Thursday 3rd May 2018
AS the playing squad at Dumbarton FC look forward to the second leg of the Ladbrokes Championship semi-final on Saturday, Sons fans are planning to back the team against Arbroath.
Stevie Aitken’s men will be hopefully cheered on by a large support on what is a hoiliday weekend.
Sonstrust member Andrew McCulloch said: “We want the club to remain in the Championship and we realise that having fans giving their all too off the pitch makes a big difference.
“We’ve had a good season in that respect with the weekend at Oswestry and of course the Irn Bru Cup final where the backing of the supporters and the whole town was simply fantastic.
“There is an affection for the club and we want to continue to tap into the market, so to speak.
“The club is responding and for Sat’s game against Arbroath, prices have been reduced from the 2017/18 walk-up prices and it’s great to see that Under-12s will be able to get into the game for just £5.”
Andrew explained too that the Sonstrust and the club have been working with the club to improve the all-round matchday experience at home games.
He continued: “It’s been an enlightening couple of months being involved with the club as we try to get an understanding of how things work in terms of costs.
“We have a lot of great ideas and we are working on a lot of things which we are confident will enhance the experience for anyone visiting our stadium both on matchdays and beyond.”
David Ferguson, also a Sonstrust member is part of the working group alongside Andrew, takes up the story.
He said: “We are greatly encouraged by what the club is trying to do with engagement.
“There is a better atmosphere about the club and stadium and I’m personally delighted at John Steele’s ‘no more us and them’ attitude.
“There are though quite a few challenges to be faced at DFC and as fans, we need to understand that. If we all work together, then we can continue to get things right.”
And as part of the Platform For Artists initiative, the Sonstrust already have had Paul Shearer and Stephen Watt perform in the community suite ahead of a game, and this will continue this Saturday when Arbroath visit the Rock.
David said: “Wullie Scott is a well-known Sons fan and a popular musician in Dumbarton and we are delighted that he’s agreed to provide entertainment before the second-leg of Saturday’s semi-final.
“Wullie will get the fans up for the game, of that I have no doubt!”
Alan Findlay