Forfar to cash in from cup tie

Manager Dick Campbell will have funds to improve the team

Third Division Forfar Athletic expect to make more than £120,000 from their Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth-round home tie against Rangers.

The six-figure cash boost is Forfar's reward for beating Forres Mechanics 6-1 and will wipe out their overdraft and allow funds for manager Dick Campbell.

Club secretary David McGregor told BBC Scotland: "We'll make £120,000 minimum from the TV fees and match receipts.

"Hopefully we'll be able to put a bit aside to improve the team."

The tie with the cup holders will be broadcast live on satellite television and has been moved to Sunday 8 February, with a 12.15pm kick-off.

"It more than writes off our overdraft. Our overdraft is sitting at the moment around the £70,000-£80,000 mark, so we will certainly write that off," said McGregor.

"I'm sure some of the windfall that we are going to get will be put to improving matters even further on the park.

"They have improved considerably this season from the past two seasons anyway."

The Station Park secretary has been associated with the Angus club for around 35 years but admitted to still enjoying the thrill of preparing for such a big match.

McGregor said: "I've been involved arranging games against Rangers and Celtic on quite a few occasions. We'll look forward to it and it gives everybody in the town a buzz."

After their win over Forres, Campbell was in no mood to be overawed at facing Walter Smith's side.

"I'm quite sure everyone connected with Rangers will know how difficult a game it will be against us here," said Campbell.

"Nobody's expecting us to win, but it's a cup tie and we'll just get in about them, get the sleeves rolled up, and see if we can upset them a bit."