Saturday 25th April 2020
THE board at Dumbarton FC is meeting this weekend to consider a range of issues concerned with sustaining the club into the future – including finance.
Following the announcement on 16th April that the directors’ written resolution ending Season 2019/20 in the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League 1 and Ladbrokes League 2, had passed with the backing of 81% of clubs, the SPFL has been moving to release end-of-season payments to clubs in the lower three divisions.
The available funds, which total more than £1.8million, are being distributed among the 30 clubs in the lower divisions. The move comes at a time when football clubs across the country are facing unprecedented financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, said: “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Scottish football has been devastating, with no club left untouched or undamaged by the restrictions placed on our everyday life.
“This unprecedented situation has left clubs facing the stark reality of an extremely challenging financial landscape that could have seen a number of our clubs simply cease to exist. These funds will help bridge the gap and support clubs through this incredibly difficult period.”
Dumbarton FC’s receipt of its share is, of course, extremely important. But as the date for any resumption of football in a way that is income generating for us remains extremely uncertain, it does not take the financial pressure off.
Chairman John Steele commented: “Thanks to the support we are getting from our supporters, sponsors, staff, players and everyone in an around the club, we are managing the present crisis.
“But we need everyone to continue to pull together.”
The club will say more as soon as it is able. In the meantime, the Support Our Sons crowdfunding campaign, which as we recently announced has reached £18,000, remains extremely important to our survival and moving forward.
The address is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dumbarton-fc-sos and all donations are very, very welcome.
Dumbarton Football Club