It should’ve been the perfect fit.
One of Scotland’s highest rated young managers, with a solid full-time job and a track record of a success on a limited budget, coming to manage the country’s best performing part-time club. Dumbarton fans were delighted, Stevie (and assistant Stephen Farrell) looked delighted, and he wasted no time assembling a new squad. Grant Gallagher and Gregor Buchanan arrived within 72 hours. They would be followed by Kevin Cawley, Darren Miller, Mark Docherty, Mark Brown, Willie Gibson, Gordon Smith, Darren Barr, Jon Routledge, Calum Waters, Steven Craig and Jamie Lindsay in a hectic six weeks. Early on though Aitken made two bold decisions. He withdrew long-serving winger Mark Gilhaney’s contract offer, and stripped Andy Graham of the captaincy. Gilhaney, whilst perhaps no longer a top Championship player, had been integral in Ian Murray’s side. Even when his final ball wasn’t great he could be relied upon to put in a real shift, and was a popular player with the support. If the decision to allow Gilhaney to leave was perhaps understandable, stripping Graham of the captaincy looked a very strange move. Since joining from Morton when Sons were first promoted to the First Division, the centre-half had been nothing short of a model pro. He had no pace, but he could read the game, would regularly take bangs on the head and had the sort of attitude that you need from a captain. He was also Sons’ reigning Player of the Year. The Aitken era started with a 1-0 victory against Edinburgh City. The performance was strong enough, and Willie Gibson (who scored the game’s only goal) had been a constant threat throughout. Gibson again starred as Aitken made his home debut, with a 2-0 victory against a young Hearts team. I was working that night, and phoned my brother at half-time for an update. He was delighted with how fit we looked, how much off the ball movement there was and, above all else, how much we attacked. I got my first look a week later, in an uninspiring 2-1 victory against Clydebank. There was more attacking intent than in Ian Murray’s latter days, but a striker was still badly needed. Aitken’s competitive tenure kicked off with a 3-2 victory against Morton at Cappielow. A debut double from the outstanding Grant Gallagher and a Garry Fleming lob had Sons three up and cruising, before the Ton struck twice late on to make it nervy. A week later Dumbarton found themselves out of the League Cup. It was a very early warning sign. Against East Fife they had struggled to create any chances of note, and only a scrappy Kevin Cawley goal forced the game to penalties. During the game Garry Fleming had been visibly angry with Aitken after being substituted. That was quickly forgotten the following week as he made a memorable league debut. All the build-up to Dumbarton’s game against Hibernian had focused on Scott Allan’s future. The midfielder was imminently joining boyhood club Rangers, and there was nothing that the Edinburgh club could do about it. Allan’s future briefly took a back seat however, as goals from Gregor Buchanan and Willie Gibson sealed a 2-1 victory for Aitken’s men. Allan joined Celtic a few days later. The following week Sons travelled to face Paisley to face former manager Ian Murray’s St Mirren. Again their performance was outstanding, with another Gibson free-kick and late Fleming penalty securing a 2-1 win. “One Stevie Aitken” rang out from the away end at St Mirren Park, as the Buddies vented their frustration at the man once worshipped by Sons supporters. The fact that Dumbarton had yet to score a league goal from open play was immaterial, as was the extra-time defeat to Queen’s Park - with Andy Graham badly at fault for the winning goal. Graham left the following weekend, with midfielder Darren Miller (having not made a competitive appearance) and striker Gordon Smith also departing. Frazer Wright and Steven Ross arrived in their place. Aitken had built up a strong rapport with the fans. He was passionate and impressive at a Meet the Manager session, and early results and performances had already bought him plenty of time. He needed it. Between the 22nd of August and 4th of December Dumbarton won just once in the Championship. The 2-1 success against Livingston on October 5th was the first time Dumbarton had scored from open play in the league under Aitken. Young striker Eamonn Brophy - on loan from Hamilton - had got the winner, and looked to be the man Sons were lacking up front. Despite that he would make just five starts during his 93 day deal. A 5-0 home hammering from a John Baird inspired Falkirk saw the first mutterings of discontent arrive from the home support. Those would likely have grown even louder with Sons 3-0 down at home to Raith Rovers, but somehow substitute Willie Gibson turned the game around. Three goals in the last nine minutes ensured a memorable draw. Form picked up in early December, with victories against Alloa Athletic (twice) and St Mirren, whilst a late Steven Saunders goal secured a priceless point against Livingston. It would be the last time Sons would score away from home until May. January opened with Willie Gibson returning to former club Stranraer. Despite looking likely to create something almost every time he stepped on the park, he’d found his game time limited. Striker Steven Craig - who had scored just once - also left. Winger Tom Walsh arrived from Rangers, making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Raith Rovers where Jamie Ewings produced a Man of the Match showing in his first appearance for 16 months. Another young winger, Kler Heh, also came in - joining from Sheffield United. It wasn’t until the final day of the window that Sons finally solved their season long striking problem with the addition of Christian Nadé. Having scored 34 goals throughout a nomadic career that had taken in spells in the English Premier League, Thai League and SPL, Nadé had never been prolific. Nobody could’ve imagined the impact he would make. In ten league starts the Frenchman scored seven times - including his first career hat-trick against Alloa. Without his goals Dumbarton would’ve faced a serious struggle to keep their place in the Championship. Nadé wasn’t the only striker to pitch up at the Rock though. Ghanaian Sebastian Osei-Obengo joined from Europa Point in the Gibraltarian Second Division, only to leave after a week without making an appearance. Paul Heffernan was then recruited, having scored the winner against Queen of the South in April. He wouldn’t score a goal during his three months at the Rock. Whilst Nadé was impressing, performances were erratic. Dumbarton were hammered 6-0 by Queen of the South - with Jordan Kirkpatrick leaving shortly after to join Clyde following an alleged disagreement with Aitken. Three weeks later the same opponents were beaten 4-2 at the Rock. Another victory against Hibernian - where Sons had been 3-0 up after less than 50 minutes - further enhanced Aitken’s repuation. The season ended on May 1st, with a 1-1 draw against already relegated Alloa Athletic. Donald McCallum’s 49th minute goal ended a drought away from home that had stretched for 134 days. Dumbarton had stayed up, form had been erratic, but some memorable moments ensured Aitken still had plenty of support from the fans. That would be seriously tested over the seven months that followed. The summer of 2016 saw Aitken faced with a typically big rebuilding job, one that could’ve been even bigger if rumours linking him with the vacant Raith Rovers job were to be believed. Kevin Cawley, Paul Heffernan, Mikey Hopkins, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Scott Taggart were all released - whilst the influential trio of Jon Routledge, Steven Saunders and Nadé all took up deals elsewhere. Robert Thomson, Andy Stirling, Craig Pettigrew, Ryan Stevenson, David Smith, Jamie Barclay and Josh Todd all arrived prior to the start of the new Betfred Cup section. A competition that Sons started with just one senior outfield player on the bench. A dire run in the newly formatted competition coupled with an injury to first choice ‘keeper Jamie Ewings saw Aitken make a trio of signings before the league campaign started. Left-back Daniel Harvie, ‘keeper Alan Martin and attacking midfielder Joe Thomson arrived. All three made their debuts in a 4-3 opening day defeat to Dunfermline Athletic. A week later Sons repeated their giant killing of the previous season with a 1-0 win against Dundee United. Just as before though it made way for a lengthy winless run in the league. One that would stretch until Bonfire Night. The window closed with winger Sam Stanton joining on a season long loan deal from Hibernian. After just one victory all season, the first fans started to turn on Aitken after a 3-0 home defeat to newly promoted Ayr United. The substitution of Joe Thomson - one of few players receiving pass marks - drew audible howls from the home support. That would be nothing compared to what was to come. Struggling in the league, Aitken must’ve feared the worst when his side were drawn against Bonnyrigg Rose in the Scottish Cup. Only some heroics from Alan Martin ensured that the tie ended goalless, with a large travelling support arriving at the Rock on a miserable night in December full of hope that an upset was possible. It was. Once again Dumbarton were played off the park, and deservedly defeated by the Junior side. Aitken cut a sorry figure as he trudged across the sodden park beyond the celebrating Rose fans. Not even their noise could drown out the abuse directed his way from the small home support. Post-match he stated that he would think about his future. Save for a loyal little group, the fans were almost entirely united. Aitken’s time was up. In the days that followed meetings took place, decisions were made and truths were told. He kept his job, and performances starting to improve. Long-serving assistant Stephen Farrell departed, Ian Durrant arrived and - after the signings of Christian Nadé, Stuart Carswell, Lewis Vaughan, Ross McCrorie and Calum Gallagher - Dumbarton turned a corner. A draw at Easter Road, a 4-0 win against Raith Rovers, victory at Palmerston and securing safety against Dundee United at Tannadice made for a hugely enjoyable second half to the campaign. Sons’ stale 4-4-1-1 had been cleared, a 4-2-3-1 arrived in place. Sam Stanton became unplayable in a deep midfield role, Lewis Vaughan’s ability shone through and moving Robert Thomson wide was a masterful decision that saw him end the year with 13 league goals. The highest tally for a Dumbarton player under Aitken. Dumbarton survived relegation on goal difference having scored more away goals than any other side in the league. The turnaround was incredible, and most people were delighted when Aitken agreed a new two year deal in May 2016. That summer however something felt different. Dumbarton lost a barrowload of key players: Alan Martin, Gregor Buchanan, Darren Barr, Robert Thomson and Mark Docherty. Aitken also sounded the final whistle on Garry Fleming’s six year long stay with the club. Summer rebuilding was slow. Andy Dowie (named as the club's new captain), Mark Stewart, Tom Walsh, Craig Barr, Scott Gallacher, David Wilson and Chris Johnston arrived prior to the last home friendly. That day left-back Chris McLaughlin and centre-half Dougie Hill joined up to help further boost numbers, whilst Ally Roy signed hours before a 3-1 defeat to League One Ayr United. Everything felt panicked. That feeling grew greater when Kyle Hutton joined 24 hours before the club’s second Betfred Cup tie against Clyde. Despite his arrival Sons’ matchday squad consisted of just 11 fit outfield players. The League Two side (without David Goodwillie) won 2-1. Danny Handling was the next player to sign, before injuring himself on his debut against Kilmarnock (and then injuring himself on his return a month later). Celtic defender Sam Wardrop became the final signing before the league campaign kicked off - a campaign where, once again, Dumbarton looked seriously short going forward. After failing to win any of their first four league games, Aitken made a deadline day double signing. Cypriot attacker Dimitris Froxylias and Ross County striker Greg Morrison pitched up. Froxylias made himself an instant hero with the home support, scoring an injury time winner against a disgraceful Connah’s Quay Nomads team, and prompting one of the most bitter post-match interviews in Irn-Bru Cup history. A 1-1 draw with Dundee United, followed by consecutive wins against Brechin City and Inverness Caledonian Thistle (with Froxylias playing a key role in all three games) saw Dumbarton get up and running. A strong run between November and early December brought four wins and two draws, and set up a Irn-Bru Cup semi-final against Welsh Champions The New Saints. The win against high-flying St Mirren left Dumbarton fans dreaming about a cup final and survival. What followed wasn’t what they had in mind. In the 11 league games that followed Dumbarton scored once and failed to record a win. An incredible turnaround in Shropshire and the return of previous heroes Iain Russell and Andy Stirling diverted any serious pressure from Aitken. If Stevie will be remembered for one game it will, undeniably, be ‘that night in Oswestry’. A goal down and with just three substitutes who had played for the club before, Sons turned things around thanks to two moment of magic. Danny Handling’s curling strike from the edge of the box was good enough, but Dimitris Froxylias’ 35 yard free-kick wouldn’t have looked out of place in a World Cup semi-final. Dumbarton were in a national final. Despite that league form was woeful. Back-to-back wins against a Brechin City side who would go the season without a victory were welcome, but eight defeats from the club’s last nine games represented form that, in most leagues, would see Sons automatically relegated. The Challenge Cup final ended in heartbreak too. Having favoured swashbuckling attacking football when Ian Durrant first arrived at the club, Sons had regressed to a far more negative style. Two things characterised that: Aitken’s insistence on playing two defensive midfielders, and his inability to get the most out of attacking players. Time and again the team looked content to sit back and try and scrape a narrow defeat, and the cup final saw Aitken lose a lot of goodwill. Despite being hampered by injury and international call-ups (!) Sons barely laid a glove on their opponents - aside from Chris McLaughlin nearly beheading Iain Vigurs. Carl Tremarco’s injury time winner was the least John Robertson’s team deserved, and the huge Dumbarton support that filtered out of McDiarmid Park knew that. All wasn’t lost in the league however, with the playoffs still offering hope of survival. Sons did just enough over two legs to see off Arbroath, before a 1-0 first leg win against Alloa Athletic thanks to a staggering Stuart Carswell strike. The home leg, broadcast live on BBC Alba on a glorious May afternoon, would be Aitken’s defining moment. In a typically tense game it was the visitors who controlled things, with Sons content to defend their lead. It looked like they’d manage it. Aitken repeatedly made defensively minded substitutions, in a move that left little hope if the game went into extra-time. With seconds of injury time remaining Ross Stewart turned and struck the ball low into the corner of Scott Gallacher’s net. Extra-time started with Jordan Kirkpatrick - a player released by Aitken - smashing in a killer second. Dumbarton tried to attack but it was utterly hopeless. Aitken had been relegated by a team containing Scott Taggart, Andy Graham, Kevin Cawley, Garry Fleming and Kirkpatrick. His tactics were heavily criticised by Sons fans and neutrals alike post-match. Minutes after full-time I put this on Pie & Bovril: Shall I post purely with emotions? Get in the sea, Stevie. Absolutely. Wet. The. Bed. Congratulations to my Waspy friends. Enjoy your night. Thoroughly deserved for wanting to win the game. Emotional? Yes. Accurate? I would say so. You cannot expect to stay up if you don’t attempt to win a game. This summer saw yet more upheaval, but an exciting new squad was built. It was thin on numbers, but players like Ross Forbes, Bobby Barr and Rory Loy had fans excited, as did the promise of attacking football. McBookie even made Dumbarton joint favourites for the league title. A sensational first-half showing against Queen’s Park and strong performance against Premiership Kilmarnock gave fans hope that a promotion push might be on the cards. Then Sons were hammered 6-0 by Alan Stubbs’ St Mirren. The cracks had started to appear, and it was only July. A comfortable opening day victory against East Fife - with two goals from corners - followed, before a 2-0 home loss to Forfar Athletic that had fans turning on Aitken. With season ticket sales down significantly, and a vocal few making their views on Aitken’s future heard on a Facebook group that also contained members of the squad, the pressure was on ahead of a Challenge Cup tie with Morton. Dumbarton responded. Morton may have played a weakened team, but the performance was something to build on. The quest for a home league win went on however, with only an injury time Ross Forbes strike salvaging a point against Arbroath. A week later Sons travelled to Angus to face Brechin City - a team with one win in their last 40 games (or something like that). Pre-match everyone agreed that it was a big game for both managers. Darren Dods looked likely to be sacked if his side recorded another defeat, whilst the pressure on Aitken would become enormous. Two excellent goals from Bobby Barr and trialist Brad Spencer had Dumbarton cruising. They conceded three in the final half hour and lost. During the game both Michael Paton and Stuart Carswell had been forced off with injury. Aitken’s decision to run with a squad of 17 looked to have already backfired. Extra funds were secured, and Spencer signed on a permanent deal along with defender Scott Allardice and exciting young Celtic forward Jack Aitchison. All three made their debuts the following week, against a Stenhousemuir side tipped for relegation. Again Dumbarton took the lead. Again they were defeated. In a discussion following the game on Facebook rumours about dressing room unrest started to circulate. It was beginning to look like Aitken’s days were numbered. His final throw of the dice saw former Morton assistant manager Craig McPherson arrive as a new first team coach prior to a Challenge Cup tie with Montrose. Dumbarton lost 1-0. The same opponents visited a week later, with two goals inside two minutes from Andy Dowie (corner) and Ross Forbes (penalty) cancelling out the visitors’ first-half opener. Following the quickfire concession, Montrose lost their heads with defender Michael Bolochoweckyj and manager Stewart Petrie both sent-off. Sons held on for their first home league win of the season. A dominant first-half performance against Airdrie a week later yielded just one goal, and having slipped back into old ways Dumbarton left with just a point. Then came a new low for Aitken’s tenure at the Rock. Buoyed by the appointment of John McGlynn, Raith Rovers found themselves 4-0 up inside 34 minutes on their first visit to G82 of the season. The game finished 5-1, and it was a surprise to many that Aitken kept his job. There was a real feeling of inevitability about where his time with Dumbarton would end though, as 40 or so Sons fans travelled south to Stranraer. Aitken had been a popular player at the Blues, and had done an impressive job as manager. Now in charge was his good friend Stephen Farrell, assisted by Aitken’s brother, Chris. Again basic mistakes were Dumbarton’s undoing. An inability to defend corners and long balls meant that goals from Ross Forbes and debutant Dominic Thomas counted for nothing. He remained as bullish as ever post-match, stating that his side would ‘take some stopping’ once everyone was fit. Aitken leaves Dumbarton having won 42 of his 154 matches in charge. He was the club’s longest serving manager (by games played) since Alex Wright, who departed in 1977.
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April 2020
CategoriesAuthorI'm Fraser, 22, Sons fan who is now living the dream of reporting on Dumbarton for the Lennox Herald. |