The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
New anthem aims to raise Lichties up
Arbroath FC fans will be harnessing their inner Neil Diamond in the final push towards the Premiership.
Dick Campbell’s men are within touching distance of a history-making season at the top of the Scottish Championship.
And the Gayfield club is reaching out with new lyrics to one of the American singer’s biggest hits to turn it into an Arbroath anthem.
So for Lichties fans hoping for a title miracle, Sweet Caroline has been turned into Smokies and Wine.
Arbroath FC commercial director Paul Reid penned the new version on a quiet night in front of the telly.
He’s hoping it will become the club’s celebration song as league champions – and not one sung blue.
Supporters got together at Gayfield to record the new version on Thursday.
It will blast out over the match-day speakers in the run-in to the season finale.
And Paul drafted in wellknown local singer Alan Mowatt to lead the effort.
Renowned “Rat Packer” Alan is back at the top of his game after a triple bypass op following the drama of suffering a heart attack live on air during a lockdown gig in his Arbroath living room.
Even club mascot Smokie Joe was part of the backing crew.
Paul said: “It’s a bit of fun and hopefully something the fans can get behind.
“And I may have rewritten the lyrics, but I kept myself at the back for the singing bit.”
He joined the Angus outfit last year after 22 years working with Dundee United.
And having heard Beautiful Sunday and Love Is In the Air become Tannadice anthems, the former Arbroath youth star believes Diamond’s hit fits the bill.
“Lots of clubs have their songs, so I wanted to try and get one going here,” he said.
“Sweet Caroline is a great tune, so it was ideal,” he added.
Smokies and Wine has become the combination on Lichties’ lips through the success of a hit local podcast.
Paul added: “It’s just another part of the buzz around the club and the whole town in this fantastic season we’re in.
“Hopefully, we’ll have fans belting it out for the boys.”