Arbroath enjoyed a hugely successful campaign which ended with wild celebrations on the last day of the season after being crowned League Two Champions and being promoted to League One. The Red Lichties had endured a season to forget in 2015/16 which saw finish second bottom of the table under rookie boss Todd Lumsden. He was sacked in March 2016 and replaced by the experienced Dick Campbell, who had spent seven successful years at Angus neighbours Forfar Athletic. He was a busy man during the close season as he strengthened the squad with the likes of the experienced strike-duo of Bryan Prunty and Steven Doris from Airdrie and Stirling Albion respectively. Defender Colin Hamilton signed from Alloa Athletic whilst midfielder Ryan McCord joined from Raith Rovers and the side made a slow but steady start to the new season. They climbed into second place in December but had given local rivals Forfar Athletic a significant head start in the race of the title. They remained unbeaten away from home in the league early September but five home defeats didn’t help their promotion push. The form of midfielder Ryan McCord towards the end of the season was pivotal as they overtook Forfar Athletic at the top of the table on the penultimate weekend of the season and a draw away at Stirling Albion on the final day was enough to be crowned Champions and return to League One following a three-month absence. Ryan McCord finished as leading goalscorer with 13 goals, one more than Steven Doris, and was player of the season. Colin Hamilton was an integral part at the centre of a defence which conceded a division’s best of just 36 goals whilst Bobby Linn was a creative force again on the left wing. If they can add one or two players to the squad the Red Lichties can head into the new season with plenty of optimism.
