Campbell ‘excited’ to put changes to squad mechanics to the test

It has been a case of looking under the bonnet and not the bunnet for Arbroath manager Dick Campbell this week ahead of his side’s game with visitors Queen of the South.

The Red Lichties have lost their opening three matches in the Championship and Campbell opted to delve deep into why as he explained: “Some managers may well not fancy their next game after losing three but I do, as I have had the chance to change things.

“Losing at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend was disappointing, especially as we had the lead at halftime and I thought that we would go on and win.

“However, we lost a goal before I had taken my seat at the start of the second half.

“We settled down again and looked the likelier team to go on and win but went behind to a bit of a wonder-strike after we lost possession from our own set piece. We eventually lost 3-1 and as it came after defeats to Raith and Hearts I had to take stock.”

“We have had a tough start in terms of fixtures but one thing we certainly need to do be tter is defend.”

Campbell added: “I did not think that there was actually much wrong but there was something, so I have got right in among things this week to try and fix it.

“I enjoyed looking under the bonnet and that, coupled with a great week’s training, has me excited about playing Queen of the South.

“They have had a similar start to ours and they will be just as keen as us to get a win and get things going.

“Hopefully the tinkering I have been doing will get us motoring.”

The injured Colin Hamilton will miss out for the Red Lichties, however James Craigen is fit again and included in Campbell’s thoughts for a starting place with the Gayfield boss adding: “I normally name my team early, however I have not done that this week. The boys need to be on their toes and therefore I am keeping them that way for as long as possible.”