Arbroath Football Club: Introduction

Arbroath Football Club, also known as “The Red Lichties,” is a Scottish professional football team based in the town of Arbroath in Angus. The club is one of the oldest football clubs in the world, having been founded in 1878, and has a rich and storied history within Scottish football.

They currently play in the Scottish League One, the third tier of Scottish football. The staff here at the Fanbase wish the supporters every success in the future. Below is our detailed look at the club:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Arbroath Football Club: Nickname

• The Red Lichties: This nickname comes from the red light that was traditionally in use to guide fishing boats safely back to the Arbroath harbour. Indeed, it reflects the town’s strong maritime heritage. They also have another name, which is “The Smokies.”

Home Ground

• Gayfield Park: Arbroath plays their home matches at Gayfield Park, which is famous for being one of the closest football stadiums to the sea in all of Europe. The stadium, built in 1925, has a capacity of around 6,600 spectators, with around 800 seats.
• The sea proximity has become part of the club’s folklore. Indeed, fans often speak about how the coastal weather, including strong winds and rain, can influence games. This ground stands very close to the sea, and waves can reach the stadium walls in bad stormy weather! Therefore, this football ground is the closest club to the sea in the UK.
• The club’s original pitch was close by at Lesser Gayfield.

Arbroath Football Club: Colours

• The club’s traditional colours are maroon or claret, and their kits are usually a deep maroon with white detailing. These colours have become synonymous with the club over time.

Famous Records

• World Record Victory: Arbroath FC holds the record for the biggest victory in senior football history. On September 12, 1885, they defeated Bon Accord by an incredible scoreline of 36-0 in a Scottish Cup match. Jocky Petrie scored 13 goals in this game, which remains a world record for the most goals scored by a player in a single game.

Arbroath Football Club: Historical Overview

• Early Years: Founded in 1878, Arbroath became a member of the Scottish Football Association in 1879. The club made their mark early by competing in the Scottish Cup, and their 1885 win cemented their place in football history.
• League History: Arbroath has spent much of its existence bouncing between the lower tiers of the Scottish Football League. The team has mainly competed in the Scottish Championship, League One, and League Two over the years.
• 1970s Success: One of the more notable periods of success came in the 1970s when the club was promoted to the Scottish top flight, then called the Scottish First Division (before the creation of the Scottish Premier Division in 1975). Their best finish was in the 1974–75 season, when they ended up 11th in the First Division.
• Recent History: Arbroath has been a relatively stable presence in Scottish football over the past few decades. In the late 2010s, the club saw a resurgence, achieving promotion to the Championship in the 2018-19 season under manager Dick Campbell, who led the club to the title in League One.

Arbroath’s trophy cabinet is hardly empty, however, they haven’t won anything major. There have been many occasions when Arbroath have been runners-up in the league tables but have never reached any dizzy heights.

Although Arbroath FC has not got too many honours to speak about, they have won many smaller cups. For example, they were the first team to win the Forfarshire Cup in 1883. The club must like that competition because they have won this cup 18 times in total (1995-96 was the last time).

Notable Managers and Players

• Dick Campbell: Appointed in 2016, Dick Campbell is a hugely influential figure in Arbroath’s recent history. He masterminded the club’s promotion to the Scottish Championship, and his leadership has kept them competitive in a challenging league.
• Notable Former Players: Over the years, the club has had several notable players, including Scotland international Dave Easson and club legend Jim Hamilton, who had two spells with the club and is remembered fondly by fans.

Club Achievements

• Scottish League One Champions: 2018-2019
• Scottish Second Division (now League One): Several-time winners and frequent contenders.
• Scottish Cup: Arbroath has never won the Scottish Cup, but they’ve had a few memorable cup runs, including reaching the quarter-finals.

Rivalries

• Angus Derby: Arbroath’s most significant local rivalries are against other Angus-based clubs, including Montrose, Forfar Athletic, and Brechin City. These encounters, often referred to as the Angus Derbies, are fiercely contested and carry great local significance.

Arbroath Football Club: Fan Culture

• Loyal Following: Despite the small size of Arbroath, the club has a dedicated and passionate fan base. The fans are famous for their strong support, especially at Gayfield Park, where the close-knit community atmosphere is part of the club’s charm.
• Friendly Club: Arbroath is a friendly club, and away supporters mix and mingle while changing ends at half time with each other!
• Community Engagement: The club is actively involved with the local community, offering various youth programs and engagement initiatives, ensuring the next generation of fans and players are developed.

Financial and Ownership Structure

• Arbroath is largely community-owned, reflecting its status as a local institution. Unlike many larger clubs, Arbroath operates on a modest budget, but they have managed to achieve notable success in the Scottish Championship through smart management and player recruitment.

Challenges

• Maintaining Status: The club faces the challenge of maintaining its Championship status, as they compete against teams with larger budgets and bigger fanbases. However, their success in recent years, including several mid-table finishes, highlights their resilience and tactical astuteness.

Current Status

• Recent Seasons: Arbroath has maintained its position in the Championship since their promotion. Moreover, they continue to punch above their weight, challenging for mid-table or even playoff spots. The 2021–22 season was particularly memorable, as they came close to gaining promotion to the Scottish Premiership. However, they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion by finishing second in the Championship.

Notable Facts

• Cup Shocks: Arbroath has occasionally pulled off cup shocks against higher-tier teams, cementing their reputation as a tough, competitive side capable of surprises.
• Sea Influence: The proximity of Gayfield Park to the North Sea has earned it a reputation as one of the most unique football grounds in the world due to the frequent gale-force winds that can impact match conditions.

Arbroath Football Club: In Conclusion

Arbroath FC continues to be a proud representative of the Angus region. Moreover, it maintains its status as one of the most historic and unique clubs in Scottish football. Their identity as a community-driven club with passionate fans and a storied past makes them a beloved part of Scotland’s football landscape.

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** Information updated in September 2024.