Forfar chairman Alastair Donald has admitted that his “rant” on social media last weekend was in fact a carefully-measured attempt to provoke a reaction in the town and possibly help increase the club’s fan base.
The Angus side currently sit proudly atop League One, above full-time favourites Dunfermline and Morton.
Despite the fine start to the season, Forfar attendances remain stubbornly low with the chairman moved to post the following on the club’s Facebook page after last week’s victory at Airdrie: “Never ceases to amaze me we have won 2-1 away and top of league for second week in a row, also four points clear of 3rd. I watch our players give everything every week, we are playing great football.
“We are punching well above our weight, I have supporters asking me if we have the bottle to stay top I ask you if you have the bottle to support us, next week we will play in front of 500 fans pathetic.
“We have a new pitch, floodlights and now hospitality we are in a good place, all we ask is for the people of Forfar to support us rant over. AD.”
That statement produced a big response with Donald revealing that most of it was positive.
He said: “Obviously we would like more fans through the gates. I went on Facebook and worded the post very carefully. I was looking for a response and I certainly got one.
“The vast majority of people were very positive. There were one or two negatives but you have to accept the criticism and do more about it.
“We are trying our hardest to attract more fans. We could subsidise it (entry prices) but that would eat into our income. Yes, it would be great to have 800 or 900 people coming to support the team but we have to wash our face financially.
“It is not just a problem affecting Forfar or even Angus, though. We are not unique but we are in the eye of the storm in some ways as we are close to Dundee, Dundee United and Aberdeen.
“So we need to be creative but hopefully what I put on Facebook will have some effect even if it means we get another 30, 40 or 50 through the gates.”
The Loons will look to consolidate their position at the top of the table at home to Stenhousemuir on Saturday afternoon.
However, even if they do secure another three points, Donald has admitted that Forfar feet will remain firmly planted on terra firma especially if veteran boss Dick Campbell has anything to do about it.
He said: “The manager has forbidden anyone from talking about it. Seriously though, we have made a good start but no-one at the club is in any danger of getting carried away.
“Last season when we only took seven points from the first nine games, no-one became despondent. Likewise, we are not going to be over-excited about the start we have made this term.
“However, we have had a good eight games so far and perhaps the most pleasing thing is that we have beaten the two favourites for the league, the full-time clubs Dunfermline and Morton.
“Certainly, when I sit in the stand watching the likes of Rab Douglas, Danny Denholm, Darren Dods, Stuart Malcolm, Dale Hilson, Gavin Swankie and the rest in Forfar jerseys, it fills me with pride.”
Forfar strengthened their squad during the summer with several of the new additions giving up full-time football to move to Station Park.
That insists Donald is testament to Campbell’s persuasive powers.
He said: “Bringing those lads in was all down to the manager and we are incredibly lucky to have Dick Campbell at the club.
“I have witnessed it first-hand, when he engages a player in conversation, the chances of him saying no to us are very slim. The club also has a good reputation which all adds to the package.”
While things on the pitch are going well, off it, Forfar are also in rude, good health thanks in no small part to their plush new hospitality lounges.
The six-figure cost was totally funded without a loan facility and the club are very proud of the completed project.
Donald added: “It is like night and day from what we had before. The old hospitality was tired, damp and to be honest, not pleasant.
“Last year, we had a good season financially and rather than throw money at the team, we decided to invest in bricks and mortar, something the manager completely agreed with.
“It has paid off and hospitality is sold out for the season and we are also hosting dinners, Burns suppers and Christmas parties.
“So with that and our pitch, we are in a right good place. The only thing we didn’t factor in was paying so many win bonuses but I am not complaining about that.”