Dumbarton F.C.

Dumbarton Football Club is a semi-professional football club in Dumbarton, Scotland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Founded on 23 December 1872, they are one of the oldest football clubs in Scotland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The club plays home games at the Dumbarton Football Stadium next to Dumbarton Castle. They currently play in Template:Scottish football updater.

History

They were one of the most successful of the nineteenth century, winning the Scottish Football League in the first two seasons of the competition (the first jointly with Rangers).

The club ceased playing in 1901 and did not return to action until 1905. Although at the time it was emphasised that this was a new club, subsequent directives by the SFA and Scottish Combination appear to countermand this, possibly to fast-track the re-formed club into their competitions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Since then, the club have spent the majority of their history outside the top flight, with their last appearance at the top level coming in 1984–85. The club were the first team (and one of only two) to win at least one league title in each of the top four tiers in the Scottish football league system.

In May 2021, when Stephen Farrell was appointed as the club's manager,<ref name="Farrell">Template:Cite web</ref> it was announced that Dumbarton were to change ownership, with previous owners Brabco selling their majority share to Cognitive Capital.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">Template:Cite web</ref> In November 2024 the club was placed into administration.<ref name="administration">Template:Cite web</ref>

On 24 June 2025 the club was taken over by a new company wholly owned by Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe, with the original company entering liquidation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dumbarton remained in League Two with the remaining 5 point deduction as already planned.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Colours and badge

For 2025–26, the side will wear strips from the Macron brand for the fourth season. The home strip is mainly white with a black and gold band. The away kit is gold and black.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The club's badge features an elephant with a castle on its back, this represents Dumbarton Rock with Dumbarton Castle upon it, based on the historic town crest. Dumbarton Rock, a volcanic plug, is said to resemble an elephant. The team's nickname 'The Sons' is derived from the phrase 'Sons of The Rock', a term used for those born in the town of Dumbarton.

Stadium

View of the stand at the Dumbarton Football Stadium

View from the stand at the Dumbarton Football Stadium

Dumbarton play their home games at Dumbarton Football Stadium (commonly referred to as "The Rock" by supporters). The Template:SPFL-stadiums<ref name="capacity">Template:Cite web</ref> all seated stadium has been used since 2 December 2000. The only stand is overshadowed by Dumbarton Rock & sits aside the banks of the River Leven. The stadium has been named for sponsorship purposes for most of its existence:

• Strathclyde Homes Stadium (Dec 2000 – Sep 2011) until the receivership of Strathclyde Homes<ref name="Strathclyde Homes">Template:Cite web</ref>
• Dumbarton Football Stadium (Sep 2011 – Feb 2012)
• Dumbarton Football Stadium Sponsored by DL Cameron (Feb 2012 – Jul 2012)
• The BetButler Stadium (Jul 2012 – Sep 2014) until the liquidation of BetButler<ref name="BetButler">Template:Cite web</ref>
• Dumbarton Football Stadium (Sep 2014 – Jun 2015)
• The Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium (Jul 2015 – May 2017)
• The YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium (July 2017 – May 2018)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• C&G Systems Stadium (May 2018 – May 2021)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Dumbarton Football Stadium (May 2021 – September 2021)
• Moreroom.com Stadium (September 2021 – March 2022)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Marbill Coaches Stadium (July 2024 – Present)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Prior to December 2000, the team played at Boghead Park from 1879 until the end of the 1999–00 season; at that time their tenure of 121 years was the longest a senior Scottish club had stayed at the same ground. Between May and November 2000, Dumbarton shared Cliftonhill in Coatbridge with Albion Rovers.

In November 2014 the club's owners at the time, Brabco, formally announced their intention to move to a new ground<ref name="Relocation">Template:Cite web</ref> after only 15 years at their home, situated in what is Young's Farm to the North of Dumbarton between Dalreoch and Renton. The proposed development would have doubled the existing capacity to 4,000, with the existing site being used to build 180 houses and a walkway along the River Clyde connecting the town centre with Dumbarton Castle. The plans were rejected by West Dunbartonshire Council in March 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Attendances

Season	League	Average	Highest
2024–25	League One	606	1,113
2023–24	League Two	662	2,020
2022–23	League Two	635	1,086
2021–22	League One	539	1,198
2019–20	League One	663	1,394
2018–19	League One	637	1,353
2017–18	Championship	838	1,652
2016–17	Championship	1,130	1,660
2015–16	Championship	1,033	1,978
2014–15	Championship	1,074	1,850
2013–14	Championship	938	1,469
2012–13	First Division	927	1,530
2011–12	Second Division	660	1,088
2010–11	Second Division	640	853
2009–10	Second Division	695	1,227
2008–09	Third Division	722	1,396
2007–08	Third Division	560	907
2006–07	Third Division	709	1,089
2005–06	Second Division	946	1,594
2004–05	Second Division	900	1,446
2003–04	Second Division	1,039	1,861

Supporters and culture

Dumbarton were the first league club in Scotland to have a supporters' trust, which works to strengthen the links between the club and the fans. The trust owned a significant number of shares in the club and were the fourth largest shareholder prior to Mario Lapointe's takeover in 2025. The supporters' trust works with the club to produce the match programme and run the club website.

Hall of Fame

Recently, the club and its fans named their "best player of all time" and a "Hall of Fame" including:

• Lawrie Williams – 372 apps (1970–1980)
• Ray Montgomerie – 180 apps (1981–1988)
• Murdo MacLeod – 87 apps (1975–1978) and 66 apps (1993–1995) as Player/Manager
• Donald McNeil – 320 apps (1975–1988)
• Colin McAdam – 70 apps (1969–1975)
• Albert Craig – 138 apps (1981–1986)
• Tom McAdam – 76 apps (1970–1975)
• Johnny Graham – 385 apps (1967–1977)
• William Wallace – 84 apps (1972–1975)
• Kenny Wilson – 74 apps (1970–1972)
• Charlie Gibson – 257 apps (1989–1996)

Internationals

18 Dumbarton players were chosen to represent Scotland between 1880 and 1898.<ref name = "scotland">Template:Cite news</ref> The club's international players were as follows:<ref name = "scotland"/>

• Ralph Aitken
• Jack Bell
• Robert 'Sparrow' Brown
• Robert 'Plumber' Brown
• Geordie Dewar
• Leitch Keir
• Archie Lang
• Joseph Lindsay
• James McAulay
• William McKinnon

• John McLeod
• Thomas McMillan
• Peter Miller
• William Robertson
• Duncan Stewart
• Jack Taylor
• William Thomson
• Hugh Wilson

In 2018 midfielder Dimitris Froxylias received a call-up to the Cyprus national football team, making his debut against Montenegro in March 2018. It was the first of two caps he would earn whilst a Sons player, becoming the club's first international since Irishman Harry Chatton in 1932.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Coaching staff

Position	Name
Manager	Stephen Farrell<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Assistant manager	Frank McKeown
Goalkeeping coach	Eric Phillips
Sports scientist	Calum Strang
Video analyst and head of youth development	Gordon Scanlan
Football advisor	Neil Watt

Recent league history

Season	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Pos	League
2024–25	36	8	11	17	51	66	-15	20*	10 (R)	League One
2023–24	36	16	9	11	56	44	12	58	4(P)	League Two
2022–23	36	18	8	10	49	39	10	62	2	League Two
2021–22	36	9	7	20	48	71	-23	34	9(R)	League One
2020–21	22	7	4	11	14	24	-10	25	9	League One
2019–20	28	11	5	12	35	44	-9	38	6	League One
2018–19	36	12	10	14	60	60	0	46	6	League One
2017–18	36	7	9	20	27	63	−36	30	9(R)	Championship
2016–17	36	9	12	15	46	56	−10	39	8	Championship
2015–16	36	10	7	19	35	66	−31	37	8	Championship
2014–15	36	9	7	20	36	79	−43	34	7	Championship
2013–14	36	15	6	15	65	64	1	51	5	Championship

*Deducted 15 points for entering administration.

Managerial history

Manager records for all league, league play-offs, League Cup, Scottish Cup & Challenge Cup games (i.e. not including friendlies & Stirlingshire Cup games)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• Permanent managers only. Stats include permanent managers who had initial caretaker spells.

As of match played 23 September 2025:

Name	Nat.	From	To	Record
				Pld	W	D	L	%won
Stephen Farrell	Template:Flagicon	May 2021	Current	206	74	48	84
Jim Duffy	Template:Flagicon	October 2018	May 2021	94	33	18	43	35.11
Stephen Aitken	Template:Flagicon	May 2015	October 2018	154	42	38	74	27.27
Ian Murray	Template:Flagicon	November 2012	May 2015	108	41	15	52	37.96
Alan Adamson	Template:Flagicon	October 2010	October 2012	83	32	16	35	38.55
Jim Chapman	Template:Flagicon	December 2007	October 2010	113	39	27	47	34.50
Gerry McCabe	Template:Flagicon	June 2006	November 2007	57	25	11	21	43.86
Paul Martin	Template:Flagicon	December 2004	June 2006	67	12	15	35	17.91
Brian Fairley	Template:Flagicon	March 2003	December 2004	66	30	10	26	45.45
David Winnie	Template:Flagicon	June 2002	March 2003	34	11	6	17	32.35
Tom Carson	Template:Flagicon	October 2000	June 2002	67	32	13	22	47.76
Jimmy Brown	Template:Flagicon	March 1999	October 2000	66	26	10	30	39.39
Ian Wallace	Template:Flagicon	November 1996	March 1999	95	26	24	45	27.37
Jim Fallon	Template:Flagicon	September 1995	November 1996	50	2	6	42	4.00
Murdo MacLeod	Template:Flagicon	June 1993	August 1995	88	28	24	35	31.81
Billy Lamont	Template:Flagicon	April 1990	June 1993	138	54	30	54	39.13
Jim George	Template:Flagicon	October 1988	April 1990	77	29	20	28	37.66
Bertie Auld	Template:Flagicon	January 1988	September 1988	24	4	8	12	16.66
Mark Clougherty	Template:Flagicon	July 1987	January 1988	30	9	7	14	30.00
Alex Totten	Template:Flagicon	July 1986	April 1987	46	23	8	15	50.00
Derek Whiteford	Template:Flagicon	May 1986	May 1986
Alex Wright (caretaker)	Template:Flagicon	February 1986	May 1986	17	6	5	6	35.30
Davie Wilson	Template:Flagicon	March 1984	February 1986	97	32	22	43	33.00
Billy Lamont	Template:Flagicon	July 1981	February 1984	124	44	26	26	35.48
Sean Fallon	Template:Flagicon	July 1980	May 1981	43	14	12	17	32.56
Davie Wilson	Template:Flagicon	July 1977	April 1980	127	51	38	38	40.16
Alex Wright	Template:Flagicon	March 1973	May 1977	192	66	42	84	34.37
Jackie Stewart	Template:Flagicon	November 1968	January 1973	190	89	34	67	46.84
Ian Spence	Template:Flagicon	September 1967	October 1968	46	13	11	22	28.26
Willie Toner	Template:Flagicon	October 1964	September 1967	131	47	27	57	35.88
Jackie Fearn	Template:Flagicon	May 1962	September 1964	100	41	17	42	41.00
Bobby Campbell	Template:Flagicon	July 1961	May 1962	43	10	10	23	23.26
Bobby Combe	Template:Flagicon	May 1959	November 1960	63	28	14	21	44.44
Peter McGown	Template:Flagicon	May 1954	April 1959	216	108	33	75	50.00
William Irvine	Template:Flagicon	June 1950	May 1954	155	51	32	72	32.90
William Guthrie	Template:Flagicon	August 1946	June 1950	153	42	27	84	27.45
Jackie Milne	Template:Flagicon	June 1945	August 1946	38	14	6	18	36.84
William Guthrie (secretary)	Template:Flagicon	August 1944	June 1945	30	9	3	18	30.00
Fred Donovan (secretary)	Template:Flagicon	June 1940	June 1944	120	45	20	55	37.50
Jimmy Smith	Template:Flagicon	January 1939	June 1940	45	9	8	28	20.00
Fred Donovan (secretary)	Template:Flagicon	June 1931	January 1939	274	98	48	128	35.77
Donald Colman	Template:Flagicon	June 1922	May 1931	359	139	65	155	38.72
Paddy Travers	Template:Flagicon	April 1920	May 1922	95	24	17	54	25.27
George Livingstone	Template:Flagicon	March 1919	April 1920	47	14	12	21	29.79
James Collins	Template:Flagicon	May 1914	March 1919	174	55	46	73	31.61

Honours

League

• Scottish Football League: Winners 1890–91,<ref name="rangers">Shared with Rangers after both clubs ended the season on 29 points. A play-off game at Cathkin Park on 21 May 1891 finished 2–2, so the clubs were declared joint champions</ref> 1891–92
• Scottish First Division:<ref name="Second division">Known as Division Two prior to 1975</ref> Winners 1910–11, 1971–72
  • Runners-up 1907–08, 1983–84
• Scottish Second Division: Winners 1991–92
  • Runners-up 1994–95
  • Play-Off Winners 2011–12
• Scottish Third Division: Winners 2008–09
  • Runners-up 2001–02, 2022–23
  • Play-Off Winners 2023–24
• Scottish Combination League:<ref>Scottish Combination, Scottish Football Historical Archive, 9 February 2022</ref> Winners 1905–06

Cup

National

• Scottish Cup: Winners 1882–83
  • Runners-up 1880–81, 1881–82, 1886–87, 1890–91, 1896–97
• Scottish Challenge Cup: Runners-up 2017–18
• Scottish Qualifying Cup: Runners-up 1911–12
• Scottish Consolation Cup: Runners-up 1907–08, 1910–11
• Scottish Supplementary Cup: Runners-up 1945–46
• Festival of Britain St. Mungo Quaich: Winners 1951–52

Other

• Stirlingshire Cup: Winners (16) 1952–53, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1972–73, 1974–75, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1993–94, 1995–96, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
  • Runners-up 6 times
• Dumbartonshire Cup: Winners (20) 1884–85 1888–89, 1889–90, 1890–91, 1891–92, 1892–93, 1893–94, 1894–95, 1897–98, 1898–99, 1914–15, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1929–30, 1930–31, 1931–32, 1932–33, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1939–40
  • Runners-up 17 times
• Dumbartonshire Association Tournament: Winners 1885–86
• Stirlingshire Consolation Cup: Runners-up 1950–51
• League Charity Cup: Winners 1890–91
• Glasgow Charity Cup: Runners-up 1881–82, 1884–85
• Greenock Charity Cup: Winners 1889–90, 1890–91
  • Runners-up 1888–89, 1891–92
• Dumbartonshire Charity Cup:
  • Winners 1916–17, 1917–18, 1919–20, 1921–22, 1922–23
  • Runners-up 1918–19, 1924–25, 1925–26
• Clydebank Charity Cup: Runners-up 1918–19
• United Abstainers F.C. Gold Cup: Runners-up 1889–90
• Oban Saints Keyline Trophy: Winners 2005–06

Reserves

• Scottish Second XI Cup: Winners 1881–82
  • Runners-up 1883–84, 1886–87, 1889–90
• Glasgow & District Reserve League: Runners-up 1942–43 (First Series), 1943–44 (First Series)
• Scottish Alliance Reserve League: Winners 1956–57 (First Series)
  • Runners-up: 1956–57 (Second Series)
• Combined Reserve League: Winners 1958–59 (Second Series)
  • Runners-up: 1958–59 (First Series)
• Scottish Reserve League (West): Runners-up 1985–86
• Glasgow & District Reserve League Cup: Runners-up 1942–43
• Dumbartonshire Second XI Cup: Winners 1888–89, 1889–90, 1890–91, 1891–92, 1892–93

Youths

• Scottish Under 19s League: Runners-up 2010–11
• West Region Under 18s Cup: Runners-up 2022–23
• West Region Under 17s Cup: Runners-up 2022–23

Club records

• Biggest win:
  • Scottish Cup: 13–2 v Kirkintilloch Central (1 September 1888)
• Biggest loss:
  • Scottish Football League: 1–11 v Albion Rovers (30 January 1926)
  • Scottish League Cup: 1–11 v Ayr United (13 August 1952)
• Biggest home attendance:
  • Boghead Park: 18,001 v Raith Rovers, (2 March 1957)
  • Dumbarton Football Stadium: 2,020 v Rangers, (20 January 2024)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Most goals in a season: Kenny Wilson (38), 1971–72

External links

• Template:Official website
• Supporters Trust Website