Relichtie
Beginnings
Getting off the ground.
From the Arbroath Guide, Saturday August 31, 1878.
" A meeting of the Rovers Football Club was held in the George Hotel on Monday evening, and it was resolved by a majority to change the name of the club to that of the Arbroath Football Club. A great number of new members were admitted, and a successful season is anticipated." The following are the office bearers appointed for the coming season, viz - Captain J.W.D. Leon, Lieutenant J. Milne jnr., Secretary D.M. Salmond 8 Alexandra Place, members of committee W. Schollay, J. Scott, C. Mitchell, and W.H. Mill.
This momentous report in the local press heralds the birth of Arbroath Football Club, but not without some opposition as evidenced by a report in the Guide the following Saturday stating.
" At a meeting of members of this football club held on Monday night for the election of office bearers. The following were elected Captain Alfred Roy, Secretary and Treasurer James Thomson, Messrs John Hean, George Reid, and John Jolly. On the motion of the captain it was agreed that the club be styled the Arbroath Rovers Football and Athletic Club ".
By the fact that these gentlemen announced their meeting under the Rovers Football Club banner, it appears that they were disillusioned members who wanted to keep the Rovers name, and formed a breakaway club.
Arbroath Football Club principally began then playing challenge matches, or friendlies against clubs, both local, and further afield, as well as competing in the Scottish Cup.
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