Labour MP Douglas McAllister says the community has continued to rally behind Dumbarton as he quizzed the UK Government on what can be done to better protect clubs across the UK.
The plight of Dumbarton FC has been raised in the House of Commons this week as the region’s MP called for UK government support for the country’s problem-hit football clubs.
Dumbarton Labour MP Douglas McAllister raised the Sons’ woes in Parliament and he pressed the Secretary of State for Culture and Media and Sport on what can be done to lend additional support to crisis-hit football clubs across the UK and highlighted the ongoing financial woes of Dumbarton.
Dumbarton FC was plunged into administration in November last year following years of uncertainty behind the scenes.
The Sons – one of Scotland’s oldest remaining clubs – were hit with a 15 point deduction which sees them sit rock bottom of the League One standings, 17 points adrift of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who have also plunged into financial difficulty earlier this campaign.
The Sons entered administration “following the non-receipt of significant funds that were owed to the club from the sale of development land in 2021”.
But football at the Rock looks now to be guaranteed until at least the end of the season, thanks to the devotion and generosity of loyal fans.
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A Go Fund Me page set up to ease the club’s plight has hit more than £106,000.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mr McAllister addressed the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy.
Mr McAllister said: “Dumbarton Football Club, in my constituency, is now in administration. Founded in 1872, it is in the Scottish first division and is at the heart of our community in Dumbarton.
“The club, players, staff, the Sons’Supporters Trust and local businesses are all pulling together to keep our historic football club alive. What help can the Minister and our Government offer to improve financial sustainability for lower league football clubs across the UK?”
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Addressing the concerns, Ms Nandy responded, saying: “Having been through my own club, Wigan Athletic, going into administration in recent years, my heart absolutely goes out to my hon. Friend and all the fans working together to try to save a social asset that means so much to people in the community.
“I wish him every success. He will know that sport is a devolved matter and that the football regulator will apply only to English clubs, but we will work with the Scottish Government on best practice to help, support and sustain clubs across the United Kingdom.
“Unlike the previous Government, we seek a respectful and constructive relationship with the Scottish Government — we think that is in the interests of his constituents.”
Speaking after the exchange in Parliament, Mr McAllister added: “The Minister gave a very positive answer. The UK Labour Government has introduced to Parliament in October 2024, the Football Governance Bill.
“The Bill delivers on the Labour Party manifesto commitment to establish an independent football regulator, and a new set of rules to protect clubs and power fans and keep clubs at the heart of their communities.
“The regulator will tackle rogue owners and directors, implement a club licensing regime to help ensure a more consistent approach in how clubs are run, monitor club finances and improve fan engagement throughout the football pyramid, from the English Premier League all the way down to the National League. This is exactly what we need in Scotland.
“The Minster committed to working with the Scottish Government to help introduce similar legislation in Scotland. I was heartened by the Minister’s answer that my UK Labour Government will work constructively and in partnership with the Scottish Government, and I would hope that the Scottish Government will now take up the Minister’s offer and look at introducing similar legislation in Scotland.”
