Congratulations to our Assistant Manager Ross Campbell, who reached his tenth anniversary with the club on the 29^th of January.

Now considered an integral part of a club enjoying the most successful period in their 145-year history, things were so much different at Links Park a decade ago when the then 31-year-old arrived.

Brought in as an experienced striker by Manager George Shields in January 2015, the Gable Endies were fighting off relegation with the season ending in the inaugural Pyramid Play-Off.

Campbell featured in both legs of the infamous final against Brora Rangers, a tie won 3-2 on aggregate and a fixture that would prove a turning point for both the club and the player.

Just a year and a half later, with the Angus side once again bottom of League 2, Stewart Petrie was appointed Gaffer, and he quickly identified the potential within the experienced striker, making Ross his right-hand man.

And so, the adventure began, with a promotion play-off spot secured just 3 months later, losing out to Peterhead in the semi-final. However, champagne corks would pop the following season as the Petrie/Campbell combo guided Montrose to the League 2 title, only the club’s second ever title win.

In the years that followed in League 1, Campbell continued to feature on the pitch as well as on the sidelines, demonstrating incredible commitment and versatility by being prepared to play left back, centre half, midfield as well as upfront, making 151 appearances before hanging up his boots in 2022.

Having contributed 24 goals along the way, his most memorable would be his last, coming off the bench at the Falkirk Stadium in April 2022 to make his 150th appearance with his 6-year-old son looking on from the stands. Ross glanced a header past the Falkirk keeper to crown a 3-0 win, the Clubs biggest ever win over The Bairns and securing as a result, a sixth consecutive top 4 finish for the Mighty Mo.

Incredibly, in 10 years, as either a player, an assistant manager, or both, Campbell has more than played his part in guiding the Gable Endies to 7 top four finishes, elevating them from an underperforming League 2 side, to a well-respected and established League 1 outfit, a level of consistency and achievement rarely seen in the lower leagues.

Stewart Petrie said, “There is no doubt in my mind if Ross hadn’t become my assistant we would not have had the success the club has had over our term as a management team, plus people don’t see a lot of the work Ross does behind the scenes at the club which makes him absolutely pivotal to our success and long may it continue.”

Club Captain Paul Watson added, “Ross has been a massive part of the club over the past 10 years, firstly as a player, scoring some important goals towards the end of his career. It was obvious to everyone that he was destined to move into a coaching role having done his badges while still pretty young and still playing.

“Since taking on the role of assistant to Stewart, he has been key to the success of the club in recent years, taking us to a well-established League 1 team, always pushing at the top end of the table.

“From all the players, congratulations on 10 years at the club.”

Club Chairman John Crawford commented, “From being a player in aiding our SPFL survival, to becoming our Assistant Manager, Ross’s contribution has led to one of the most successful periods in our history. His continuous efforts, attention to detail, and dedication throughout these 10 years cannot be questioned, and therefore a big thank you is in order from myself, my fellow Directors, and in fact everyone at Links Park.”

Our photo shows John, left, and Chief Exec Peter Stuart presenting Ross with a trophy and framed commemorative shirt.

Watch Ross’s interview here https://youtu.be/eTiLhTkSkUw