Eric Sellars, a name etched into the folklore of Arbroath Football Club, may not have been the most celebrated man in Scottish soccer, but within the confines of Gayfield Park, he was nothing short of a legend.
PART ONE
Established in 1878, Arbroath Football Club, had found themselves moving between the divisions of the Scottish Football League, enjoying occasional success and enduring inevitable hardship, yet always maintaining their status as a competitive and resilient club, one that could, on its day, cause a major upset.
Born in Dundee, Eric Sellars began his senior career with the Angus club in 1965 after joining from Carnoustie Panmure, and his stay with The Lichties would span over a decade, leaving a lasting mark on their history. From the very outset, Sellars demonstrated an unwavering commitment Arbroath, playing under just one manager—Bert Henderson—who himself was an institution at Gayfield Park. Notably, remaining under the guidance of a single manager for such a prolonged period is a rarity in football, but this continuity undoubtedly allowed the creative and industrious winger to develop into a pivotal figure. Moreover, his attacking prowess and ability to influence matches made him a key component of Arbroath’s successes during this era.
Indeed, Sellars’ contribution to Arbroath was immense, as evidenced by his 354 appearances and impressive tally of 93 goals. Furthermore, his role in two promotion-winning campaigns—first in 1967/68 and again in 1972/73—cemented his status as one of the club’s greats. He was also part of the talented Arbroath side which stunned Jock Wallace´s Rangers with a remarkable 3-2 win at Ibrox in the 1973-74 season.
That day, on the 2nd of February, 1974, as Ibrox braced itself for another routine triumph, the plucky visitors from Arbroath had other ideas. Rangers, as expected, dominated early proceedings, but Sellars and his teammates soaked up the pressure like a sponge before striking back with ruthless efficiency.
With The Gers 1-0 up, Arbroath fought their way back, showing the kind of resilience that neutral supporters love and favourites loathe. A flurry of goals ensued, and with just four minutes remaining, the visiting team delivered the final, decisive blow. And as a result, that victory remains one of the greatest in Arbroath’s history, proving that, in football, nothing is ever set in stone, and no underdog should ever be counted out.
PART TWO
Following his tenure with Arbroath, he joined St Johnstone in 1976, continuing to play at the professional level before finishing off at Brechin City. Yet, despite these latter chapters, it was his exploits with The Lichties that would define his career. In addition to his attacking contributions, he embodied the spirit of Arbroath—determined, resilient, and capable of producing moments of magic when least expected.
Footballing ability appeared to run in the family, however, as his son, Barry Sellars, also donned the maroon jersey in later years. Barry amassed 185 appearances and netted 42 goals across two spells between 1997 and 2010, ensuring that the Sellars name remained firmly embedded in Arbroath’s history. In many ways, it was a fitting tribute to Eric’s own achievements, as his son carried the torch for the next generation.
Eric Sellars may not have had the glitz and glamour of some of his contemporaries, but at Arbroath, he was a luminary, a stalwart, and an ever-reliable presence on the wing. What’s more, his contributions to the club extended beyond mere statistics—he was a player who gave everything for the badge.
And in the end, while some players retire with bulging trophy cabinets and glowing headlines, others, like Sellars, carve their legacy in moments—brief, brilliant, and forever cherished. Besides, how many can say they walked into Ibrox, stared Rangers in the eye, and left with three points? Not many, but Sellars could.