No time for sentiment as Campbell’s Lichties take on league leaders

Dick Campbell is rightly regarded as one of the most experienced and successful managers in the country but he will return today to the place where it all began for him as a player.

The Arbroath boss started his career as a teenager at Tannadice signed by Jerry Kerr 49 years ago.

Campbell, who went on to play for the likes of Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline and Brechin, thoroughly enjoyed his time at the club and made friends for life – including a certain Walter Smith.

However, there will certainly be no room for sentiment when he takes his Arbroath players back to the club in search of Championship points this afternoon.

Campbell said: “United is actually the club where it all started for me as a player in 1970 when I was signed by Jerry Kerr.

“I was there for a season, then I went to Cowdenbeath, had a few years there before being transferred to Dunfermline.

“But I had a great time at United with guys like Walter Smith, Jim Henry, Doug Smith and Andy Rolland.

“That is where my friendship with Watty came from.

“So as ever, I am looking forward to going back there.”

Campbell’s players continued their good start to life in the Championship with a creditable draw against Partick Thistle at Gayfield last Friday night.

That result followed on from a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup tie win over United on penalties at Tannadice a week previously.

However, Campbell is aware this afternoon’s game is a completely different prospect.

He said: “We definitely should have had more than a point last week against Partick Thistle. We should have been well up by the break but unfortunately we weren’t.

“They obviously equalised and then we were unlucky not to score another when Luke Donnelly’s good goal was chalked off.

“We have received a few plaudits here and there for the way we have started the season and having eight points on the board is a decent return.

“But it is still early days and a long way to go in the season so we will not be getting ahead of ourselves.

“I think it will be a different game to the one from a couple of weeks ago.

“We know what is in front of us and I am sure they will show us the greatest respect after we beat them the last time at Tannadice.”

The Arbroath manager has a full squad to choose from although there is a slight injury concern over Josh Campbell.

Picture: SNS. Arbroath manager Dick Campbell, left, with his assistant manager Ian Campbell, will make his return to Tannadice this afternoon.

Old friend: Walter Smith met Dick Campbell during Tannadice spell.