Campbell talks of better times down the line

Stevie Campbell’s phone has been red-hot thanking Brechin City fans for their sterling support – and joked his own ears have been left ringing at times.

The Glebe Park No 2 has spent recent days ringing round lifelong Brechin supporters to salute their backing, as well as letting them know the part-time Angus outfit haven’t forgotten about them during the Covid-19 shutdown.

Several die-hard followers have dug deep to lend their support through the club’s ‘Fighting Fund’.

Assistant boss Campbell admits it’s been good to talk – even though he’s got it in the neck from some fans frustrated at watching their side finish bottom of League Two last season.

Campbell said: “This has been difficult for everybody. So, I mean it when I say it’s been a brilliant experience just to talk and connect with supporters.

“I’ve been phoning around and having a blether with many who are in their 80s and 90s – true lifelong supporters.

“Margaret, who is 92 this Thursday, is the oldest and I was speaking to another fan who’s in his 80s and he recently lost his wife.

“They just like a blether, so they thank me for phoning. But, if truth be told, before I come off the phone I say to them they’ve actually been an inspiration to me.

“To be fair, I’ve been getting a wee bit of stick as well, which we have a laugh about!

“Everybody knows it’s not been good enough at Brechin in the past few seasons. They’re quick to remind me of that, so we agree it’s got to change.

“It was stressful last season being bottom and fighting relegation, so the last thing we want is a repeat of that.”

It’s a far cry from summer months spent phoning players trying to lure them to Glebe Park, but something which Campbell insists has him itching for the new season to get under way with Mark Wilson’s men.

He added: “Normally at this time of year, I’m busy phoning players to see if they’d be interested to come to Brechin even on loan.

“Now this is totally different but it’s all about connecting with those who’ve stood by the club through thick and thin.

“Of course, we thank them for their donations.

“But it’s important we’re there for them as well just to make sure they’re OK as many of them have been quarantined for some weeks now.

“It makes me get excited for football to start again. In truth, I just can’t wait for a start date, whenever that will be.

“These supporters deserve the best. Next season we want to be challenging at the other end of the table, and give them something back for all their loyalty and commitment.”