Monday 3rd September 2018
WITH the usual players’ bus not running to Larbert on Saturday, Dumbarton chairman John Steele took the Sonstrust travel section coach to Ochilview for the Ladbrokes SPFL League One game with Stenhousemuir – and praised the “amazing spirit” of Sons supporters, despite a tough start to the 2018/19 season.
“I had a great time on the fans’ bus,” said local solicitor Mr Steele. “I’d like to thank travel organiser Tommy Hughes and all who make away trips to back the team.
“Everyone was made me really welcome. Like all of us, I’m only disappointed that the result on Saturday was not the one we wanted.
“I absolutely understand the passion of our supporters and the frustration that we are not performing on the pitch in the way we believe we should – with injuries, new players coming in and a lot of resettling to be done.
“Everyone at the club is completely committed to making this season a success on and off the pitch. The involvement of fans is a key part of that.
“With three losses out of five in the league the manager and players have been taking some stick. That’s to be expected in football. We’re going to be talking together ahead of next weekend. We won’t get caught by hasty decisions, but Dumbarton fans should know that their views are always taken seriously.”
The new chairman and board at the club are seeking to create a fresh vibe at Dumbarton, with a community feel, fan engagement and what John Steele describes as “fantastic support” from C&G Systems and other sponsors.
Will he be taking the supporters’ bus again? “I certainly will when I can. Usually I need to be on the coach with the players and staff, as you’ll understand. But when I can I’ll be travelling with fans, and I hope I’m always approachable. That’s the spirit we need to maintain as the club seeks to move forward.”
Meanwhile, the chairman is urging Dumbarton supporters to give their backing to the side in its Irn Bru Cup second round tie against Montrose at the C&G Systems Stadium next weekend – the first in a double-header with the Gable Endies. The second game is a League One the following Saturday, 15th September.
Simon Barrow