Finlay Gray grew up watching Dumbarton alongside his grandfather.
Now the midfielder has swapped the stand for the pitch at The Rock, with his biggest fan - and most honest critic - watching his every move.
The 20-year-old from Cardross inked a one-year deal with Stevie Farrell’s side just hours before the Sons’ season opening defeat to Stirling Albion on Saturday, having caught the eye of the manager whilst on trial.
And he admits that joining the Sons was a special feeling.
Finlay said: “My grampa, Jim, has been a season ticket holder for decades. When I was younger he used to take me to all the games and I’ve still got a scarf at home from when I was a wee guy.
“It feels amazing to actually sign for the club.
“He couldn’t come on Saturday, but I’m sure he’ll be there in the stand with his scarf every other game.
“He’s not someone who puts any pressure on me. He is very opinionated though, so if I don’t play well then he’ll be the first to tell me!”
Finlay joins the Sons after an impressive breakthrough season with Lowland League Broomhill, and admits his season at Recreation Park helped him hugely as a player.
He continued: “The opportunity to play 30 games a season at my age is pretty rare, but being able to play every match last season was something that helped me a lot.
“It was my first season in adult football and it brought me on leaps and bounds.”
And the former Hermitage Academy pupil said the Sons dressing room couldn’t have been more welcoming to help settle the nerves he felt during his trial spell.
Gray explained: “The dressing room has been amazing, they accepted me straight away and that helps you when you’re on trial. It makes you more confident and you feel as if you can do things you normally would rather than being a bit shy.
“At the start, there are nerves though. You question if you are good enough, but after the first few sessions, you are used to it. And after that, you feel ready.
“At first there were a few boys on trial, but after a few weeks, some of them didn’t come back. The fact I was still there gave me confidence that the gaffer trusted me.
“It was amazing making my debut. It’s so much more intense, you have to be so much sharper compared to other leagues I’ve played in. Which I really liked.
“I’m happy to play anywhere. I got pushed up to being a striker on Saturday after coming on in midfield.
“It just shows that versatility goes a long way.”
