Monday 14th June 2021
IT was a busy, but happy, manager Stevie Farrell who added three more players to his squad for the coming season on Saturday.
The gaffer was at the Rock to oversee the return of defender Gregor Buchanan before heading down to the start of pre-season training in Irvine.
That was where Kalvin Orsi was also unveiled as a Sons player, while goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom was down south but is set to join up with the squad in the coming days.
Three more training sessions, including one tonight, are lined up before the pre-season friendlies start at Kilbirnie Ladeside on Saturday.
And the gaffer was delighted to bring his squad up to 15 signed players ahead of those matches kicking off.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, he said: “I am delighted to have Sam back and committed to the club.
“It is a big commitment for the lad as he is based in England, and it is great attitude and application that he wants to come back and join us.
“Our goalkeeping coach Eric Phillips is excited to work with him. He thinks he can help him improve as a goalkeeper and kick on.
“Kalvin is somebody I have had my eye on for a long time, since he was at St Mirren and Brechin City.
“He’s spent the last couple of seasons full-time and is a big, strong, willing runner with a great work ethic.
“I’m really excited to get him to the club and think he will be an astute signing, and will prove to be very good for us.
“Gregor is a player I have watched since he left Dumbarton the first time. I worked closely with him when he was last here, and I’ve worked against him when he has played for Falkirk and Morton.
“I went to watch him last season with Queen of the South and he is a fantastic signing. Watching his performances I thought he was a standout at times.
“I don’t think there are many better at this level between the Championship and League One. We’ve just got ourselves a top centre half who is coming back more experienced than he left.”
Progress with building the squad has also been quicker than expected, with some players also on two-year deals.
Stevie added: “One thing I’ve tried to do is look to secure some players on two-year deals. It suits all parties and gives us a basis in terms of our profile for the next couple of years.
“The squad is coming together and we are looking to add another couple.
“If you’d told me when I first came here that we’d have 15 players signed I’d have told you you were off your head.”
Andy Galloway