Across the season Club Chaplain, Rev Grant Hamilton, speaks to members of the Sons squad about life on and off the park. Skipper Mark Durnan is first up.
GH: When we spoke at this time last year you were full of optimism about the season ahead. How do you look back at how it all unfolded?
“Obviously the circumstances were unexpected for everyone. From a player’s and a captain’s point of view it was a difficult season. You are coping with uncertainty yourself but trying to reassure younger boys about what is going on. Having said that, we had some good moments last season as well.
“Every week we fought to show our commitment to the club and I hope the fans could see the passion and the effort and the fight from the boys because it was always there, even if we were unlucky in some games. There’s no escaping the fact though that it was a very difficult time for everybody connected to the club.”
GH: As captain do you feel like you have extra responsibility or a duty of care towards everyone else?
“I’m not sure it’s an extra responsibility but it’s just a case of being who I am. I would naturally take care of the more inexperienced guys as that’s part of my makeup and who I am.
“When people come to their work at the football club then I want them to enjoy the experience and to play with a smile on their face. I try to help them do that in every training session and every match and I encourage them not to get too down, especially about things that are out-with our control.
“Personally, I want to lead by example every time we meet up together. I’ll come in and get on with things – doing my stretches, looking after myself, participating fully. I help everyone I can and encourage communication, especially from younger players who may be a bit quieter. I hope the younger players see that I am paying attention to the smallest of details and still giving everything I have.
GH: Some people say you can learn a lot from difficult circumstances. Did you take anything positive from the darker days of last season?
“That’s a difficult question and maybe it will be easier to answer as time goes by. My first thought is that it’s a good reminder that life can throw you a curveball. Things don’t always turn out how you expect and you need to try and deal as positively as you can with whatever is in front of you rather than getting stuck in negative thinking or behaviour.”
You’re still here Mark so what is it about this club that makes you want to stay?
“I really feel part of the club and enjoy being here. For the first time, my family are coming along and watching me regularly so they are happy too. That is a very big factor in me feeling comfortable here and wanting to stay and give something back to the club.
“I also have a great relationship with the manager and the coaching staff and we still have a core of a good bunch of boys that I know well. I live close to Dumbarton and have a lifestyle I’m happy with. I can get quality time with my family, enjoy my work in the fire service and still regularly take part in community visits and things like that for the club that really make you feel part of things.”
GH: How has life changed for you off the pitch in the last 12 months? I believe your family has expanded in that time.
“My wife and I always wanted to create a young family and now we have two children. Sometimes it is tough balancing everything. Family wise though, we might get tired at times but I get so much enjoyment from everyone and I wouldn’t change things for the world.”
GH: This is my last question. What are your hopes for the season ahead? It’s obviously difficult when we are starting from a position of -5 points so straight away we need to get points on the board just to get on a level playing field with other teams in the league.
“We have had conversations as a club about where we would like to be and we are realistic enough to know that we might need to do a bit more just to get there.
“We know there is a lot of hard work ahead and we have really worked hard so far in pre-season. We know this will be a season of fighting and scrapping for every point we can get and hopefully by the end of the season that will help us to achieve our objectives.
GH: Thanks for talking to me Mark. I love your attitude and I wish you and the team a very successful season.
Chaplain’s Corner is available to read in every edition of our matchday programme, Sons View.