Monday 8th May 2017
DARREN BARR had waited exactly five months.
One cold Tuesday night in December, he had to read and hear just how many people were writing off Dumbarton’s chances of staying in the Championship.
After a Scottish Cup defeat to Bonnyrigg Rose, surely their chances of staying in Scotland’s second tier were nil?
Anybody who thought as such was finally, definitely, proven wrong on Saturday.
Despite a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk to finish the season, Sons sealed their sixth consecutive season in the Championship.
It was by a seven-goal margin on second bottom Raith Rovers in the end. But they did it.
And Darren was delighted to prove the point to the doubters that despite the events of Tuesday, December 6, Dumbarton once again have proven capable of holding their own.
He said: “It’s a successful ending to be staying in the league, although we were disappointed to end with a defeat to Falkirk. There wasn’t much in it, but that’s how football goes.
“We need to take it on the chin and be proud of what we’ve achieved over the season.
“It shows how tight a league it’s been that there are three teams on 39 points. We’ve survived on goal difference and another of those teams has finished in the play-off place.
“We’ve had too many draws this season at times which could have been victories, but we are still in the league and we’re delighted.
“The cup tie was right down there, but we’ve shown the right character and resilience to bounce back and prove a few people wrong.
“Some people thought we were dead and buried when we lost the cup tie, but we’ve survived and it’s down to the spirit in that dressing room.
“It could be a very different line-up next season but that’s just the way football is. We’ll need to see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Having been a real big-name signing for Dumbarton two years ago, Darren has captained the club to two consecutive survivals.
Now, like the rest of the squad, he must wait to see what is on offer for season 2017/18.
He added: “There’s been no talk about my future. Hopefully all of us can sit down with the gaffer in the days to come and see what the club can offer.
“It’s going to be another challenge, but that’s what you want in football – you want to challenge yourself.
“It’s been a roller coaster season for us, but as long as we stayed in the league that was the main thing and we’ve done that.
“For me to captain Dumbarton to survival in the Championship twice is good for me on a personal level as well.”
Andy Galloway