A CONCISE POST WAR HISTORY OF THE RED LICHTIES

© Fraser Clyne

Part One: 1945-46

The Scottish Football League creaked back into action in the summer of 1945 after a six year absence. The long war with Germany had been won and the fight against Japan was drawing to a close. Arbroath fans looked forward once again to cheering on their heroes against the best clubs in the land – but they were in for a shock as the club found itself demoted even before a ball had been kicked in anger.

The locals had every right to expect  the Gayfield side would retain its status in the top division of the national competition. When the League was brought to a halt by the outbreak of war in the early weeks of the 1939-40 competition, the Red Lichties were embarking upon their fifth season in the First Division. After winning promotion in season 1934-35, Arbroath had more than held their own against the top guns and were never relegated. There  was, therefore, understandable dismay and even anger in the town when the Scottish League announced that the Maroons would be placed in the newly formed B Division for season 1945-46.

It was widely believed that the Lichties were being punished for failing to remain active during the war years. While many clubs continued to operate in one form or another during this period, Arbroath effectively closed down between 1940 and 1944. Efforts were eventually made to get things going and a team was entered into the wartime North Eastern League for season 1944-45. That gesture wasn’t good enough, however, to convince the sport’s  powerbrokers that the Lichties were worthy of an A Division place.

The decision may have been a blessing in disguise. When the 1945-46 campaign got underway it quickly became apparent that the Lichties were out of their depth even in the lower league. Long serving manager Bob McGlashan struggled to put together a consistent team and it was obvious that the home supporters would have to wait some time before they had much to celebrate. The season ended with the Lichties finishing bottom of the 14 team division, winning just six of 26 games played. The biggest defeat came at Dens Park where eventual B Division champions Dundee thrashed the Lichties 8-0 with Bert Juliussen notching five. Arbroath’s only away win was a remarkable 6-4 success over St. Johnstone at Muirton Park. Home victories were achieved over Albion Rovers, Cowdenbeath, Dundee United, Dunfermline and Raith Rovers.

The League Cup campaign was little better, with Arbroath finishing last behind Dundee and Stirling Albion in the qualifying group stage. There was no Scottish Cup  that season but there was a Victory Cup in which the Maroons went down 7-4 on aggregate to Raith Rovers in the first round.

Manager McGlashan resigned in February 1946, just a few months after a testimonial dinner was held in the town to celebrate his 50 year association with the club. It was the end of an era and the supporters began to look towards an uncertain post war future.

Next: A new manager and Scottish Cup glory.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE B DIVISION 1945-46