Sunday 1st July 2018
AGED 10, Cammy Ballantyne thought he was living the dream.
Now, at 21, he still hopes to do that. It’s just a different dream from what he set out with.
When he signed for Dundee United not long after hitting a double-figure age, it was all set out for him. Playing in the top flight, taking part in big games – if things went right for him.
But they didn’t. Not at Tannadice anyway.
If everything goes to plan, they will at Dumbarton. There will be big games, and hopefully big achievements.
After a successful loan at League Two champions Montrose last season, he could have signed for the Gable Endies, but instead will play against them for Sons.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Cammy said: “The manager set out his ambitions for the season and between those and the signings he has made, it was a no-brainer to sign.
“For me it was just a case of wanting to play games. I’d been professional with Dundee United for the last four or five years, and I think I was about 10 when I first signed with them.
“So I was sorry to leave, but it was time to move on. I’d been there for a long time and nothing was happening, so it was the right thing to do.
“Montrose were interested and we did so well together last season, but once Dumbarton came in I knew it was where I wanted to sign. It’s local for me and they have ambitions to do very well in the league.
“It will be strange going to Montrose and running out as an opposition player, but I’ll be fine. I’ll speak to my old team-mates before and after the game, but during it I’ll be trying to help Dumbarton get a result.”
Cammy played alongside his new team-mates for the first time yesterday when Dumbarton beat East Kilbride 3-1.
Despite the truncated close season, he’s looking forward to the games to come and likes what he’s seen so far.
He told the club website: “Nobody really enjoys pre-season and running all the time, but the boys have been great.
“Training has been more football-based and you can see the standard we’ve got. It’s been very enjoyable.
“We want to be up there challenging for the league and win as many games as we can. We’ll certainly have a right good go at it.
“We all enjoy a break, but it will be good getting back out there for matches.”
Andy Galloway