Part One

The intention of this feature is to tell the story of the Gable Endies Championship season using the recollections of the players and management team.
The arrival of manager Ian Stewart had seen Montrose lose only three games during 1984. As a result the supporters' hopes were high and the Dynamo were looking for a return to the glory days of the 1970s.
Four new players had been signed to further improve the side; Doug Somner, a player with a fine record as a goal scorer in the Premier League, Steve Lennox, a play maker from Stoke City and Dougie Robb and Alex Wright both returned to Links Park after spells elsewhere.
Before the start of the league programme Ian Stewart said, "I am pleased with the progress so far but there is still a long way to go before becoming promotion hopefuls."
Looking back now, Ian says, "The start of the season is a time for finding out how well pre-season has gone and how other teams are going to play. I was nervous about our start with Stirling Albion (h), Arbroath (a), Queen of the South (a), and Dunfermline (h) Probably four of the toughest fixtures we could face."
"I would have settled for five* points from the four games, although you are always looking to do better. Dunfermline and Alloa would be the pace setters and our fixtures against them would be very important." (*Only two points for a win in those days.)
Ian was also aware of the need to win derby games. "I was determined to establish dominance over Arbroath, particularly at Gayfield where Montrose had not done well in recent seasons. This was the most important fixture for our fans and we needed to set the scene for future derbies. Winning our derby matches would make or break our chances. This is true of all the leagues in British football." (Note; Brechin & Forfar were already in the First Division.)
The season kicked off with the first game against Stirling Albion at Links Park on August 10th. Manager Stewart brought in Martin Caithness for Somner who was suspended. Caithness was the Gable Endies hero on the day, getting the only goal of the game after Les Barr had, unusually, missed from the spot. Team; Charles, Barr, McLelland, Duffy, Sheran, Forbes, McManus, Bennett (Wright), Allan, Lennox, Caithness (Street).
The following week came the first of the derby matches against Arbroath. Martin Caithness replaced Martin Allan, who was rested from a side which had lost to Albion Rovers in the League Cup. Somner, having served his suspension, returned to the front line, with Wright and Burke on the bench.
Two goals from Mark Bennett, one from the penalty spot, and a diving header from John Sheran saw the Gable Endies comfortably overcome the first derby hurdle.
The Review reckoned Montrose 'fully deserved their margin of victory, taking Arbroath "to the cleaners" for long periods, in what must rank as one of their best away performances for a long time.'
So the Gable Endies already had four out of the five points that the manager believed was the minimum needed at that stage. Already there were only two other teams with full points, Alloa and Dunfermline. But with Dunfermline to visit Links Park in their next fixture at least one of the teams would lose their unbeaten tag.