Sunday 21st February 2021
FORWARD Stefan McCluskey is the latest player to undertake our alphabetical Q&A to give our supporters an insight into our squad.
Stefan’s second season with the club didn’t get off to a great start, as he had to be substituted with a dislocated shoulder during our opening Betfred Cup tie against Dunfermline Athletic.
However, he had returned to action before the bad weather and then the season suspension kicked in.
Experienced in Scottish lower league football, Stefan had plenty stories to tell. Thanks for sharing them with us fella, and hopefully we’ll see you back in action soon.
Enjoy our third player A-Z.
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Ambitions – Any remaining ones in football?
I have always wanted to play football in America or at least give it a go as I love watching the MLS and also the weather. Maybe one day, but at least getting Dumbarton to the playoffs is a must!
Booze – What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on a football team night out?
Probably Stuart Carswell putting chewing gum in Kyle Hutton’s ears on a night out and he never even noticed he was that drunk!
Clyde – Apart from one game with Airdrie as a youth, you started in senior football with the Bully Wee. What are your recollections of your first steps with them?
I remember getting signed from Shotts Bon Accord to Clyde and for me at the time a young boy playing in the Clyde first team I was very, very nervous. But I always remember Pat Scullion, a former Celtic player, saying to me in his Edinburgh accent: “Wee man – be brave on the ball; you’re better than most of these players,” and after that I started to believe in myself.
Dumbarton – How are you enjoying life with the club and how challenging are the current circumstances?
I love it, getting the chance to work again with the gaffer was a bonus for me as I respect him as a man and also manager and I thank him for bringing me to a well run club like Dumbarton! It’s tough for everyone in football right now as this isn’t the way we ever thought it would be but you just have to adapt to it and get on with it but it really is frustrating!
Euro 2021 – Who do you think will win it and why?
I think England will and I hate myself for saying it but the likes of Foden, Grealish and Sterling are on a different planet football wise in my opinion.
Fans – Has playing behind closed doors made you wish that they could be in the stadium? What would be your message to them?
Of course; I don’t like football without fans personally and I say this because I watch football constantly on TV and since a few weeks back I am lucky if I have seen three games as it’s as exciting. My message would be that better times are coming slowly but surely and that the players will always need support no matter where or who against!
Gogglebox – What are your favourite TV shows/movies?
My favourite TV show has to be Power as I adore Angela Valdez, absolutely the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I am not joking.
Hero – Who is your all-time favourite player and why?
It’s got to be Lionel Messi. I don’t think anyone even comes close to the things he can do with a ball and his records and stats suggest he isn’t human. He’s the greatest of all time.
Ibrox – You scored to put Morton 2-1 up there in 2016. Rangers eventually equalised but how does that goal rank among your career highlights?
Yeah, I would say top one really. The adrenaline that went through my body in that game was mad, it should have been the winning goal. After the game I sat in the dressing room exhausted and gutted though!
Jim Duffy – You’re at your third club alongside the gaffer; what do you feel you get from working with him?
I get complete confidence as I know he trusts me, I can’t speak highly enough of him as he has guided me through tough times in football and by this I mean bad injuries and bad form. He’s always back me to get back to myself and what I can do to affect the game.
Knowledge – Who’s the most intelligent player you’ve played alongside?
Absolutely no-one – would be telling lies if I picked someone for this!
League One – What was it like to win the division with Morton in 2015?
It was special but to win it with my brother playing along side me is the highlight of my football career so far! We both scored very important goals that season to help us with it a day I will keep forever.
Mates – Who are your best ones in football?
Steven Fletcher, Thomas O’Ware and Morgyn Neill – three of the best.
Nou Camp – What’s the best stadium you’ve played in?
Would need to say Parkhead because I support Celtic.
Outrageous – What’s the biggest fashion disaster you’ve seen in football?
Grant Adam used to come into training with Gucci jackets on every other day and we used to say they were fake – atrocious, they were.
Passport – What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Florida.
Queen – Who are your favourite bands/musical artists?
Kasabian.
Red card – When were you first sent off, and what for?
First red card was with Morton away to Spartans in the Scottish Cup I kicked the player in the head – very dangerous play and to make it worse we got beaten!
Sidelines – Ever heard any particularly funny shouts/chants from fans at a game?
Morton fans were the world’s worst for it – one game I heard a fan shout to Andy Barrowman: “You’re only interested in sun beds.”
Time machine – If you could go back and watch/play in any game as supporter/player, which one would it be?
It would be the cup winning day at Greenock as it brings me happy memories of everything I went through that season.
Ugly – What’s the angriest scene you’ve witnessed in a dressing room?
The gaffer had Sean Crighton (now with Airdrie) by the throat for nearly throwing away a three-goal lead.
VAR – Are you a fan of it?
No – shocking.
What a strike – What goal have you most enjoyed celebrating with Dumbarton so far?
Wee Frizz dinking the Clyde goalie (in November) was lovely to watch.
X Factor – What would be your karaoke song if you had to do it?
Probably any Amy Winehouse song.
You’re winding me up – Ever played, or fallen for, any practical jokes in football?
No, I am too switched on!
Zzzzzz – Who is the worst patter merchant you’ve played alongside?
Robbie Crawford was on loan from Rangers to Morton at the time. I don’t think he had a laugh in him and he was so serious about life.