Revival - credit where it's due

Last updated : 04 May 2009 By Fargone
Looking back at a strange season, it's hard to believe we've made it to safety after a dire start.

On 15th November 2008, we were on a run of 12 games without a win and only 3 draws amongst them. Rock bottom and going backwards http://www.arbroath-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadpstn.asp

It looked like beng a long agonising winter - the brief bright start back in early August (wth a rare league, and cup win) a distant memory.

Its not been a great season but the team has shown spirit and determination. I'd say we owe a debt of gratitude - maybe eating our words

a) an increasingly solid defence in which Robbie Raeside excelled. 28 goals conceded in the first half of the season, only 18 in the second (with one to play)

Slagged off last season as being slow and past it, Robbie was the lynchpin this season, revealing class at many turns and also posing a regular attacking threat

b) two fantastic loan signings - Steven Doris (in the 4 win streak late in the year) and Craig Forysth. David McGowan was too long injured to fall into this category

c) Our great record in head-to-head games with other teams in the lower half. Later we started picking up points against higher placed teams but kep ourselves ahead in the dog-eat-dog encounters

d) The manager and the staff - no sign of any panic, and despite the rantings of fans, they stuck to their guns and got through.

And maybe a side vote of thanks to the financial incompetence of Stranraer which sealed the automatic relegation slot

Not always pretty but - for the first season in the past 4 - we're spared the delights of the playoffsn