Friday 5th August 2016
GREGOR BUCHANAN knows one way to motivate Dumbarton ahead of the new league season.
Just show them any new season previews which predict that Sons’ fate won’t be a good one.
Because it’s been happening for the last four seasons – and in each of them, they’ve proven the doubters wrong.
Sons are now starting their fifth season as a part-time side in Scotland’s second tier and once again, Gregor is aiming high.
He was a key part of the side who achieved survival in his debut season, and has no fears about facing the same challenge this time.
He said: “I have high hopes for the new season – that’s why I’ve stayed at the club.
“The manager has brought in quality players and we’re looking to kick on and make ourselves a force in the league like last season.
“Everybody writes us off at the start of the season but it’s been like that for the last four seasons and nobody has put us off our peg.
“So this season, we will once again look to cause teams trouble going forward and show we can compete at this level.”
Gregor – who scored in Dumbarton’s recent Betfred Cup tie at Dundee – does concede that Sons’ task of securing survival will, if anything, be tougher in the coming campaign.
But it’s a challenge he feels they can rise to, and see off at least two comers to make it six seasons in the Ladbrokes SPFL Championship.
And as a former Dunfermline player, he insists there will be no charitable spirit to his ex-club after they raise the Ladbrokes SPFL League One flag on Saturday.
He added: “I’d think it will be harder this season because anybody can beat anybody in the league. There’s not a runaway team, although I think Hibs will be the favourites.
“We have Falkirk and Dunfermline who could do well, but all the teams can beat each other on their day. However, we will need to be on our game to get points.
“I had a great season at Dunfermline which I really enjoyed, although it was a difficult campaign for everybody.
“I’ve a lot of respect for a lot of people, but I’ll be going to win the game with Dumbarton.”
Join the debate @dumbartonfc and #sons24
Andy Galloway