How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
Not very good, when you’re club 42 it’s never a good place.
We started the season with lofty ambitions of challenging for the title, especially since we finished 2nd to Kelty last season.
However, throughout the whole season our struggle has been putting balls in the back of the net. We have created plenty of chances but lacked the cutting edge. Whilst at the other end, we have had a few defensive errors which has cost us games.
Now under the new manager, and recent positives to take from games, hopefully Ray McKinnon will get the troops climbing the table – but a title challenge is probably unlikely now!
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
Marc McCallum, the GK. He’s a local lad, he’s one of the longest-serving members of the squad and is easily one of the best keepers in the lower leagues. I have had the pleasure of chatting with him on a few occasions and along with being a nice guy, you can tell Forfar Athletic is in his blood.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
Forfar Athletic 1 v 4 Ayr United in 2011. Having moved from England, this was my first Scottish football match I watched. I always wanted to support my local team and living outside Forfar, the Loons was the obvious choice. Within a couple matches my allegiance was fully to Forfar.
Explain the nickname
Loon is a Scot’s word for boy/young man. So rather than saying come on the boys, we say come on the Loons! Some say the name was adopted by Forfar Athletic because they were the 2nd XI (and therefore featured younger players) to Angus FC, back in the late 1800s. Don’t quote me on that though!
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
Easy question: Bridies!
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
From my time watching the Loons it’s probably between Dick Campbell & Jim Weir, but since DC went to Arbroath – and had great success there, perhaps I’ll say Jim Weir. Under both managers we came close to promotion to the Championship but missed out each time.
Doug Houston and Ian MacPhee were managers before my time as a fan but it’s great to listen to stories about them from older fans.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
Despite the ground being called Station Park, the stadium is one of the furthest grounds in Scotland from a train station (post Beeching’s cuts).
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
I thought I’d ask some of the other Forfar fans for help, but interestingly there were 3 players that were chosen far more than others.
- Marc McCallum – Possibly Forfar’s greatest keeper, easy choice.
- Bobby Mann – Incredible defender for the Loons, shame I never saw him play.
- Martyn “Foxy” Fotheringham – Foxy was just class for us, and in a 5-a-side setting would be a perfect fit.
- Dale Hilson – Great forward, tenacious and hard-working would be a nightmare to play against, so that’s why he’s in my team!
- Chris “Big Sanny” Templeman – despite being about 7ft he had incredibly quick feet, making him an excellent striker for the club, and would be dangerous in 5-a-side.
What is your all-time favourite match?
Peterhead 1-5 Forfar Athletic (20th May 2017)
We took a slender 2-1 lead up to Peterhead in the League One playoff final. After our last few games of that season (handing the League Two title to Arbroath) we were anxious, but the boys came out with fire and absolutely stormed the game, to get us promoted.
I was stood behind the goalposts, so I was definitely in the right place to cheer and celebrate with the players after each goal. After the fulltime whistle there was a lot of celebrating on that Balmoor pitch.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
Eating a bridie should be top of that list. If fans have a fair amount of time before a match; walking up Balmashanner Hill gives you great views (on a clear day) of the Strathmore valley. There are plenty cafes and tearooms and pubs in Forfar to enjoy a pre-game lunch. The Meffan Museum is a good place to learn about the local history of Forfar and surrounding area; from Pictish stones to witch trials!
What makes your club special to YOU?
It’s my local team, and everybody should support their local side! I have been lucky to be part of the media team and club videographer for the last six years and have been able to meet the players as well as the many volunteers behind the scenes and all of them are friendly. The best thing about smaller local clubs like Forfar is that everything is more personal and genuine.
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