Brechin manager Dods reflects on whirlwind turnaround
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Darren Dods would love to complete a big turnaround at Brechin by leading them to the Ladbrokes Championship just a year after avoiding the drop to League 2.
The City manager is sitting in a very different position with his team now to the one they found themselves in at the same time last year.
A strong finish ensured they remained in League 1 after their status looked in serious doubt.
And a year later they’re still battling it out for their league status – a place in the Championship next season.
Brechin sit fourth in the table, on the exact same points and goal difference as third-placed Airdrieonians and three above both East Fife and Queen’s Park as they approach the final day of the season on Saturday.
They travel to relegation-threatened Stenhousemuir and know a draw or a win would assure them a place in the promotion play-offs.
And although Dods is delighted to be fighting it out at the right end of the table, he’s determined not to miss out on what would be the best achievement of his career if he could take Brechin up.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes News, Dods said: “I still get the nerves and the excitement when I wonder how it’s going to go.
“This time last year we were going into the final game needing to win to avoid the relegation play-offs and 12 months on we’re looking for a result to get into the promotion play-offs. It’s much more enjoyable going up the way, let me tell you.
“It’s going to be really hard against Stenny. They’re fighting for their lives. They’re also on a great run and full of confidence.
“It makes it more difficult for us too because Stenhousemuir know they probably have to win to stay off the bottom spot.
“I’m really proud of how the team’s come on. Last season we managed to turn things around eventually and finish seventh and this season we started really well and we were actually top of the league after 10 games.
“But we’ve had a few injuries, we lost one or two important players and fell back a wee bit, but we’ve been in and around the play-offs for most of the season which has been good.
“It’d be brilliant to hang in there and end up in the play-offs. Some difference from last season.
“Getting there and maybe achieving promotion would definitely be the best achievement [of my career].
“There are lots of managers that have been around for a long time and haven’t had too many promotions. In these leagues, it’s very difficult to get a team promoted.
“You look at Dick Campbell and he’s managed it four or five times, but he’s been doing it 26 years!
“I think it’d be a great achievement to get a promotion, but if you get to the play-offs, anything can happen. If you’re at it over these four games, you could find yourself in the Championship next season.”
Brechin are 6/4 to beat Stenhousemuir and confirm their play-off spot at the weekend.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
