New Forfar boss Stuart Malcolm is grateful to have time to work with his players thanks to an enforced break in the season.
The Loons, who prop up League One after losing 3-0 to Angus rivals Montrose on Saturday, don’t play again until the November 23 William Hill Scottish Cup tie at Dumbarton.
That will give Malcolm (40), an ex-Station Park central defender and skipper, valuable hours on the training pitch with his new side, who have now lost six successive matches.
Malcolm, who was officially announced as the new gaffer on Sunday, said: “With our next game being for a wee while yet, I believe I will have five full training sessions with the players before we face Dumbarton in the cup.
“That is good news because it will give us all plenty of time to get to know each other and for me to get across how I want Forfar to play.
“My priority is making the team harder to score against and I don’t mean just focusing on the defence because you defend as a whole team.
“We will be working hard and will be ready for the next game when it comes.”
Malcolm returns to the Loons from East Kilbride, where he enjoyed plenty of success as manager at the K Park.
Last season under Malcolm, they won the Lowland League and were only pipped in the League Two promotion pyramid play-off by Cove Rangers. They also reached the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, where they were beaten by Inverness Caley Thistle.
He couldn’t resist a return to Forfar, though.
He said: “I just couldn’t say no and I am delighted to be back.
“I have always had a fondness for the club and throroughly enjoyed my time as a player at Station Park.
“Those were great times and I am hopeful the club’s fortunes can be turned around.”
