Gary Bollan’s “proven track record” secured him the Forfar job, according to chairman Alastair Donald.
It was an impressive list of applicants that Donald and his fellow board members had to whittle down, but the former Airdrie and Livingston manager’s lower league achievements ensured he emerged as their number one choice.
“The attraction for the board (not just me) was the fact that Gary has a proven track record,” said Donald.
“He had two successive promotions with Livingston.
“Then at Airdrie he took over a club that was at the foot of the table, had an instant impact and turned things around there.
“He knows this division well so there will be no surprises for him.
“Any time we were about to play Airdrie I always knew that we would be in for a hard game.”
Bollan will bring his backroom team – Stuart Balmer and Ian Flaherty – with him to Station Park.
Unfortunately that is likely to mean caretaker manager at the weekend, Stewart Petrie, will be moving on.
Donald wanted to put on record his appreciation of Petrie.
“Stewart has agreed to take training tonight,” he said. “That is the measure of the man.
“I was very impressed with him over the last 10 days and there were a few candidates who were close to getting the job.
“By allowing Gary to bring his backroom team we’re giving him the best possible chance. It’s important we get this right.”
Donald is hopeful that Barry Sellars will stay on.
The target for Forfar this season is still getting into the promotion play-offs.
“Nothing’s changed,” said Donald. “In this league you’re always two wins away from success or failure. Gary’s inherited a great set of players and hopefully we can start moving up the league table.“
Forfar have taken some flak for the sacking of Dick Campbell – unjustly as far as Donald is concerned.
“A lot has been said,” he explained. “Far too much probably.
“Dick was at Forfar for eight years. How often does that happen at a football club these days?
“There have been some tough times when we stuck by our manager over those eight years and I think we should be congratulated for that.
“It’s now time to move on and put the last chapter behind us.”