A CONCISE POST WAR HISTORY OF THE RED LICHTIES

© Fraser Clyne

Part Four: 1948-49

Arbroath’s reputation for unearthing top quality goalkeepers was reinforced during the 1948-49 season when the highly rated Gayfield duo John Bonnar and Ian McGraw signed for Celtic and Leicester City respectively. Bonnar, who joined the Lichties from Polkemmet Juniors in 1946, had been a regular in the first team throughout his time at Arbroath  but the lure of playing for the Hoops proved too great and he moved to Parkhead before the first game of the new campaign. Bonnar would eventually play 180 games for Celtic during a ten year stay in Glasgow’s East End. His greatest accolades came in 1953 when he helped the Bhoys overcome Hibs, Arsenal and Manchester United to win the highly rated Coronation Cup tournament. Bonnar also played for Celtic’s Scottish Cup winning side of 1954.  McGraw, who moved to Arbroath from Rutherglen Glencairn, took over as the Lichties first choice keeper after Bonnar’s departure. His fine performances soon had scouts flocking to Gayfield, and in December 1948 he moved to Leicester City for what was described as one of the highest fees ever paid for a goalkeeper. McGraw starred as the Filbert Street side went all the way in that season’s F.A. Cup, but he missed their 3-1 defeat by Wolves in the final at Wembley because of injury.

The Lichties season was bedevilled by inconsistency but proved much more successful than the previous two years. High scoring wins, draws and defeats featured as Arbroath fans were subjected to a roller coaster of emotions. Stirling Albion were routed 6-1 on their own ground  with Willie Collins grabbing a hat-trick, while Hamilton Accies and East Stirling were both thrashed 5-1 at Gayfield.. There was also an incredible 5-5 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice. Gavin Lang notched a hat-trick that day with the other goals coming from Willie Hill and Waggie Ross. Ross’s last minute counter saved a point for the visitors. Then there was the despair of an 8-0 thumping from Kilmarnock at RugbyPpark. Claims that the icy pitch affected Arbroath more than the home side seemed a fairly feeble excuse.

The Lichties finished the season in seventh position in B Division having lost just two of fifteen games played at Gayfield. The away form was less impressive, however, with just three victories to celebrate.

The Scottish Cup provided a rousing clash with Partick Thistle at Gayfield. A crowd of 6000

watched the visitors race into a two goal lead in the early stages. The Lichties rallied spectacularly and hauled themselves into the lead through goals from Ross, McEwan and Hill. The high flying Maryhill side ultimately proved too strong, however, and eventually ran out winners by 4-3.

The League Cup was disappointing with Arbroath managing just one win from their six group stage games against Ayr United, Dumbarton and Airdrie.

Off the field, the season produced mixed emotions for fans as the season drew to a close. There was pride in hearing that club chairman Provost John Lamb had been appointed President of the SFA but general disappointment that team boss Archie Anderson had decided to accept an offer to take over as manger of Ayr United.

Next: Controversy as new manager is appointed

SCOTTISH LEAGUE B DIVISION 1948-49