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Arbroath chairman Mike Caird hopes for bumper crowd at Friday night thriller against Ayr United

Angus side set to host promotion-chasing Ayr United knowing a win will put them five points clear of Cove Rangers and six ahead of Hamilton, for at least 24 hours.

Arbroath crowds have soared at home and away. Image: David Young / Shutterstock
Arbroath crowds have soared at home and away. Image: David Young / Shutterstock

Arbroath chairman Mike Caird has urged Lichties fans to continue giving their fantastic support for the seven-game survival run-in.

Arbroath are on course for average home gates of over 2,000 this season after record 1,500 season ticket sales.

The Angus side’s travelling support is also impressive with over 600 at last month’s 1-1 draw with Cove and 250 witnessing the 1-0 win at Queen’s Park.

Caird told Courier Sport earliert this week that ‘fan power’ funded Tam O’Brien’s new five-year deal.

Arbroath chairman Mike Caird
Arbroath chairman Mike Caird hopes to welcome a big crowd to Gayfield on Friday. Image: SNS

And while Friday night’s game with Ayr will again be played in front of the BBC Scotland cameras, Caird is confident fans will turn out in their numbers to roar the club on.

“The supporters are the lifeblood of this club,” said Caird.

“When the players walk out to see so many supporters singing their hearts out it gives them a massive lift.

“A lot of the players tell me how much of a difference it makes to them.

“Friday nights are a spectacle. There’s something a bit different about it.

“Our players are part-time but they get a buzz from playing under the lights on a Friday.

“So far, touch wood, we have been quite successful on Fridays under the lights. Let’s hope that continues.

“I hope we have big numbers here with us on Friday.”

Mike Caird hopes players can reward loyal Lichties fans

Arbroath will play their last of four consecutive Friday night fixtures when Ayr visit Gayfield.

And while that revised scheduling impacts on the day jobs of the part-time players at Arbroath, they have collected five points from nine.

Caird added: “When the game’s on TV it’s easy to stay at home and watch it in your living room.

Arbroath chairman Mike Caird hopes his side can produce another Friday night thriller. Image: SNS

“But please get out there if you can and sing from start to finish.

“Who knows? That extra push from the fans just might make the difference to us.

“We had 250 of them with us on a horrible Friday night at Queen’s Park. Thankfully, we rewarded them with an amazing result.

“The joy on the faces of the players and the fans when we won on Friday was fantastic.

“Let’s carry that positive energy into our final seven games both on the park and in the stands.”

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