A CONCISE POST WAR HISTORY OF THE RED LICHTIES

© Fraser Clyne

Part Five: 1949-50

Former Aberdeen, Chelsea and Scotland player Alec Cheyne beat off a challenge from 60 other applicants to take over as manager of Arbroath in May 1949. Controversy raged, however, over the Town Council's decision to allocate the new boss a municipal house. Supporters of the idea argued that the football club manager was a “key worker” and should therefore be entitled to a house. Opponents countered that there were very many more deserving cases.

Cheyne didn't have his troubles to seek on the field either as his first season in charge turned into little less than a nightmare. New captain Tommy Gray was sidelined with an injury soon after making his debut and the team lost  five of its six games in a League Cup group which included Airdrie, Dumbarton and Dundee United. In the league, home supporters had to wait until 3rd December before witnessing an Arbroath victory when Cowdenbeath were beaten 2-1 at Gayfield. That was one of just five wins the Lichties enjoyed during a campaign which ended with the side finishing third bottom of B Division.

Amongst the many humiliations was a 3-2 home defeat by Angus rivals Forfar who had been newly promoted from C Division. More than 6000 fans watched the Loons record their first victory over Arbroath since season 1934-35. Forfar also won the return match at Station Park on January 2nd by 3-1. The heaviest defeat of all, however, came in February 1950 when the Lichties were crushed 8-3 by Airdrie at Broomfield. Arbroath's misery was compounded by a Rab Quinn penalty miss. Waggie Ross took some consolation by scoring two with Syd Millar getting the third.

The club went into mourning in December 1949 when former long serving player, trainer and manager Bob McGlashan died. Bob had been associated with the club for more than 50 years and was highly regarded throughout Scottish footballing circles.

The Lichties fighting spirit shone brightly, but unsuccessfully, in the Scottish Cup when they were drawn against A Division side Third Lanark at Cathkin Park. The Glasgow outfit were firm favourites but the Lichties stunned the 14,500 crowd when left winger Letters scored the opening goal early in the first half to give Arbroath the lead. Thirds levelled before the interval, however, when a hopeful 40 yard shot from Campbell sailed past goalkeeper Campbell. The winner came fifteen minutes before the end when Arbroath's Campbell was beaten by a Cuthbertson shot. Arbroath pressed strongly from then until the finish but couldn't find an equaliser.

Forfar again inflicted damage by knocking the Lichties out of the Scottish Supplementary Cup winning 3-1 in a replay at Gayfield after the first match had ended 1-1. The Supplementary Cup, open to B Division clubs, was held most seasons between 1946 and 1952 and was intended to give clubs some extra competitive fixtures.

The Forfarshire Cup provided some encouragement as the Lichties progressed to the final in which they drew 1-1 with Dundee at Dens Park. The replay was held over until August 1950 when Dundee won 2-0 in front of 5500 fans.

Manager Cheyne's first year in office ended with fans again expressing concern over what direction the club was taking. The gradual progress made during Archie Anderson's spell in charge seemed to have been swept away and the Lichties were once again scrambling around the lower rungs of the Scottish football ladder.

Next: Further frustration

SCOTTISH LEAGUE B DIVISION 1949-50