Monday 9th September 2019
ALAN FINDLAY, who has been the Sonstrust representative on the Dumbarton FC board since 2009, has resigned as a director of the club, and from his operational role, for work and family reasons.
Alan, who remains a dedicated fan of the Sons, with friends throughout the club, says: “This was a difficult decision, but after many years of virtually daily engagement with Dumbarton FC, and with new work commitments which mean a fair bit of travel, I’m needing to take a break from hands-on involvement with the club I love. As people keep reminding me, I also need to look after my health, and I have family commitments which need more time. But I will very much be looking out for the Sons into the future.”
As well as representing the supporters’ trust on the board (a role which will come up for nomination at the Sonstrust AGM next month), Alan Findlay has been commercial director for the club for a number years and was involved in many aspects of the workaday running of Dumbarton FC.
Club vice chairman Colin Hosie, who worked closely with him, said: “Alan’s regular input and hard work is already being greatly missed at the club. But we understand his decision and we are very grateful for all he has been doing in recent years. His withdrawal from the board and from operational issues leaves a big gap to fill. We are grateful to all who are stepping forward to help out. We also hope to see Alan at the Rock from time-to-time when he is able.”
Speaking on behalf of the Sonstrust and fellow supporters, Simon Barrow said: “Those close to the regular workings of the club understood several weeks ago that Alan was needing to step back, and fully appreciate the reasons for that. His continuing love for the club is unquestionable, and his many friends will be staying in touch, of course. He’s a big part of the Sons family. Few fully understood quite how much Alan did for DFC, and both fans and the club have some significant adjustments to make. But we fully intend to honour all Alan has done and to take it forward.”
Club chairman John Steele added: “I know I speak for everyone when I send best wishes to Alan Findlay and extend grateful thanks to him. He’s told us to regard his withdrawal from the immediate front line as a break, and of course he’ll be welcome back in whatever way is best in the future.”
The Dumbarton FC board now consists of John Steele (chairman), Colin Hosie (vice chairman) and Neil Mackay, plus a new Sonstrust representative director to be agreed between the board and the trust as soon as possible.
The board team has recently been strengthened by newly-appointed associate directors (a non-statutory role). These are Simon Barrow, Graham Casey and Andy Gordon.
There is also close liaison with the Sonstrust’s fundraising and support action group, facilitated by Gillie Brough and Robbi Docherty – who is taking responsibility for bringing in new sponsors, alongside Stephanie Park (commercial and match day hospitality). A new ‘DFC Ambassadors’ scheme is due to be launched shortly.
Chairman John Steele commented: “Dumbarton is heavily reliant on volunteer work, which includes the board and many supporters. We are pulling together a new team at the moment and we’ll keep people informed and engaged as that develops.
“A lot of progress is being made and we are committed to making improvements around the club. By the same token, we hope people will appreciate that this takes a lot of time and effort from people with other commitments outside DFC, and that not everything can be sorted instantly. Thanks to all our sponsors, staff, manager, players, supporters and friends in the community for their dedicated work. We are truly appreciative.”
See also the announcements on the Sonstrust website.