Mark Docherty admits that his return to The Marbill Coaches Stadium came as a shock. But says the opportunity to come back to Dumbarton was too good to turn down.
Sparky was a big hit with Sons fans during two seasons at the club between 2015 and 2017, and has now returned alongside Stephen Simmons as one of new boss Frank McKeown’s assistants – enjoying a winning return to G82 in Saturday’s victory against table-topping East Kilbride.
And the 37-year-old admits it took a bit of time to commit, having been a regular for Lowland League East Stirlingshire this season.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a shock. I knew that getting into coaching was something that I was going to do longer term. But did I see it happening and being in the dugout at Edinburgh with two of my best mates in football so quickly? No I didn’t.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far. We were unfortunate not to take something from the game. If it had gone on for another 10 minutes then I feel that we could’ve taken a point or even won it. The boys were excellent in the second-half.
“It was a totally new experience for me, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
Sparky’s all action style, and knack of netting winners against Dundee United, made a him huge hit during his first spell with the club. And he says that the special relationship with fans he enjoys is driving him to help turn Sons’ season around.
He continued: “It’s great to be back at Dumbarton. I had two brilliant years at the club going back a decade ago when the club were flying high in the Championship.
“I’ve had great times at this club. I’ve always looked out for Dumbarton scores and the fans still message me all the time all these years later.
“Loads have been back in touch and hopefully I can keep that good relationship going. But that’ll only happen with good performances and wins on Saturday to get us climbing that table.
“We’re here to turn things around. The club and team have hit a dip. Our job is to galvanise that and kick things on. I know we’ll do that. We aren’t far away.”
Fans could even have a chance to see Sparky add to his 75 appearances for the club too, as he’ll be registered as a player when the January window opens. Albeit only for emergencies.
Asked if his appointment meant that the boots were being hung up, he laughed: “Well…I don’t know! Frank has certainly not brought me to the club to be a player. I’m coming up for 38. But I’ll be registered as a player if we need a hand and if injuries and suspensions hit.
“Frank knows that he can rely on me to go in, do a job and use my voice and experience. If that happens then I’ll be delighted to help out. But that’s not the reason I’m at the club.
“Frank has brought me in to be his right hand man along with Stephen Simmons. I’ve enjoyed taking training and being involved on that side of things.
“But was I ready to do it and hang up the boots? Probably not.
“It’s not something I could foresee happening this season. But when the call came in from Frank, then I was in turmoil for a couple of days trying to decide what to do.
“But I’ve looked at it carefully. I’m not getting any younger. I’ve loved playing, played 500 odd SPFL games and then in the Lowland League. I’ve played a lot of football over the years, so maybe it’s time to give my old body a rest and try to pass on my experience.
“I can bring a drive, a passion and an enthusiasm for football. That won’t change. It’ll just be in a different capacity now.”