The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Doris relishes role in all three Lichties title wins
ARBROATH: Striker basks in League 1 glory after injury comeback
ARBROATH 1 DUMBARTON 1
History-maker Steven Doris could barely believe that a season which began with his footballing future on the line, ended with him picking up a League 1 championship medal.
The Red Lichties have won only three Scottish league titles in their 141-year history, the first coming under Paul Sheerin’s stewardship in 2010-11 before Dick Campbell added another in 20172017 prior to this latest triumph.
Doris, 30, is the only player to have played in all three winning sides, but this year’s triumph is perhaps the sweetest of all given he was able to force his way back into the side after being out of action for 13 months after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury.
He said: “It has been an up-and-down year for me but to end it like this is unbelievable. Coming back into the side was one of the highlights of my season after being out for so long and topping it off by being the only guy to have won all three titles is amazing.
“It’s one of the best squads I’ve been involved with and that definitely helped me get back from the bad times with my injury. But I’m delighted for everyone here. It’s a great club and that’s why I have spent so many years here.”
Doris feels Arbroath can hold their own in the Championship next season, but wouldn’t be drawn on whether he’ll be part of it.
He said: “There will be some hard games but we showed in the League Cup this season against Ross County and Dundee United that we can compete. I’ll be talking to the gaffer about next season but at the moment I’m not sure what will be happening.”
Manager Dick Campbell confirmed he is already making plans for the step up to the next level and confirmed he’s ready for the challenge.
He said: “We deserved to win the league. I’m up for the challenge next season. Players come and go and there will be changes. I’ ll not be going with a big pool next season so every player has to have a role to play. It’ s difficult to improve on what we’ve got but I’m encouraged by the talks I’ve had with a couple of boys.
“I’ll be making decisions on who is staying and going within the next 10 days.”
Saturday’s final game saw 10 man Dumbarton hold the Lichties to a draw. Callum Gallagher edged the Sons ahead in the 54th minute when he nipped in at the near post before Michael McKenna equalised from the penalty spot.