Arbroath had the smallest squad in the Championship last season but defied the odds until the very end.
Can the Lichties go all the way again?
Dick Campbell has the bulk of last season’s team in place again, but there are some gaps that need filled before the start of the season in July.
As the only part-time team in the league, the Gayfield gaffer has the difficult task of sourcing better players than he already has.
It’s likely he’ll once again dip into the loan market, which has proven so successful previously.
Courier Sport takes a look at the areas of the Arbroath squad that need strengthening ahead of the next Championship season.
Goalkeepers
Derek Gaston recently penned a new two-year deal with the club and will remain first choice stopper.
His understudy for last season, Calum Antell, is moving on to pastures new with Berwick Rangers.
The side have since brought in Cammy Gill who Dick Campbell believes could challenge Gaston for the No.1 jersey.
In case of emergencies, they could rely on 50-year-old Rab Douglas to put a shift in.
Defence
The much-trusted back four of Jason Thomson, Ricky Little, Tam O’Brien and Colin Hamilton all remain.
Midfielders David Gold and Scott Stewart can cover in the right and left back positions but are more effective further up the field.
Liam Henderson has left the club for Falkirk, despite being offered a new contract.
At least one left and centre back for cover will be required.
Midfield
The midfield of the team still looks fairly healthy with key men Michael McKenna, Nicky Low and Scott Stewart still on the books.
As are back up players David Gold and James Craigen. Youngster Dylan Paterson could see game time next season, as well as club legend Bobby Linn.
Dick Campbell has further bolstered his midfield with the signing of Keaghan Jacobs.
The former Livingston ace looks set to fill the defensive midfield place of Chris Hamilton.
McKenna can play that role but, given he was top scorer in the Championship last season, his talents are suited at the other end of the park with Jacobs addition.
A left winger would also be a handy addition with 36-year-old Linn unlikely to play every minute of every game next season.
Forwards
This is the one area Dick Campbell will have to put a lot of work in to.
Arbroath currently have just two strikers in Luke Donnelly and Dale Hilson. The pair scored six goals between them last term – just one of those was in the league.
With Jack Hamilton and Craig Wighton returning to their parent clubs, and Sam Ford and Michael Bakare on their way out, there is a bit of space to fill.
A classic No.9 and out-and-out goal-getter are first on the list before adding another two add depth to his attacking options.
Just 17 of the Lichties 54 league goals came from strikers last season, Campbell will be desperate to bring in the right players to smash that tally.
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