A CONCISE POST WAR HISTORY OF THE RED LICHTIES

© Fraser Clyne

Part Eleven: 1955-56

During the summer of 1955 the Scottish League embarked upon its first major reconstruction since the end of World War Two. Division A was extended from 16 to 18 clubs, a decision which spared Motherwell and Stirling Albion from relegation. Five clubs were allowed to join Division B to bring the number up to 19 while Division C, which was organised on a regional basis and comprised of a number of small clubs plus the reserve teams of Division A clubs, was consigned to the history books. Entrants to Division B included Arbroath’s Angus rivals Brechin City and Montrose. Berwick Rangers, East Stirling and Stranraer were the other newcomers.

Tommy Gray took charge of match day team affairs at Gayfield, Bert Herron became trainer, while local solicitor Wilf Forrester was appointed club secretary. The Arbroath Supporter’s Club eased the club’s financial plight by donating £1550 over the course of the season. Chris Anderson, signed by Alec Cheyne from Aberdeen a few seasons earlier, was appointed club captain. Anderson would go on to become one of Scottish football’s leading administrators and was instrumental, along with Dick Donald and Alex Ferguson, in making the Dons a leading European side in the 1980’s.

Chris couldn’t work his magic for the Lichties, however, as the club continued to struggle. The League Cup campaign was, as had become the norm, a complete disaster. The Lichties lost 7-0 to Hamilton Accies and 5-1 to Cowdenbeath and pocketed  just a single point from six games in a qualifying group that also included Alloa Athletic.

The league campaign was little better with the Gayfield side finishing second bottom of the table with just ten wins from 36 matches. Interestingly, the only three away victories during the season all came against Angus rivals. Montrose were thrashed 6-1 at Links Park,  Forfar were beaten 4-1 at Station Park, and Brechin City were  edged out 2-1 at Glebe Park. Brechin took their revenge in the Scottish Cup. however, when they defeated the Lichties 3-2 in a replay at  Gayfield following a 1-1 draw in the first game.

Arbroath got the better of City at the end of the season in the Forfarshire Cup semi final when goals from Barclay and McGrory earned the Maroons a 2-1 victory. Dundee, with future Arbroath manager Bert Henderson in their line-up, then defeated the Lichties 2-0 in the final at Dens Park.

Floodlit football came to Gayfield during the season and Arbroath’s first game under the lights was against a Forfarshire Junior select on October 5th 1956. The juniors defeated an experimental Lichties line-up 4-3.

Three Arbroath players, Ian Ross, Ian McKenzie and Bobby Williamson,  were selected to represent an Angus Select team to play Dundee in the Forfarshire Charity Cup at Dens Park in May 1956. This was the first time  the trophy had been competed for since the mid 1890’s when Montrose won it. Dundee took possession of the cup on this occasion, however, with a 2-0 win and the £200 gate receipts were donated to the British Olympic Appeal.

Ross eventually moved to English first Division side Preston North End in a £4000 transfer while club funds were further boosted when full back Ed Skinner joined Dundee for £2000.

Next: League Cup Drama

SCOTTISH LEAGUE B DIVISION 1955-56