Football Season Guide

The Sons retained their status as the best part-time team in Scotland and avoided relegation with something to spare although they finished in 8th place, on the same points as relegated Raith Rovers. Manager, Steve Aitken, used the loan market well last season as they often confounded their full-time opponents. They have performed this feat for a few seasons now but the question remains can they keep it up for another season? They have lost a strong goalkeeper, Alan Martin, but replaced him with Scott Gallacher from Hibs. Several other first choices have departed including striker, Garry Fleming. However, they have recruited a wealth of experience with striker, Mark Stewart and defenders Andy Dowie, Craig Barr and Dougie Hill. Overall, there should be less of a dependence of the loan market this season. Dumbarton hope that Alistair Roy, on loan from Hearts, will also make an impact in attack. The Sons have struggled in pre-season and appear unsettled at the moment. Steve Aitken has publicly bemoaned the fact that trialists can't be used in the Betfred Cup that precedes the start of the season as he tries to assess new players. On the form displayed in the Betfred Cup, the Sons do not appear in good shape for the season ahead and may struggle to find the net. A poor start could leave them playing catch-up for the rest of the season. Again, there are only two part-time clubs in the Championship this season. Both Dumbarton and Brechin City are fully expected to be at or near the bottom. The Sons have a solid track record of defying the odds against full-time opposition, however, they could be struggling this season. The Championship is more even and competitive than ever this season and Dumbarton may fall short of the quality required to avoid relegation trouble.