Manager Frank McKeown has continued his summer rebuild with the signing of defender Tom Lang on a deal until January.
The 29-year-old returns to The Rock – sponsored by Marbill Coaches from Premiership side Falkirk, having started his SPFL career with the Sons back in 2017.
A key player in the Bairns’ rise from League One to the Premiership, Tom was named in the PFA League One Team of the Season as Falkirk lifted the 2024 third tier title and went unbeaten – where he was a virtual ever-present for John McGlynn’s side.
His hugely successful three seasons at The Falkirk Stadium, punctuated by a loan spell with Arbroath earlier this year, came after two impressive seasons in the Championship with Raith Rovers.
Tom has also represented Clyde, Dunfermline Athletic and Stranraer since leaving The Rock, but now he’s back in the white and gold.
The gaffer said: “It’s no secret that I’ve been chasing an addition in defence, and our strategy of patience in the window has paid off by managing to secure a player of Tom’s calibre.
“He’s someone who has excelled at a higher level throughout his career and brings all the attributes we have been looking for. First and foremost he’s an excellent defender, he’s someone who is aggressive in the air – in both boxes – and brings a huge amount of experience with him.
“At 29 he’s still in his prime as a player and, after a frustrating few seasons with injury, he’s got a hunger to get back playing regular football and succeed as a Dumbarton player. We’re delighted to have him at the club.
“Between now and the window closing I am working very hard on some other quality players like Tom to help the current squad. We have been really unfortunate up to now, where we haven’t been able to field a consistent 11 due to a few experienced players still getting up to speed through longer term injuries and others with personal circumstances. I’ve no doubt when they all are fully fit and pain free, adding one or two more like Tom Lang in the building, we will have a foundation to build on and we will start seeing the best of this group.
“This is only the start.
“We have a long-term strategy to make the club a sustainable and stable League One side. This aligned with our new recruitment strategy where we identify young talent and bring them to Dumbarton for the next two to three years and develop them for the future. But that also has to be balanced with bringing the right blend of quality experience around them to stabilise the club. Tom fits the bill perfectly.
“He will be a huge asset to us on and off the pitch and everyone will see very quickly what he can bring to the club. I’m really looking forward to working with him following a lot of effort by everyone at the club to get him over the line.”
Welcome back to The Rock, Tom!
Join us for the new campaign
Join Tom in getting on board for the 2026/27 campaign. Season tickets are still on sale.
Our Pass it On campaign also returns for 2026, where you can donate a season ticket to a local youngster for just £30.
Know someone turning 7 this year? Our Gen7 programme gives them and an adult free access to league matches for a full calendar year from their seventh birthday.
Sponsor Tom’s kit this season
Tom will wear the number five shirt this season. Want to sponsor his kit for the campaign, and receive his signed, match-worn shirt at the end of the season? Both his home and away kit are available to sponsor for £200. Email Jordan.McKerry@Dumbartonfc.co.uk to secure it!