Mark Whatley claims it has taken less than a week for Dick Campbell to inject the belief back into relegation-haunted Arbroath.
Campbell took over the reins at the Angus side last Tuesday after the dismissal of Todd Lumsden.
While they lost his debut game away to Berwick, the 3-0 home success over bottom side East Stirlingshire has helped them open up an eight-point gap over Saturday’s rivals as they bid to avoid a pyramid play-off.
Angus rivals Montrose know only too well how precarious that game can be after they stared relegation from the SPFL in the face during a tense showdown with Highland League Brora Rangers last term.
“We were only five points away from East Stirling and if we had lost we would have been just two ahead. You don’t have to be a genius to do the maths,” said Whatley.
“It’s been a big week since the new manager came in. He has only had us for three sessions two games and a night’s training but has had a big impact. Everything he says is worth listening to. He’s so upbeat, so positive and his belief has spread through the squad.
“You could see how we were at 2-0. We were suddenly playing without fear and playing some great football.
“The manager is generating a great atmosphere at the club and I hope we can kick on now.”
Craig Wilson headed home his side’s opener on just 11 minutes.
Whatley netted a second-half rebound after Kane Hester’s shot had cracked off the post.
Wilson turned provider with trickery on the byline to cut back for Mark Williams to drive home.