Farflung

In fact, quite the reverse. Tend to prefer comments from coaching staff that are accurate rather than b…sh.. - same applies to opposing managers. Expectations were low at the start and, while we can all dream (and talk is cheap), I think we are all delighted at how things have been turning out. I’ve actually been getting a bit irritated at occasional, inevitable loose talk recently about achieving more when the team/management have so harmoniously bought into the ‘one game at a time’ approach.which has stood us in good stead thus far. Believing some of the hype is asking for a fall. Still plenty of the season left in a league that’s become so tight so we need to keep the focus and regain a bit of momentum for potential playoffs and see where that takes us. Incidentally, surely Boris Johnston has lent mindless boosterism such a bad name that would warn others off.?

Well, since that catastrophic start, I feel we’ve had the slightly better of the play. it could they are sitting back on their lead but we’ve shown up well enough but without great final ball or finishing. The slack defensive play for their first two goals was out of character, though the second was well worked by ICT. We’re not out of this but it could also go the other way if we are pressing. Commentary is ok but slightly resent the characterisation of Arbroath play as high balls into the box, trying to impose stop-start. The only other team playing some better combinations on the ground has been earlier season Raith Rovers. Still, easier to use the lazy stereotype for the overachieving part-timers.

Classic case of the team struggling near the bottom getting no breaks. Dunfermline hitting woodwork three times made for a nervy game in which, unusually, we had a lot less possession. But we were fairly wasteful with decent chances we had. But the Arbroath defence is solid and our midfield tenacious (is that not 14 clean sheets - one in every two games?). We could really do with Nicky Low back to assert some control in the midfield. One flash of quality from. McKenna and Hamilton set up the only goal - most of Golds rare goals are when he arrives late into the box. Like most recent games, this was not a comfortable afternoon but delighted to take the win after 4 draws. John Hughes always gives a fair assessment but the Pars just need results, lucky breaks or whatever.

I’m often somewhat envious of the backing the away supports generate, even teams with a good deal fewer fans than Thistle. The Arbroath support often seems mainly reactive and, especially, could do a good bit more to raise the team during periods of the game when we’re up against it. Going way back, the chants from the home support became a real factor and, you sensed, very occasionally influenced games. Credit to those, especially younger fans, who are making an effort at games but - in the run-in- a louder and more consistent vocal support is badly needed and that means getting more vocal. Otherwise, if you think about, what else differentiates a consumer on the terraces from a supporters. Sing up, shout up - make yourself heard.

Cold and breezy night forecast. Isn’t winter football lovely? Conditions like this tend to turn the game into a bit of a lottery so we’ll need to just get about it as usual, and be a bit more considered in some situations (keeper clearances, balls forward). Since Arbroath don’t train anywhere near here, I always consider it a myth that we ‘handle the conditions better’ on the North Sea coast but maybe the actual games have given a little more familiarity with them. Our away record this season is actually better than our home, though far from shabby. Accies were really stuffy the last game (at New Douglas), when they struggled to get forward and were bizarrely time wasting from the minute they went ahead (only TOBs injury time header rescued it)…. But I think they’ve improved a bit and the whole league has tightened up so, as usual, it’s likely to be a close affair. Fans recently joining the Lichtie bandwagon may need to get accustomed to reality.

Joel Nouble man of the match in Livingston’s win over Hibs. No surprise there.

It is a basic fact of life the ‘form’ of football clubs is ephemeral and their fortunes precarious (recent Championship sides such as Cowden, Brechin; look at the former English Premier teams in their third and fourth tiers). Arbroath finished second bottom of the 42 clubs six years ago and scraped survival last season so I doubt one exceptional season would change the perspective of most fans. More difficult times are likely ahead as normal service resumes - ageing management team, loss or ageing of key players/team, simply a bad run of games in a small league.(eg teams finding ways to counteract, etc….. and all adversely affecting crowds, income etc) ….but as I’ve followed it, this discussion has been primarily about ways of establishing a more sustainable model to try and consolidate progress made. The possibility of a fulltime setup - following every club in this league - is a decent talking point prompted by the current exceptional season but the vast majority here has ruled that out but it’s been interesting to see the case pro and con outlined. Lovely to speculate about the possibility of attaining the SPFL (like a pile of other midranking clubs that have played in the top tier Clydebank, Morton, Ayr , Falkirk etc ..and even Arbroath in the 70s pre reorganisation) - don’t think this approaches smugness…. But the moment we start swallowing the hype, hubris. Lichties must enjoy this rare moment in the sun while it lasts. Maybe repairing the roof and investing in quality sun protection to seek to extend it, in the process.

Arbroath’s recent record in cup knockout rounds (ie apart from League Cup group stages) is fairly abysmal. Apart from a very few rare highlights (draw at Parkhead and the same in the replay -except for being robbed by the referee), what sticks in the mind is the upsets (Spartans, Irvine M, Aberdeen A) and just poor results (eg lower league Falkirk last season). So given the Cup is an entirely different kettle of fish, I would be a bit wary of expecting any comfortable passage into a more lucrative next round. The Cups are only area in which our superb management team (and groups of players) has underperformed. Forgivable and you could trot out the argument about dispensing with distractions to concentrate on the League ….but, apart from basic pride in performance, something to be said for keeping a winning mentality and momentum going plus of course the chance to earn a decent payday if we get through. Since I’d imagine our part-time players would generally be keen on playing every weekend, I’d be tempted to keep the tinkering to modest proportions, rest anyone with minor knocks etc (plus maybe Nicky Low just back) but keep unchanged much of the first choice team in place with a sprinkling of adjustments to give game time to some that need it. Darvel are no mugs and with plenty of experienced pros in their ranks, not such a stretch to get a result at Gayfield where our performances and especially results this season have not been as good as our away form (for the usual reasons that the away teams set up to be solid rather than expansive. It would be great to see a good, noisy crowd in and a spectacle (of the worthwhile variety) plus no injuries.

Two observations. I think we’d be wise to stay well clear of the ever inflating hype of our ‘fairytale’ - we can certainly derive immense quiet satisfaction from this position and external regard. Now that the 40 point relegation mark has been reached, I’m ready to talk of competing for the playoffs. But, apart from the mere superstition of ‘tempting providence’, I would be practically concerned that squad, fans etc might just lose focus on the immediate. Just under 40% of the season to go anyway so far too early for one thing. Also how important our defence is a key to our attacking capability. It not just they chip in a fair proportion of goals regularly but how they create the platform. Tam and Ricky are of course legendary but we really miss when either JT or Hammy are out and I think it does create a bit of imbalance. It’s always a joy to see JT, defectively fast, strong and perhaps the best crosser, bombing down into space on the right and creating goal scoring pops. Or big Hammy going forward cleverly probing with the neat passing to the forwards or curling in a cross ( and of course winning the vital penalty). The strong, mobile central pairing with solid keeper perhaps allow these forward pushes more than other teams but it also makes the overall play entertaining. A very modern style too (cf Liverpool, Chelsea, albeit on a different planet). Always a concern when any of the back 5 are out, though in big Henderson, we do have a great potential replacement.

Well done Ayr - a real battling win. Arbroath piled on the pressure second half but their defence stood firm. Conditions looked really difficult so any stretch of decent football was tricky. I’m very happy with the Arbroath commitment and effort, some decent buildup play and a great swansong performance from Nouble. Neither team carved out clear chances so it wasn’t a great surprise that a scramble/lucky break produced the only goal. Despite our territorial advantage, Ayr just sat deep and we didn’t find the final ball to unlock. Think we missed Jason Thomson but Nicky Low’s lively cameo was encouraging. I found the commentary and the stream excellent, don’t know what issue some had with it. I can’t even find fault with the officials. With most teams in this league making significant changes (managers, signings) and probably more competitive, I think we’ll find the second half of the season but our second half showing seemed good enough to get some kind of result in a few games.

..or nearer the 40 point mark which should ensure survival (the sainted Dick’s stated goal). We looked a notch or two above Accies yesterday so, loans/injuries permitting, looking to reassert our Championship status for next season. Carving out a draw when it looked like our superior play would remain unrewarded, was both gratifying and frustrating.

Agreed football fans are hypocrites but Accies raised the bar on this ‘art form’, sorry professional management, to an impressive degree. The nonsense about retrieving the ball wasted plenty time, as did the choreography of players feigning turns at injury and the antics of the back room staff in treatment. Add in a ref who I consider the most clueless encountered this season… you have all the ingredients for a lively stage production with none of that messy football crap involved. I can understand this if up against a big team and especially if not at home. Given Accies are widely held in high esteem for their amazing exploits in the SPFL (that one ran and ran), it’s almost akin to inflicting deliberate reputational damage. Not to mention severely inflated blood pressure That game could have been won by Accies given the slightest effort to get forward second half. Arbroath we’re getting frustrated and committing more forward. Accies defence looked solid throughout so were coping. Arbroath looked good but the final ball always seem to not find its target, no breaks were forthcoming (as against Pars), many had decided this game was one of these days. Gratifying to get the equaliser late. Arbroath did look more athletic in many positions (we’ve been on the wrong side of this in years gone by). Is this because are relying too heavily on younger players? As of late, AFC fans there in numbers but very quiet when the team would have benefitted from vocal support (other than the dirge). I was impressed the the hone fans chanting towards the end, despite being under the cosh.

I live some miles down the coast (in FIfe) and have witnessed severe coastal erosion, literally several metres in a decade. It also gets increasingly and prohibitively expensive to manage, let alone install coastal defences (partly due to more severe storms). So I am assuming the individuals on here that seem to downplay the threat are either inebriated or contrarians. it would be sad to leave Gayfield, so essential to the AFC experience and now elevated to almost iconic status by many away fans but I recall the last plan (90s), involved a move to Hercules Den (close to the Vics?) but that area suffered flooding in recent times. Higher ground needed. Of course, whenever the move becomes necessary, surely covered stadia with full alcohol licences as part of a multi entertainment complex and latest plastic pitch will be the norm. Handy for our sorties into European competition.

That would be a complete waste of time and money. This strikes me as a really ambitious move by the club though I’m not clear whether it’s full or part time. The last few years our ambitious board has revealed and tapped some business potential based on the club that was difficult to identify previously - the sponsorship (business and individual), hospitality, merchandising, etc and maybe there is considerably more out there, even for a town of 25,000. I was hearing of Aberdeen-based companies with no link to AFC buying hospitality. There are probably some established ideas we could borrow from others (a weekly lottery), maybe running the bar/restaurant on nongame days (ie the old supporters club tho issues with Tutties) and there must be more contemporary opportunities to draw in the Lichtie diaspora across the globe.. As long as we keep relatively grounded and sustainable. I also greatly appreciate the adjustment to segregation - much more to the fans’ liking (and our traditions). But it’s getting really crowded in the stand so why not take the full length? It may not be needed headed into poorer weather but would allow more hygienic spacing - at present it’s getting more like a virus spreading opportunity. At away grounds, we are often confined to very small spaces. One issue that needs urgent attention is the tannoy/PA system. It’s virtually inaudible in many parts of the ground and so this good facility/opportunity is being lost. Longer term, some protection along the North Sea, by which I mean a double/triple line of trees as windbreak and maybe some coastal protection (tho this latter unaffordable for the club). Unreal times for Lichties (tho I enjoyed the early/mid 70s former peak) we are in - long may they continue

Unusual scenario here. Can’t recall any situations previously where Arbroath might be favoured to edge Dunfermline in an upcoming game., not that we have shared a division in many seasons. Encouraging to have progressed this far but definitely wary and - especially in this league - it’s clear every week that there is little separating any two sides. Gravity and the laws of physics must reassert themselves sometime which means the Pars will pick up sooner or later while we might have to moderate recently inflating expectations. I note Dunfermline are draw specialists so, while looking for more, ………. another point would take us halfway to the seasons target 40 points which the sainted DC has reiterated is his ambition. Dangerous talk. Gayfield/ home games this season have been lively so hoping for a decent turnout.atmosphere, another good showing and who knows? The lineup is becoming an interesting conundrum.

When we sat back after scoring, I think we needed a bit of midfield solidity especially since it was an unusually attacking lineup with players in different positions than usual - eg McKenna and Donnelly in midfield (the first superb and the second showed some great touches second half). Hence I think Henderson was needed when the tide was running out; or even slotting Gold into a more central midfield role. Good showing from Dowds also but it looked like the new attacking setup meant the players weren’t always on the same wavelength. Disappointed we didn’t convert relative dominance (and corners) into goals but 1-0 is never comfortable. Ayr’s defence was a solid unit. Decent atmosphere (thanks also to the away fans). Some of the younger contingent seemed more into mock provocation of the away fans, which can be tedious but if that generates a bit of ‘excitement’ and incentive to turn up, why not?

Not the liveliest game on a cold afternoon and very few chances at either end. After a run of clean sheets, a bit of defensive sloppiness has crept in - which was probably the only difference today. We’ve had the break of the ball some games this season so the early unlucky deflection was maybe payback but goals were seriously avoidable. That also seemed to change the rest of the game since Raith sat deeper seemed happy to allow us a fair of possession but we struggled to open up their experienced defence. Even big Joel seemed off his game and showed a lack of composure a couple of times when an opening was on. After the blatant handball, it was nice to get the late consolation. Raith seemed solid enough at the back, with the occasional slick one-two going forward but not that impressive, despite their recent run. Forgettable from us, and maybe even Raith glad the crowd seemed sparse. I think we could benefit from getting Nicky Low back and probably David Gold, plus some noise from the away fans. No one seemed satisfied with the officials. What is the point of asst refs if they struggle with the utter basics: a) cannot tell when a ball has crossed the line and b) which side should get a throw-in.?

One thing about these glorious last few games - the number of decent scoring opportunities spurned by our opponents and ourselves. We have a solid, well-drilled defence (look at the generally smart use of the offside trap), and proactive, aggressive defending approach - and it extended to the two stand-ins on Saturday after Gold and Hamilton departed proceedings. However, at the same time, I do get the feeling that we have been a bit fortunate to be on the end of fairly dismal finishing. None of these last 3 games probably warranted clean sheets while we have also managed to score at key times. Given that `goals change games', you wonder if it might be a big ask to sustain this. Given Killie have only conceded one goal so far in the league, you wonder what might `give' this weekend All that said, we've missed a good few chances ourselves so it's maybe just what happens - goals scored is always a minority share of chances created (so is this just restating the bleeding obvious)

Long overdue in my opinion.. Since fishing is greatly diminished as an economic activity in Arbroath (the harbour seems to be mainly marina nowadays), I feel the opportunity to tap into the North Sea fishing community solidarity market has long since gone. Many years spent in farflung places, the nearest I managed was the final scores on BBC World Service, if reception was manageable

I’m in a similar situation, though a bit nearer. I don’t think any of the regular supporters (all season ticket holders) where I stand at Gayfield live in the town with some travelling a fair distance for the game and none makes it to the Q&A evening sessions. Hence a brief summary of the key observations would be greatly appreciated if not here then through some more confidential medium such as email. AFC have greatly improved communication but something like this (eg a short update or even brief bi or monthly newsletter, also short) might help keep the many non-Arbroath resident supporters/season ticket holders in the loop. Two tough games coming up now in quick succession. A real challenge to keep our recent purple patch going but let’s see.

A joyous few weekends to witness these powerful displays and higher scoring wins. Whether it's sustainable over a long season is doubtful but just getting points on the board now can do no harm when the going gets tougher. Plus of course, the extra pleasure of getting back to decent (not just attritional) live football in fine conditions make it all the sweeter. It's interesting that opposition managers (eg Accies among others) point to our experienced squad and the fact they've played together for some time but the Campbells have again added to this platform by some fabulous signings. So...if we can hold onto Nouble and Low stays free of injury.... are key considerations . Dick Campbell's post-match interview is very grounded - restating the ambition is to finish 8th, the importance of fortress Gayfield while also tipping Accies to be in contention towards the end of the season. Enjoying this greatly while it lasts. As somebody who did appreciate the decent squads of the late 1960s and 1970s, which were rather effective, this last decade when we've won leagues (finally) with runs of unprecedented high scoring games home and away probably tops it (with even the Todd Lumsden year finishing second bottom of the heap merely providing a necessary reminder to appreciate what came before and after all the better).

I’m sure yesterday McKenna and Nouble were interchangeable with McK farther forward at least half the time. I also describe Luke Donnelly as a classic No. 10 and Joel N shares a number of similar positional characteristics Tho fairly unique). So in conclusion… does it mean we actually lack a “genuine” striker and a surfeit of No. 10s? Who cares - I notice Mike McK leads the goal scoring charts for the Division.

Enjoyable afternoon and surprisingly comfortable away outing for the Lichties. I’ve never seen Arbroath win at East End and we seem to have played there fairly often in cups in recent years so another plus. Can understand the frustration of the home support since the Pars seemed passive and disjointed and allowed us to knock it around nicely at times without putting us under much pressure. They have enough decent players so I assume it’s a question of integrating them. Some more natural order will be restored as the season progresses but a much better start than last year

That was a lively and enjoyable afternoon, my second game back and fairly refreshing, including from the weather standpoint. Half decent crowd too and sizeable Thistle contingent. First half, we maybe gave them too much respect and they looked slightly sharper though created surprisingly little at the sharp end (and the goal itself an unluck rebound OG). Delighted to score 3 goals over about 12 minutes, given we struggle in this area - and McKenna’s neat free kick on the stroke of half-time was critical. We were well on top most of the 2nd half and frankly disappointed not to score more (especially two excellent chances for Dowds and Linn with only the keeper to beat). This will be a challenging campaign but encouraging that we can compete. The aim is still to make 3rd bottom place.