden to face the disciplinary panel on Thursday was the lowlight of an otherwise great day for Campbell, who was earlier named the Ladbrokes Scottish League One manager of the month for January.

Campbell added: “It is nice to get these awards but I said way back at the start of the season that I had a good team and they are just proving me right.”

The last time the Gayfield men visited Stranraer, on September 23, they came away with a spectacular 6-2 victory thanks to goals from Tom O’Brien, Danny Denholm (2) and Ryan McCord (3).

“We haven’t lost in the league since before Christmas – six matches – so we are in good shape going into what will be a difficult match,” added Campbell.