Dumbarton Football Club is a semi-professional football club in Dumbarton, Scotland.[3] Founded on 23 December 1872, they are one of the oldest football clubs in Scotland.[4][5][6]
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| Full name | Dumbarton Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Sons | ||
| Founded | 23 December 1872 | ||
| Ground | Dumbarton Football Stadium, Dumbarton | ||
| Capacity | 2,020[1] | ||
| Owner | Cognitive Capital[2] | ||
| Chairman | Dr Neil Mackay | ||
| Manager | Stephen Farrell | ||
| League | Scottish League One | ||
| 2023–24 | Scottish League Two, 4th of 10 (promoted via play-offs) | ||
| Website | http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/ | ||
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The club plays home games at the Dumbarton Football Stadium next to Dumbarton Castle.
They were one of the most successful of the nineteenth century, winning the Scottish Football League in the first two seasons of the competition (the first jointly with Rangers).
The club ceased playing in 1901 and did not return to action until 1905. Although at the time it was emphasised that this was a new club, subsequent directives by the SFA and Scottish Combination appear to countermand this, possibly to fast-track the re-formed club into their competitions.[7]
Since then, the club have spent the majority of their history outside the top flight, with their last appearance at the top level coming in 1984–85 and the side currently playing in Scottish League One. The club were the first team (and one of only two) to win at least one league title in each of the top four tiers in the Scottish football league system.
Stephen Farrell is the club's manager, having been appointed in May 2021.[8]
In May 2021, it was announced that Dumbarton were to change ownership, with previous owners Brabco selling their majority share to Cognitive Capital.[2]
In November 2024 the club was placed in administration.[9]
Colours and badge
editFor 2024–25, the side will wear strips from the Macron brand for the third season. The home strip is mainly white with a black and gold band. The away kit is gold and black.[10]
The club's badge features an elephant with a castle on its back, this represents Dumbarton Rock with Dumbarton Castle upon it, based on the historic town crest. Dumbarton Rock, a volcanic plug, is said to resemble an elephant. The team's nickname 'The Sons' is derived from the phrase 'Sons of The Rock', a term used for those born in the town of Dumbarton.
Stadium
edit
Dumbarton play their home games at Dumbarton Football Stadium (commonly referred to as "The Rock" by supporters). The 2,020[1] all seated stadium has been used since 2 December 2000. The only stand is overshadowed by Dumbarton Rock & sits aside the banks of the River Leven. The stadium has been named for sponsorship purposes for most of its existence:
- Strathclyde Homes Stadium (Dec 2000 – Sep 2011) until the receivership of Strathclyde Homes[11]
- Dumbarton Football Stadium (Sep 2011 – Feb 2012)
- Dumbarton Football Stadium Sponsored by DL Cameron (Feb 2012 – Jul 2012)
- The BetButler Stadium (Jul 2012 – Sep 2014) until the liquidation of BetButler[12]
- Dumbarton Football Stadium (Sep 2014 – Jun 2015)
- The Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium (Jul 2015 – May 2017)
- The YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium (July 2017 – May 2018)[13]
- C&G Systems Stadium (May 2018 – May 2021)[14]
- Dumbarton Football Stadium (May 2021 – September 2021)
- Moreroom.com Stadium (September 2021 – March 2022)[15]
Prior to December 2000, the team played at Boghead Park from 1879 until the end of the 1999–00 season; at that time their tenure of 121 years was the longest a senior Scottish club had stayed at the same ground. Between May and November 2000, Dumbarton shared Cliftonhill in Coatbridge with Albion Rovers.
In November 2014 the club's owners, Brabco, formally announced their intention to move to a new ground[16] after only 15 years at their home, situated in what is Young's Farm to the North of Dumbarton between Dalreoch and Renton. The proposed development would have doubled the existing capacity to 4,000, with the existing site being used to build 180 houses and a walkway along the River Clyde connecting the town centre with Dumbarton Castle. The plans were rejected by West Dunbartonshire Council in March 2018.[17]
Attendances
edit| Season | League | Average | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | League Two | 662 | 2,020 |
| 2022–23 | League Two | 635 | 1,086 |
| 2021–22 | League One | 539 | 1,198 |
| 2019–20 | League One | 663 | 1,394 |
| 2018–19 | League One | 637 | 1,353 |
| 2017–18 | Championship | 838 | 1,652 |
| 2016–17 | Championship | 1,130 | 1,660 |
| 2015–16 | Championship | 1,033 | 1,978 |
| 2014–15 | Championship | 1,074 | 1,850 |
| 2013–14 | Championship | 938 | 1,469 |
| 2012–13 | First Division | 927 | 1,530 |
| 2011–12 | Second Division | 660 | 1,088 |
| 2010–11 | Second Division | 640 | 853 |
| 2009–10 | Second Division | 695 | 1,227 |
| 2008–09 | Third Division | 722 | 1,396 |
| 2007–08 | Third Division | 560 | 907 |
| 2006–07 | Third Division | 709 | 1,089 |
| 2005–06 | Second Division | 946 | 1,594 |
| 2004–05 | Second Division | 900 | 1,446 |
| 2003–04 | Second Division | 1,039 | 1,861 |
Supporters and culture
editDumbarton were the first league club in Scotland to have a supporters' trust, which works to strengthen the links between the club and the fans. The trust own a significant number of shares in the club and are the fourth largest shareholder. Following a £25,000 direct investment, the trust also has a representative on the club board of directors. The supporters' trust works with the club to produce the match programme & run the club website. As well as those important functions, the trust's main role at the club is that of overseeing commercial activity.
Players
editSquad
edit- As of 11 September 2024[18]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Hall of Fame
editRecently, the club and its fans named their "best player of all time" and a "Hall of Fame" including:
- Lawrie Williams – 372 apps (1970–1980)
- Ray Montgomerie – 180 apps (1981–1988)
- Murdo MacLeod – 87 apps (1975–1978) and 66 apps (1993–1995) as Player/Manager
- Donald McNeil – 320 apps (1975–1988)
- Colin McAdam – 70 apps (1969–1975)
- Albert Craig – 138 apps (1981–1986)
- Tom McAdam – 76 apps (1970–1975)
- Johnny Graham – 385 apps (1967–1977)
- William Wallace – 84 apps (1972–1975)
- Kenny Wilson – 74 apps (1970–1972)
- Charlie Gibson – 257 apps (1989–1996)
Internationals
edit18 Dumbarton players were chosen to represent Scotland between 1880 and 1898.[19] The club's international players were as follows:[19]
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In 2018 midfielder Dimitris Froxylias received a call-up to the Cyprus national football team, making his debut against Montenegro in March 2018. It was the first of two caps he would earn whilst a Sons player, becoming the club's first international since Irishman Harry Chatton in 1932.[20]
Coaching staff
edit| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Stephen Farrell[21] |
| Assistant manager | Frank McKeown |
| Goalkeeping coach | Eric Phillips |
| Sports scientist | Calum Strang |
| Video analyst and head of youth development | Gordon Scanlan |
Recent league history
edit| Season | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Pos | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 36 | 16 | 9 | 11 | 56 | 44 | 12 | 58 | 4(P) | League Two |
| 2022–23 | 36 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 49 | 39 | 10 | 62 | 2 | League Two |
| 2021–22 | 36 | 9 | 7 | 20 | 48 | 71 | -23 | 34 | 9(R) | League One |
| 2020–21 | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 14 | 24 | -10 | 25 | 9 | League One |
| 2019–20 | 28 | 11 | 5 | 12 | 35 | 44 | -9 | 38 | 6 | League One |
| 2018–19 | 36 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 60 | 60 | 0 | 46 | 6 | League One |
| 2017–18 | 36 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 27 | 63 | −36 | 30 | 9(R) | Championship |
| 2016–17 | 36 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 46 | 56 | −10 | 39 | 8 | Championship |
| 2015–16 | 36 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 35 | 66 | −31 | 37 | 8 | Championship |
| 2014–15 | 36 | 9 | 7 | 20 | 36 | 79 | −43 | 34 | 7 | Championship |
| 2013–14 | 36 | 15 | 6 | 15 | 65 | 64 | 1 | 51 | 5 | Championship |
Managerial history
editManager records for all league, league play-offs, League Cup, Scottish Cup & Challenge Cup games (i.e. not including friendlies & Stirlingshire Cup games)[22]
- Permanent managers only. Stats include permanent managers who had initial caretaker spells.
As of match played 19 October 2024:
| Name | Nat. | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | D | L | %won | ||||
| Stephen Farrell | 
|
May 2021 | Current | 156 | 55 | 38 | 63 | |
| Jim Duffy |
|
October 2018 | May 2021 | 94 | 33 | 18 | 43 | 35.11 |
| Stephen Aitken |
|
May 2015 | October 2018 | 154 | 42 | 38 | 74 | 27.27 |
| Ian Murray |
|
November 2012 | May 2015 | 108 | 41 | 15 | 52 | 37.96 |
| Alan Adamson |
|
October 2010 | October 2012 | 83 | 32 | 16 | 35 | 38.55 |
| Jim Chapman |
|
December 2007 | October 2010 | 113 | 39 | 27 | 47 | 34.50 |
| Gerry McCabe |
|
June 2006 | November 2007 | 57 | 25 | 11 | 21 | 43.86 |
| Paul Martin |
|
December 2004 | June 2006 | 67 | 12 | 15 | 35 | 17.91 |
| Brian Fairley |
|
March 2003 | December 2004 | 66 | 30 | 10 | 26 | 45.45 |
| David Winnie |
|
June 2002 | March 2003 | 34 | 11 | 6 | 17 | 32.35 |
| Tom Carson |
|
October 2000 | June 2002 | 67 | 32 | 13 | 22 | 47.76 |
| Jimmy Brown |
|
March 1999 | October 2000 | 66 | 26 | 10 | 30 | 39.39 |
| Ian Wallace |
|
November 1996 | March 1999 | 95 | 26 | 24 | 45 | 27.37 |
| Jim Fallon |
|
September 1995 | November 1996 | 50 | 2 | 6 | 42 | 4.00 |
| Murdo MacLeod |
|
June 1993 | August 1995 | 88 | 28 | 24 | 35 | 31.81 |
| Billy Lamont |
|
April 1990 | June 1993 | 138 | 54 | 30 | 54 | 39.13 |
| Jim George |
|
October 1988 | April 1990 | 77 | 29 | 20 | 28 | 37.66 |
| Bertie Auld |
|
January 1988 | September 1988 | 24 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16.66 |
| Mark Clougherty |
|
July 1987 | January 1988 | 30 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 30.00 |
| Alex Totten |
|
July 1986 | April 1987 | 46 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 50.00 |
| Derek Whiteford |
|
May 1986 | May 1986 | |||||
| Alex Wright (caretaker) |
|
February 1986 | May 1986 | 17 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 35.30 |
| Davie Wilson |
|
March 1984 | February 1986 | 97 | 32 | 22 | 43 | 33.00 |
| Billy Lamont |
|
July 1981 | February 1984 | 124 | 44 | 26 | 26 | 35.48 |
| Sean Fallon | 
|
July 1980 | May 1981 | 43 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 32.56 |
| Davie Wilson |
|
July 1977 | April 1980 | 127 | 51 | 38 | 38 | 40.16 |
| Alex Wright |
|
March 1973 | May 1977 | 192 | 66 | 42 | 84 | 34.37 |
| Jackie Stewart |
|
November 1968 | January 1973 | 190 | 89 | 34 | 67 | 46.84 |
| Ian Spence |
|
September 1967 | October 1968 | 46 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 28.26 |
| Willie Toner |
|
October 1964 | September 1967 | 131 | 47 | 27 | 57 | 35.88 |
| Jackie Fearn |
|
May 1962 | September 1964 | 100 | 41 | 17 | 42 | 41.00 |
| Bobby Campbell |
|
July 1961 | May 1962 | 43 | 10 | 10 | 23 | 23.26 |
| Bobby Combe |
|
May 1959 | November 1960 | 63 | 28 | 14 | 21 | 44.44 |
| Peter McGown |
|
May 1954 | April 1959 | 216 | 108 | 33 | 75 | 50.00 |
| William Irvine |
|
June 1950 | May 1954 | 155 | 51 | 32 | 72 | 32.90 |
| William Guthrie |
|
August 1946 | June 1950 | 153 | 42 | 27 | 84 | 27.45 |
| Jackie Milne |
|
June 1945 | August 1946 | 38 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 36.84 |
| William Guthrie (secretary) |
|
August 1944 | June 1945 | 30 | 9 | 3 | 18 | 30.00 |
| Fred Donovan (secretary) |
|
June 1940 | June 1944 | 120 | 45 | 20 | 55 | 37.50 |
| Jimmy Smith |
|
January 1939 | June 1940 | 45 | 9 | 8 | 28 | 20.00 |
| Fred Donovan (secretary) |
|
June 1931 | January 1939 | 274 | 98 | 48 | 128 | 35.77 |
| Donald Colman |
|
June 1922 | May 1931 | 359 | 139 | 65 | 155 | 38.72 |
| Paddy Travers |
|
April 1920 | May 1922 | 95 | 24 | 17 | 54 | 25.27 |
| George Livingstone |
|
March 1919 | April 1920 | 47 | 14 | 12 | 21 | 29.79 |
| James Collins |
|
May 1914 | March 1919 | 174 | 55 | 46 | 73 | 31.61 |
Honours
editLeague
edit- Scottish Football League: Winners 1890–91,[23] 1891–92
- Scottish First Division:[24] Winners 1910–11, 1971–72
- Scottish Second Division: Winners 1991–92
- Scottish Third Division: Winners 2008–09
- Scottish Combination League:[25] Winners 1905–06
Cup
editNational
edit- Scottish Cup: Winners 1882–83
- Scottish Challenge Cup: Runners-up 2017–18
- Scottish Qualifying Cup: Runners-up 1911–12
- Scottish Consolation Cup: Runners-up 1907–08, 1910–11
- Scottish Supplementary Cup: Runners-up 1945–46
- Festival of Britain St. Mungo Quaich: Winners 1951–52
Other
edit- Stirlingshire Cup: Winners (16) 1952–53, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1972–73, 1974–75, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1993–94, 1995–96, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
- Runners-up 6 times
- Dumbartonshire Cup: Winners (20) 1884–85 1888–89, 1889–90, 1890–91, 1891–92, 1892–93, 1893–94, 1894–95, 1897–98, 1898–99, 1914–15, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1929–30, 1930–31, 1931–32, 1932–33, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1939–40
- Runners-up 17 times
- Dumbartonshire Association Tournament: Winners 1885–86
- Stirlingshire Consolation Cup: Runners-up 1950–51
- League Charity Cup: Winners 1890–91
- Glasgow Charity Cup: Runners-up 1881–82, 1884–85
- Greenock Charity Cup: Winners 1889–90, 1890–91
- Runners-up 1888–89, 1891–92
- Dumbartonshire Charity Cup:
- Winners 1916–17, 1917–18, 1919–20, 1921–22, 1922–23
- Runners-up 1918–19, 1924–25, 1925–26
- Clydebank Charity Cup: Runners-up 1918–19
- United Abstainers F.C. Gold Cup: Runners-up 1889–90
- Oban Saints Keyline Trophy: Winners 2005–06
Reserves
edit- Scottish Second XI Cup: Winners 1881–82
- Runners-up 1883–84, 1886–87, 1889–90
- Glasgow & District Reserve League: Runners-up 1942–43 (First Series), 1943–44 (First Series)
- Scottish Alliance Reserve League: Winners 1956–57 (First Series)
- Runners-up: 1956–57 (Second Series)
- Combined Reserve League: Winners 1958–59 (Second Series)
- Runners-up: 1958–59 (First Series)
- Scottish Reserve League (West): Runners-up 1985–86
- Glasgow & District Reserve League Cup: Runners-up 1942–43
- Dumbartonshire Second XI Cup: Winners 1888–89, 1889–90, 1890–91, 1891–92, 1892–93
Youths
edit- Scottish Under 19s League: Runners-up 2010–11
- West Region Under 18s Cup: Runners-up 2022–23
- West Region Under 17s Cup: Runners-up 2022–23
Club records
edit- Biggest win:
- Scottish Cup: 13–2 v Kirkintilloch Central (1 September 1888)
- Biggest loss:
- Scottish Football League: 1–11 v Albion Rovers (30 January 1926)
- Scottish League Cup: 1–11 v Ayr United (13 August 1952)
- Biggest home attendance:
- Boghead Park: 18,001 v Raith Rovers, (2 March 1957)
- Dumbarton Football Stadium: 2,020 v Rangers, (20 January 2024)[26]
- Most goals in a season: Kenny Wilson (38), 1971–72
References
edit- ^ a b "Dumbarton Football Club". Scottish Professional Football League. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Dumbarton: Private equity firm Cognitive Capital Ltd buys Scottish League 1 club". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ "About Us". Archived from the original on 1 October 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Dumbarton Football Club -About Us". www.dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ "Who are Scotland's oldest professional football clubs". www.scotsman.com. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ "Football - Dumbarton". www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ "Dumbarton F.C. 1872, 1889 or 1905?". www.scottishleague.net. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "Stevie Farrell is Dumbarton's new manager". Dumbarton FC. 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ "Scottish League 1 Dumbarton enter administration". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ "NEW FRONT OF HOME SHIRT SPONSOR FOR 2024/25 SEASON". dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Strathclyde is latest Scots victim of building slump". The Scotsman. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "BetButler update". Gambling Commission. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ "CLUB STATEMENT - YOUR RADIO". Dumbarton Football Club. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
- ^ Barrow, Simon (5 May 2018). "C&G SYSTEMS ARE NEW STADIUM SPONSORS". Dumbarton Football Club.
- ^ "Dumbarton Football Club - MOREROOM EXTENSIONS LTD ARE DUMBARTON'S MAIN HOME SHIRT AND STADIUM SPONSORS FOR SEASON 2021/22". www.dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
- ^ "Dumbarton Relocation Planning update". Dumbarton FC. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
- ^ "CLUB STATEMENT". Dumbarton Football Club. 29 March 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "First Team Squad". Dumbarton FC. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Dumbarton [Scotland international players by club]". London Hearts Supporters' Club. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
- ^ "Dimitris Froxylias | Player Statistics | Dumbarton (Sons Archive)". sonsarchive.co.uk. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ "Dumbarton Football Club – Manager". dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
- ^ Kemp, David. "Club Managers Past & Present". Sons Archive. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
- ^ Shared with Rangers after both clubs ended the season on 29 points. A play-off game at Cathkin Park on 21 May 1891 finished 2–2, so the clubs were declared joint champions
- ^ Known as Division Two prior to 1975
- ^ Scottish Combination, Scottish Football Historical Archive, 9 February 2022
- ^ "Dumbarton 1–4 Rangers". Retrieved 20 May 2024.