The series returns! We remain in the second tier and concentrate on Dumbarton. The Sons are enjoying great success under Ian Murray right now but it wasn’t too long ago they were among the dregs of Scottish football. Supporter David Kemp looks back through some of those nightmare years to pick a worst XI select.
Goalkeeper – Jan Volacek
A qualified doctor from the Czech Republic frustrated the fans during 2009/10. Between consistently losing three goals per match, straying too far from the goal line and always punching cross balls, he also managed to concede a Bobby Mann shot from almost the halfway line. Bizarrely, he was once awarded the man of the match despite being sent off in the first half!
Right Back – Hugh Burns
Arrived in 1995 with a big reputation as Sons’ took their place in division one. As the team suffered defeat after defeat, it was clear that he couldn’t be bothered. He managed to get himself sent off in his final game for two needless bookings in the space of a few minutes.
Left Back – Ray Montgomerie
Possibly a controversial choice. I remember him scoring a few own goals back when I was a newbie at Boghead. Always seemed to me a liability due to that. Departed at the end of a relegation season for Kilmarnock, where he attained legendary status by becoming a Scottish cup winning captain.
Centre Back – Gregor Stevens
The legendary hardman came to Boghead in the twilight of his career. His reputation preceded him as he managed to be red carded twice in his ten matches. After losing his place in the team, he retired mid season.
Centre Back – Ross Forsyth
Signed for the 2012/13 season, he took his place in defence for the worst start to a season in my time supporting the Sons. One of the scapegoats for a dodgy defence, he was shipped out on loan to Stirling Albion in January.
Midfield – Arlan Mptata
Young Frenchman arrived at the Rock in the spring of 2012. Looked the part with some nifty footwork and great skill, but he couldn’t hack the physicality of the Scottish second division and was restricted to a few appearances.
Midfield – Ryan Borris
I’d never seen him play in his first spell due to a period living overseas and there was some excitement among the support at his return. I was left scratching my head at this listless player in our midfield who didn’t have many good games. His time at the club ended in ignominy as he chucked his jersey at the dugout after being subbed. He was sent out on loan the next day.
Midfield – Alan Foster
Utility player in the nineties who could be useless in a variety of positions. As the P.A. announced “number ten Alan Foster”, the natural reaction of the crowd was a groan and a bit of swearing.
Forward – Sam McGivern
Arrived with Hugh Burns in a parting gift from Murdo MacLeod. In his one and only season at Boghead, the experienced striker managed to keep his name off the scoring charts. The biggest disappointment I think I’ve ever seen at Dumbarton means he would captain this team.
Forward – Calum Campbell
Signed for a reported £35,000 shortly after a Scottish cup match at Ibrox. Another striker with a good reputation who couldn’t have had a worse start to life at Boghead. It only took him until his 21st match to score. And just like the buses he also managed a second in the same game. Without a doubt the biggest waste of money in the club’s history
Forward – David Winters
In his two spells at the club he was a big disappointment. Patently short of fitness when he first joined the club, he didn’t manage to live up to his reputation. I had high hopes when he returned to the Rock after a spell in Vietnam but failed to deliver despite not having the fitness problem that hampered him previously.
Manager – Jim Fallon
Stepped up to the top job in 1995 after two years as Murdo MacLeod’s assistant. What followed was a calamitous spell in charge. In his 15 months the team won just three matches. The defeats included an 8-0 reverse against Dundee United and included a run of 22 consecutive losses.
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