Why Red Lichties gaffer has banned talk of promotion

Dick Campbell’s Arbroath could solidify their Championship play-off credentials today.

But the Red Lichties gaffer has banned his players from even talking about a top four finish.

Campbell’s side face Ayr United at Gayfield knowing a win would keep them well in contention at the top end of the table.

It would be a fourth victory on the spin for the division’s form side.

But in spite of their lofty league position, their manager insists nobody in his dressing room will be allowed to mention a potential promotion scrap.

“Listen, my objective is the same as it has been since day one – finishing eighth,” said Campbell.

“I’m not talking about anything else and neither are any of my players. “I won’t allow them to talk about it. “We’re a part-time team and that means we have a certain agenda.

“The full-time teams have all got the same agenda – to try and get into the Premiership.

“But for ourselves and Alloa, our agenda is to try and stay in the league.

“That hasn’t changed as far as I’m concerned, but I’m certainly enjoying the season so far, and I know the players are enjoying it too.”

As they were for last week’s win over Queen of the South, strong winds are forecast for tomorrow’s clash with the Honest Men.

The Lichties are used to dealing with the climactic peculiarities thrown up by Gayfield’s proximity to the North Sea.

However, Campbell admits Ayr will offer his side a stiff test.

“I’m slightly concerned about this game,” he admitted.

“I think Ayr will end up in the play-offs come the end of the season – and they gave us a bit of a doing the last time they came to Gayfield.

“But I’ll be naming the same team again.

“Very few teams in this division – other than Dundee United – will win three games in a row, as we just have, so those players have all earned their places.

“They have never let me down. “I’ve heard talk about us being the form team in the league, and of course that’s nice to hear.

“But as I’ve said, our objective is the same now as it was on day one.

“Once we’ve achieved that, then anything extra will be a bonus.”

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell insists the objective is for his team to finish no worse than eighth.