Dick Campbell’s team talk for his Arbroath players before they take the pitch at Meadowbank this afternoon will be a straightforward one.
The Gayfield side haven’t yet beaten the SPFL new boys Edinburgh City, and it’s time that was put right.
Campbell is full of admiration for the way in which City have taken to League Two football after a shaky start.
But, after drawing with them and losing to them so far in this campaign, he’s is determined that it will be third time lucky for the Red Lichties.
The veteran boss, who has let Michael Dunlop and Gary Phillips leave the club and sign for Berwick Rangers, said: “Gary (Edinburgh manager Gary Jardine) has turned them round from the team I saw at the start of the season and he deserves all the credit he’s getting for that.
“They’ve beaten us and they’ve drawn with us so it’s time we won. My players will need no motivation.”
Campbell is happy with the position his side find themselves in – on the shoulder of leaders Forfar in second, seven points behind.
“We’re going well,” he said. “We’re where I’d want us to be. There’s a long way to go and we’ve got Forfar to play twice. We’re getting better and can only improve more.”
Explaining the decision to allow Dunlop and Phillips to move on, Campbell said: “They’re both good guys. I’ve known Michael for five years.
“But it’s the right thing to do. They both need to play games. They go with our good wishes and appreciation.
“I’ve already brought Bryan Hodge in and there could be a couple more over the next few days. The two lads leaving will free up a bit of space.
“You see a lot of managers waiting until the end of January but I don’t see the point in that. This is an important month. There are five games and 15 points to play for.”
