Arbroath/Gayfield Park

[King Cosell]

Even though they play in maroon, I'd love to see them in the top flight. They'd have to upgrade their ground or share, wouldn't they? Anyone know the regulations?

[Dr What If?]

Best chance there is for SPL football as Dens next season :greengrin

[The 90+2]

Even though they play in maroon, I'd love to see them in the top flight. They'd have to upgrade their ground or share, wouldn't they? Anyone know the regulations?


Sure stadiums need 6k. They will share if they come up.

[King Cosell]

Sure stadiums need 6k. They will share if they come up.

It holds 6,600, but only 861 seats.

[LancashireHibby]

Although there will be a certain minimum standard in terms of floodlights, media requirements and the like, the stadium capacity sort of stuff is now far more relaxed than the days of 10,000 minimum seats I think?

[Pretty Boy]

I played at Gayfield about 15 years ago. Won comfortably but it was the worst conditions I have ever played in. Freezing cold, howling gales and heavy rain. The wind was so bad towards the end of the game we were praying the ref allowed it to finish. I took a goal kick that barely travelled 25 yards.

It would be interesting to see a few of the pampered players at the big boys slogging it out there in January.

[davhibby]

Sure stadiums need 6k. They will share if they come up.

Nope. The requirements are the same as they have to follow to play in the Championship right now which has been the case for almost 10 years now. Would be a brilliant day out if they do come up

[King Cosell]

Nope. The requirements are the same as they have to follow to play in the Championship right now which has been the case for almost 10 years now. Would be a brilliant day out if they do come up

Wouldn't they have to put up barriers for safe standing?

[angus hibby]

Isn’t undersoil heating required as well? Pretty sure they don’t have that.

[hibby rae]

I played at Gayfield about 15 years ago. Won comfortably but it was the worst conditions I have ever played in. Freezing cold, howling gales and heavy rain. The wind was so bad towards the end of the game we were praying the ref allowed it to finish. I took a goal kick that barely travelled 25 yards.

It would be interesting to see a few of the pampered players at the big boys slogging it out there in January.

But can they play at Arbroath on a Tuesday night?!

[hibby rae]

Isn’t undersoil heating required as well? Pretty sure they don’t have that.

Not sure every club in the top flight has that.

Can we not just say they are doing safe standing? Would love to see them win the league, would be even more fun if they could still play at Gayfield.

[davhibby]

Wouldn't they have to put up barriers for safe standing?

There’s nothing in the rules to suggest that. As I said there’s no difference in the stadium rules between the Championship or the Premiership. It’s been confirmed before that Ayr and Queen of the South would’ve been fine to play in the Premiership if they’d won the playoffs in the past

[Coco Bryce]

My mate used to play for Arbroath about 25 years ago. It was brutal then. God knows what state it is in now.

[LustForLeith]

For Dick Campbell, an absolute legend of the game, and for the fact they’re a part time outfit I hope they get promoted

[marinello59]

Gayfield is a cracking wee ground , I hope they do get to play there if they go up, I love the idea of some of the top league prima donnas having to battle the elements there. :greengrin
They are limited space wise but they could perhaps install some temporary seating if required.

[DanishJohn]

My cousin used to play for Arbroath in the early 70's. I remember my auntie used to tell us about Albert Henderson (manager at the time) phoning their house on a Friday night and asking if my cousin was in his bed ! Can remember going up to their house on a Sunday morning and my cousin's legs were covered in gentian violet ,applied by my uncle to deal with the bruises.

On amore serious note he told me of a Celtic hero that could be a bit late in removing his boot in a tackle, and then playing at Ibrox and a Rangers player shouting " Get into that Fenian B****rd .

[oneone73]

My cousin used to play for Arbroath in the early 70's. I remember my auntie used to tell us about Albert Henderson (manager at the time) phoning their house on a Friday night and asking if my cousin was in his bed ! Can remember going up to their house on a Sunday morning and my cousin's legs were covered in gentian violet ,applied by my uncle to deal with the bruises.

On amore serious note he told me of a Celtic hero that could be a bit late in removing his boot in a tackle, and then playing at Ibrox and a Rangers player shouting " Get into that Fenian B****rd .
Was the Celtic hero Bertie Auld, by any chance?

[DanishJohn]

Was the Celtic hero Bertie Auld, by any chance?

No.

[wookie70]

Hope the come up. Enjoyed going to Hayfield when we played them in a friendly a wee while back

[ekhibee]

There’s nothing in the rules to suggest that. As I said there’s no difference in the stadium rules between the Championship or the Premiership. It’s been confirmed before that Ayr and Queen of the South would’ve been fine to play in the Premiership if they’d won the playoffs in the past

I don't mean to argue the point, I can see where you're coming from, but I'm sure a few years back Ayr's stadium would definitely NOT have qualified, and neither would QOS, but I think they have changed the rules since then. It might have had something to do with what happened at Brockville around that time, Falkirk were told they would not get promoted unless they increased the seating capacity or something like that. But as I said I think they've changed the rules again.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Leigh Griffiths could do worse than offer to play for Arbroath for nowt for the rest of the season and get himself rolled up into a feel good story.

[heretoday]

Hibs had a few nightmares involving Arbroath in the 70s.

[greenlex]

Good on them but I hope they are nowhere near the Premiership next season. Scottish football is ridiculed enough. I can imagine a Hollywood “d” movie about their exploits with them playing in tartan and running out to highland cathedral on the bag pipes and shortbread at half time. Fingers crossed.

[wookie70]

Hope the come up. Enjoyed going to Gayfield when we played them in a friendly a wee while back

[davhibby]

I don't mean to argue the point, I can see where you're coming from, but I'm sure a few years back Ayr's stadium would definitely NOT have qualified, and neither would QOS, but I think they have changed the rules since then. It might have had something to do with what happened at Brockville around that time, Falkirk were told they would not get promoted unless they increased the seating capacity or something like that. But as I said I think they've changed the rules again.

The rules changed when the SPFL formed, the SPL rules before that stopped a few teams coming up I think

[SHODAN]

Grew up in Carnoustie so always had a soft spot for Arbroath, and went to see them a few times when I still lived up there.

I imagine they'd have to groundshare with United, though hopefully the promotion cash would allow them to redevelop Gayfield.

[StevieT]

20 minutes from my house. Hope they go up

[Iggy Pope]

I went to the pre season game a couple of seasons back and it was cold then and it was July .
First visit was the cup tie in 1977 with a rare John Blackley goal rescuing us until they pumped us out in the replay!

I get the feeling that if they come up they will be a ****ing pain in our arse!

[Sir David Gray]

It would be a great story if they come up although from my own point of view I don't imagine Gayfield has great wheelchair access/facilities so hopefully they will groundshare with Dundee.

[Greencore]

Good on them but I hope they are nowhere near the Premiership next season. Scottish football is ridiculed enough. I can imagine a Hollywood “d” movie about their exploits with them playing in tartan and running out to highland cathedral on the bag pipes and shortbread at half time. Fingers crossed.

I'd watch it.

[greenlex]

I'd watch it.:greengrin

[hibeg]

Hibs had a few nightmares involving Arbroath in the 70s.


The worst I can recall is a Scottish cup replay at ER when they beat us 2-1.
Big blonde striker Fletcher scored for them I think
That was a horrendous game to watch !

[Iggy Pope]

The worst I can recall is a Scottish cup replay at ER when they beat us 2-1.
Big blonde striker Fletcher scored for them I think
That was a horrendous game to watch !

I watched it in a soaking wet Dunbar end. We were 1-0 up. Can’t recall why I was in there but there was sheer fury afterwards and a mob gathered behind the stand. Not everything about Tom Hart and Eddie Turnbull time was as rosy as it seems now.

I also remember a 0-0 at ER in the earlier 70s, Gordon Marshall in goals for them and a game we were expected to stroll.....

[Inconsequential]

Good on them but I hope they are nowhere near the Premiership next season. Scottish football is ridiculed enough. I can imagine a Hollywood “d” movie about their exploits with them playing in tartan and running out to highland cathedral on the bag pipes and shortbread at half time. Fingers crossed. Well, I hope they do gain promotion and play at Gayfield. This is exactly what football should be about. Ross County compete in the Premiership and are based in Dingwall a much smaller town than Arbroath. C'mon the Red Lichties stir up the corrupt big guns!

[hibby rae]

It would be a great story if they come up although from my own point of view I don't imagine Gayfield has great wheelchair access/facilities so hopefully they will groundshare with Dundee.

From the Arbroath website:

"Gayfield Park, home of Arbroath FC has two enclosed disabled seating areas on either side of the main stand which are reserved for wheelchair users and their assistants / carers. Each area can accommodate up to 3 wheelchairs and 3 assistants / carers.

These areas also have wall attached seats which fold down in place for any assistant or carer that is present on the day.

Each side is accessible via a smooth flat surface suitable for wheel chairs with a disabled toilet on the opposite side of the stand.

Our match day stewards are always on hand to give assistance either into the ground, or to the accessible areas.

Unfortunately due to Gayfield’s location we don’t own any parking spaces around the ground, but there is plenty of spaces on either side of the ground to park which is all completely free.

If the distance from the main gate to the accessible area is too far, then we are happy to accommodate a vehicle into the ground for a close drop off. In this circumstance we would please ask that you contact the club a day or two before hand and arrive a little earlier than normal.

We offer a concession admission for those with a disability and free admission to any assistant or carer present.

We are a community club and hope to give all visiting and home fans the same experience as they are welcomed into our ground.

The attached image shows the two areas of the main stand which are reserved.

If you have any questions we are always there to help Tel; 01241-872157 or email; [email protected]"


From my experience in a previous job they seem fairly on it

[Tommy75]

Good on them but I hope they are nowhere near the Premiership next season. Scottish football is ridiculed enough. I can imagine a Hollywood “d” movie about their exploits with them playing in tartan and running out to highland cathedral on the bag pipes and shortbread at half time. Fingers crossed.

This is where I'm at. Other than being a nice wee story, I don't think they would offer much in terms of raising the profile of the league. I like Dick Campbell but the last thing the Scottish top flight needs is another 'small' club.

[hibby rae]

This is where I'm at. Other than being a nice wee story, I don't think they would offer much in terms of raising the profile of the league. I like Dick Campbell but the last thing the Scottish top flight needs is another 'small' club.

I'd say they'd do more to raise the profile than a Killie getting promoted. It's a great story that people would have an interest in.

Clearly good enough if they win the league so good on them! Yhis is what it's meant to be about.

[Inconsequential]

I'd say they'd do more to raise the profile than a Killie getting promoted. It's a great story that people would have an interest in.

Clearly good enough if they win the league so good on them! Yhis is what it's meant to be about. Hear, hear.

[Northernhibee]

Quite honestly I’d be bricking it if we got them away from home in the cup. A very tough team to beat who have scored a few late winners in the last season or two. They never accept that they’re out of a game.

[Sir David Gray]

From the Arbroath website:

"Gayfield Park, home of Arbroath FC has two enclosed disabled seating areas on either side of the main stand which are reserved for wheelchair users and their assistants / carers. Each area can accommodate up to 3 wheelchairs and 3 assistants / carers.

These areas also have wall attached seats which fold down in place for any assistant or carer that is present on the day.

Each side is accessible via a smooth flat surface suitable for wheel chairs with a disabled toilet on the opposite side of the stand.

Our match day stewards are always on hand to give assistance either into the ground, or to the accessible areas.

Unfortunately due to Gayfield’s location we don’t own any parking spaces around the ground, but there is plenty of spaces on either side of the ground to park which is all completely free.

If the distance from the main gate to the accessible area is too far, then we are happy to accommodate a vehicle into the ground for a close drop off. In this circumstance we would please ask that you contact the club a day or two before hand and arrive a little earlier than normal.

We offer a concession admission for those with a disability and free admission to any assistant or carer present.

We are a community club and hope to give all visiting and home fans the same experience as they are welcomed into our ground.

The attached image shows the two areas of the main stand which are reserved.

If you have any questions we are always there to help Tel; 01241-872157 or email; [email protected]"


From my experience in a previous job they seem fairly on it

Cheers, what I'm not clear about from that though is whether either of the areas are in the away end.

Not keen on going back to the days of disabled away fans being lumped into the home areas of the ground.