Saturday 21st May 2022
MANAGER Stevie Farrell is continuing to put in the hours to assemble a squad for Dumbarton to be competitive in cinch League Two next season.
Although no further signings have been announced by Sons since last weekend, the gaffer is satisfied with the progress of recruitment to date.
Currently his squad is 12 strong, and talks have progressed positively with a view to adding to that number.
But another of last season’s squad looks like he will be moving on.
Speaking to dumbartonfootballclub.com, Stevie said: “We are actively working and we know the areas of the squad where we need to strengthen.
“We try to be as open and transparent as possible and are continually talking to players, but there are many complexities involved.
“But there are four or five players we are talking to at the moment and we are hopeful.
“However, it looks like Kristoffer Syvertsen will be staying in Norway. He has gone on to a healthcare programme and he will need to take care of that if he goes on it through the Norwegian Health Service.
“So it is unlikely we will see him back again.
“We are continuing to work with George Stanger and his agent, but he has interest from other clubs, including at least one in the cinch SPFL Championship.”
Pre-season football is also taking shape – with one friendly confirmed and another offering players and fans the potential for a trip away.
Sons will also find out their first four competitive opponents of the new season on Wednesday, when the Premier Sports Cup draw takes place.
Fixtures for the group stage will be confirmed in the days following the draw, and with no regionalisation this year, there is scope for Dumbarton to face further trips than they are used to.
Stevie added: “We have one friendly confirmed, away from home on Saturday, June 25, and we would also like to go to the north of England for a game the following Saturday, July 2.
“The teams in northern England are a decent standard, similar to what we will face in cinch League Two next season.
“It would also be an away day for the players and a chance for them to have a few beers after the game before the competitive action starts.
“So we are trying to source opponents for that and will announce details of the game if and when they are confirmed.
“I think it is good to mix it [the Premier Sports Cup] up. Not every manager is keen on it but I am, although I think we should be allowed to play trialists in it.
“There are strains and knocks that players can pick up, but it gives you tough opposition. We could go and win every game 10-0 during pre-season but we wouldn’t learn anything.
“The cup gives you a test, and it’s good to have the groups more open – it had been going a bit stale with teams drawing the same opponents.
“There will be real variety and we will wait and see who we get.”
The club will confirm all friendly match details once the full programme is set.
Dumbarton Football Club