Arbroath chairman Mike Caird has hailed 2019 as “an incredible year” for the Lichties.
The Gayfield club strolled into 2020 on the back of a fabulous 1-0 win over promotion hopefuls Inverness Caley Thistle in the Highlands on Saturday.
The part-time Angus men now sit just three points off a promotion play-off position in the Championship.
Also, the celebrations that marked their clinching of the League Once title are still fresh in the memory.
All in all, Dick Campbell’s players have been a credit to themselves, their fans and the town.
It is little wonder that the new year message from the boardroom was as rosy as the jerseys at Gayfield.
Mr Caird said: “As we go into the second half of the season at what is undoubtedly one of the best times in the history of Arbroath Football Club we can reflect on 2019 as an incredible year for all supporters of the club.
“Winning the League One title and now competing and holding our own in the Championship makes me very proud as chairman.”
He picked out the backing the Lichties got at Somerset Park on a rain-lashed Tuesday, December 20 night as evidence of how much they have progressed as a club.
The chairman added: “Something recently that really brought home to me the commitment that some people have to supporting the club was down at Ayr United.
“Despite horrendous weather conditions, with transport diverted and real doubts as to if the game would go ahead, there were still a healthy number of dedicated individuals who turned up and helped us achieve a good result (a 1-1 draw) far away from home.
“Also, news that some didn’t actually make it until the second half started humbled me as chairman in knowing that we have truly devoted fans in our ranks.
“I have no doubt that the dedication will continue into 2020 and beyond.”
Mr Caird added: “Our success as a club is down to the team ethos, hard work and dedication of the management, players, club staff, my fellow directors and you as supporters all pulling together to achieve the best we can be.”
