Dumbarton Football Club’s supporters’ trust have written to the club’s chairman with “serious concerns” over the future of the Castle Road side.
In an open letter from Sonstrust chair David Brownlee to chairman, Dr Neil Mackay, the trust outline their concerns over transactions against the club registered on Companies House, and the resignation of key boardroom figures, including club secretary Stephen Lynch.
The letter, which was circulated to Sonstrust members says: “The trust retains some serious concerns on these issues and other aspects, and also seeks clarity on what we consider to be potential irregularities concerning land ownership transactions conducted since the takeover.
“To reinforce this further, over several months we have received a number of enquiries from Sonstrust members and private individuals in the wider Dumbarton support.
“The general tone has been one of growing alarm at recent developments on and off the pitch and a rising concern over the club’s physical and footballing direction of travel.”
The letter goes on to ask eight questions, including asking for clarity on the role of major shareholder Andrew Hosie, who is currently disqualified from company directorship by the Insolvency Service for his role in a failed gambling firm.
It also asks about plans to move the club to a new development at Young’s Farm in Dalmoak - asking: “Can you confirm if there is a business plan in place intended to secure the future of Dumbarton Football Club, and how would any further failure to secure planning permission for a proposed new facility at Youngs Farm be accommodated?”
The letter concludes by outlining the hopes of the Sonstrust for stronger communication between the club’s owners, Cognitive Capital Ltd, and fans.
The letter has received the backing of local MSP, and Sonstrust member, Jackie Baillie - who has said she will work to help secure the club’s future.
She said: “The football club is an important part of the local community and if there are serious questions about its ownership and direction, the Sonstrust - of which I am a member - is entitled to raise them. I will continue to watch the situation carefully and do all I can to safeguard the future of one of Scotland’s most historic clubs.”
Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) cofounder Simon Barrow, who has served on both the club board and trust board added: “It’s not unusual for supporters to feel that they have experienced big promises and scant delivery from some club owners, plus a certain resistance towards reasonable scrutiny. At Dumbarton, those who love the club want it to be different.
“The questions facing the future of the Sons need to be addressed squarely on the threshold of its historic 150th anniversary. SFSA and many others across the Scottish game share the concern. Small, community clubs really matter.”
Director Henning Kristoffersen, of Cognitive Capital, did not reply to our request for comment.
