Monday 12th June 2017
THE decision, for Andy Dowie, was clearcut.
Either go part-time and play at the same level you’ve been playing at for most of your career.
Or stay full-time and move down a rung on the ladder.
In the end, the defender only needed 24 hours to make his mind up.
He’d known for some time he was going to play for Dumbarton next season after leaving Queen of the South, but a family holiday delayed his signing.
But this afternoon, he was confirmed as Sons’ first new close season capture and, at 34, is set to bring vital experience to the squad.
Having played for Brechin City and Dunfermline as well as Queens, he’ll be playing against a former club in a third of Dumbarton’s league fixtures this season.
However, the real selling point was the chance to keep playing in Scotland’s second tier.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Andy said: “I spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago – the move was all agreed there, but today was the first opportunity to go and make it official.
“The manager asked me about my situation after I was released by Queen of the South. He was keen to know if I wanted to go part-time with Dumbarton or stay full-time.
“He let me know what his plans were for the club, and I was very impressed.
“After he came off the phone I spoke to my wife and was back in touch within 24 hours. I decided it was the best move for myself and my family.
“I had an opportunity to stay full-time, but decided I wanted to continue playing in the Championship. I didn’t want to drop down a division and that was the key aspect.
“I only played a handful of games on loan at Brechin, and had a good few years at Dunfermline, but it’s all about playing at a higher level. Playing against former clubs isn’t really something I think about.”
Andy has played against Sons during every season in the club’s current Championship era, for Dunfermline in the 2012/13 campaign and for Queen of the South thereafter.
His stay with Queens has just ended after four seasons, but he is happy to be making a new start at the Rock.
And having been impressed by what he has seen from Dumbarton in opposition, he is confident he can help extend their stay in the second tier.
He added: “It was sad to leave Queen of the South in the respect that I had four years there. I had a good relationship with many people at the club.
“But in the last few weeks of the season, I wasn’t really in the manager’s plans, so I’m pleased with the move.
“Dumbarton have been punching above their weight for a good few seasons now, and hopefully that continues.
“Everybody knows how strong the Championship has been over the last few years. It’s not as strong as it was, but it is still a competitive division.
“With two part-time teams involved, it’s going to be interesting. I know it will be tough but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Andy is pictured during Dumbarton’s 0-0 draw with Queen of the South in October 2016, on the left of the photo.
Andy Galloway