Midfielder Kai Kirkpatrick has been named Stags Head Player of the Month for August after a fans’ vote.
The Kelty Hearts loanee saw off competition from teammates Dom Docherty, Shay Kelly and Scott Tomlinson to win the prize – after some storming performances in midfield, and netting his first SPFL goal to win us three points at Spartans on matchday two of the William Hill League 2 season.
Speaking as he collected his award from Stags general manager Kieran Selhi, Kai, 22, said: “I’m delighted with the way it’s started here. The main thing was getting minutes, but that obviously doesn’t just happen. You need to be working hard and need to be at it in training at games. I feel I have been, and the minutes have come with that.
“Overall I’m really enjoying myself here so far. Everyone in the dressing room is class, the patter is good and everyone gets on really well.
“Even at training, although we’re taking it seriously, there’s always a wee joke here and there. It makes everyone happy going into training as well as games. We’ve gelled really well as a team.
“I’d done pre-season with Kelty, but the manager spoke to me about the players he’d brought in on loan agreements, and said that I wasn’t going to be getting much gametime. My big aim was to come out on loan to get as much gametime as possible.
“The gaffer got in touch with me and it was the best thing possible that could’ve happened. Now I want to get as many goals and assists and do as well as a team as we can. We want to reach the playoffs at least given how well we’ve started.”
Under the new ownership of David Davidson and the Enlightened Hospitality Group since last year, the Stags Head have been hugely supportive of the club already this season including hosting June’s successful Meet Mario event. They also provided valuable support to the Sons Supporters Bus last season, something which is continuing this season.
Their four-figure investment into the club will see a new Stags Head double advertising board installed pitch-side, with fan votes for The Stags Head Player of the Month taking place from July to April this season, starting tomorrow.
David Davidson, Stags Head owner, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Dumbarton FC for season 2025/26 and share in the excitement of the vision of Mario, who was brilliant when he spoke to fans at the Stags in June.
“Anyone who has visited the pub recently will see plenty of black and gold which demonstrates how proud we are to be a pub for Dumbarton fans, in the town, near the stadium. Presenting Player of the Month awards is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate success at the club and we wish Mario, Stevie and everyone at the club all the very best for the season.”
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