Lichties boss still smarting from rival’s comments

Campbell says Arbroath merit more respect ahead of trip to Inverness

Arbroath may have another match up in Inverness to look forward to today but Red Lichties boss Dick Campbell is still less than pleased with the comments from the manager of last week’s opponents Queen of the South.

The teams fought out a 0-0 draw at Gayfield on a day to remember for the Angus club with the League 1 championship flag being unfurled before kick-off.

However, Doonhamers boss Allan Johnston left Campbell fuming at the final whistle when he spoke to the press and said: “No disrespect to Arbroath, but we should be coming here and winning.”

No disrespect may have been intended but that was certainly the way his comments were received by his opposite number.

Campbell, though, is determined to use that as motivation for his players and he will be more than happy if other opponents are similarly dismissive of his part-time side this season.

The veteran manager said: “I was a wee bit disappointed with the comments from Allan Johnston. We don’t deserve to be treated like that.

“But if every team comes to Gayfield and thinks like that, then good luck to them.

“Overall, I felt we did quite well against Queen of the South. We could have won the game but we could have lost the game.

“There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge but the players now have an idea of what we will be up against this season.”

While Arbroath were playing Queen of the South, Inverness were being beaten by Dundee United at Tannadice.

Tangerines striker Lawrence Shankland ran riot against John Robertson’s Highland outfit, with a four-goal haul.

However, Campbell is wary of a backlash when his side make the long journey north this afternoon.

He added: “I don’t like playing teams that have suffered a heavy defeat the week before.

“But I am more interested in how we go about our business up in Inverness.

“We are not going to be cannon fodder for anyone, so we will approach the game with confidence determined to get another good result.”

Arbroath’s Gavin Swankie will miss the match with a groin strain.

Picture: SNS. Arbroath manager Dick Campbell was happy with his team’s start to life in League 1.

Queen of the South boss Allan Johnston said his remarks were not intended to be disrespectful.