By Graham Brown

FORFAR ATHLETIC have quickly filled their hot seat vacancy to give Dick Campbell a managerial return to Angus.

The former Brechin City boss was hotly tipped to succeed Jim Moffat—who the Station Park outfit parted company with last month—and the rumours proved spot on with confirmation of the appointment at tea-time yesterday.

Loons vice-chairman Mike McEwan revealed Campbell’s appointment, in the absence of chairman Neill Wilson who has been closely involved in the negotiations whilst holidaying abroad.

Forfar axed Moffat with one game of their dismal third division campaign left and said they were keen to get a new face at the helm as quickly as possible in order for the rebuilding process to begin for next season.

“We are delighted to have acquired the services of a manager with a proven track record such as Dick Campbell has,” said Mr McEwan.

“There was a very good calibre of applicant for the position but Dick stood out in the list of candidates.

“We are very pleased to have concluded the negotiations to bring Dick to Station Park and hope that he can lead an upturn in Forfar’s fortunes after a very disappointing season,” Mr McEwan said.

The Sky Blues have 13 players on contract for next year but a number of key players are still to commit to the club and it is likely Campbell will be speaking to them before their deals run out.

Campbell, who has been given a two-year contract, was manager at Dunfermline before enjoying a successful reign at Glebe Park which ended at the beginning of 2005 with a move to Firhill.

He was later sacked by Partick but then moved north to take charge of Ross County, leading them to the top of division two before stepping down after less than five months in charge.

The new manager is understood to be considering his back room team. Details are likely to become clearer at the beginning of next week.