The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Arbroath aiming to do fans proud
C their raig Slater insists the Arbroath players will battle to the end, despite Championship fate having already been sealed.
Defeat at Inverness Caley Thistle last weekend extinguished the Lichties’ slim survival hopes.
They now trail the Highlanders by 12 points with four games remaining, though an insurmountable goal difference gap of 37 means League One next season is inevitable.
“It’s hard, there’s no getting away from it,” Slater said.
“There are fine margins in games and probably in both boxes we’ve just not been good enough.
“This is the first (relegation) for me. It’s not nice. Most of all, you feel for everyone at the club in all the different capacities because you know what it means to everyone.
“That’s the hard part but we just need to make sure that next year Arbroath are in a strong position and try to get back up.”
Jim Mcintyre’s side travel to Somerset Park today to take on Ayr United, aiming to win away from home for the first time this year.
It has been a tough week at Gayfield as the club comes to terms that their five-year run in the second tier has come to an end.
Slater says the players are desperate to restore some pride, while lifting the spirits of the club’s loyal supporters.
“The fans are still paying money to watch us and we’ve still got a lot to play for even though our fate is decided for next year,” he added.
“People are playing for contracts and their futures – so motivation won’t be an issue. The fans have been fantastic this year.
“They’ve come out in their numbers time after time, tried to keep positive when they can, even though results haven’t gone our way.
“All the players appreciate it greatly – they’ve been excellent and hopefully we can start picking up a few results to give them something to smile about.”
There was some positive news at Arbroath this week, following the announcement that Scott Stewart has signed a new two-year deal with the club.
It was met by approval from the fans and Slater was also full of praise for the former Airdrie defender, who has racked up 130 appearances since joining in 2019.
Slater said: “For Arbroath to have him signed up for another two years is fantastic.
“He’s a cracking guy off the field as well and a brilliant servant for Arbroath.
“He must be a manager’s dream, if I’m being honest, because he can pop up in all these different positions.”
Stewart said: “It’s great to sign an extension to my contract and commit to at least another two years here at Arbroath.
“I love the club, the people around the club and most importantly our loyal supporters.
“Having been here since 2019, experiencing the highs of the 2021-22 season, I’m desperate to help the club get back to the Championship next season. It’s been a difficult year for everyone as we know, but we’re all committed to bouncing back at the first time of asking.
“The fans were a major part in my decision to stay on at the club.
“The support they’ve given myself and the lads has been amazing and it’s time for us to get the heads down to repay them to get back to where we believe we belong.”
Stalwart Ricky Little misses the trip to Ayr as he starts a two-game ban following his red card at Inverness last weekend, while Colin Hamilton remains sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.