Campbell thrilled to avoid inspection

17 February 2009 15:45
The Loons have not played a competitive match this month due to the cold snap, which forced their money-spinning fifth-round tie to be postponed on February 8.[LNB]The elements also claimed Saturday's Third Division game with Dumbarton, but the forecast for Wednesday means there is virtually no chance of lightning striking for a third time.[LNB]Campbell is "relieved" not to go through the ordeal of another pitch inspection.[LNB]He said: "There's not a problem at all with the pitch. It's perfect.[LNB]"The long-range weather forecast tomorrow is 10-12C so we're just going to enjoy the game and get it out the way and you never know what can happen."[LNB]Were the tie to be postponed for a second time, it would once again put a question mark over the £120,000 debt-busting windfall Forfar were set to net for hosting Rangers.[LNB]Around £85,000 of that comes from satellite broadcasters Sky, who planned to televise the match on its original date and also agreed to show it on Wednesday.[LNB]But there is no guarantee they would do the same were it to be called off for a second time.[LNB]Campbell, who is hoping to be handed some of the bonanza to invest in the team, said: "What it does is stabilise the football club.[LNB]"It's been well-documented they got themselves in a bit of a mess in the past. But the overdraft's all cleared off.[LNB]"I'm glad that's all out the way. It might just feed back to me and it may be an opportunity to build a team."[LNB]The original tie was a lunchtime kick-off on a Sunday, and one of Sky's conditions for showing the rearranged game was that Forfar install better floodlights at Station Park.[LNB]That has cost the club around £8,500 - but it is a small price to pay considering the television money which awaits them.[LNB]Having not played competitively for almost three weeks, Campbell knows his team need a minor miracle to upset a Rangers side battle-hardened by Sunday's Old Firm derby.[LNB]"The Rangers players have just played Celtic so they'll be sharp," he said.[LNB]"They'll be sharp in their minds, sharp fitness-wise. We'll not be.[LNB]"So everything and the world is against you to try to get a competitive match."[LNB]Campbell has done his best to keep his players match fit by playing behind-closed-doors friendlies in recent days.[LNB]He said: "We played Brechin last Thursday night and on Saturday we played East Fife, which was fine.[LNB]"But it's not the real McCoy; it's not the real thing."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk