Jim Lister was 31 years old when he signed for Dumbarton. It was debatable whether or not he was even a lower league journeyman by that point, with most of his footballing success coming whilst playing in the Juniors.
Oakley United, Camelon Juniors, a trial game for Stenhousemuir, a short spell with a simply dreadful Berwick Rangers team and Bathgate Thistle was far from an impressive CV. His goalscoring exploits for Thistle earned him some late league attention however and so, at the age of 29, he was handed what looked destined to be a last chance in senior football with Alloa Athletic. Alan Maitland’s side had finished second in the 2nd Division the year previous, and so would be expected to be competing at the top once again. Lister’s luck was out. The Wasps capitulated, and ended the season 9th - eventually being relegated after defeat in the playoffs to Annan Athletic. Despite this Lister had, for the first time, acclimatised himself to senior football. Seven goals in 38 appearances was hardly prolific, but it was enough to attract the attention of Brechin City who were building a seriously strong looking side for the following season. Lister’s arrival coincided with that of experienced campaigners like Garry Brady, Mick Dunlop and Scot Buist as well as lower league goal machine Paul McManus, and the undoubted talent of Derek Carcary and David Crawford. Once again though, the pre-season expectations were quickly dashed. City finished 8th, just four points clear of Albion Rovers. Lister meanwhile struggled with injuries and form, scoring just four times in 29 appearances. There was widespread shock, disbelief, hilarity and worry therefore when Dumbarton, newly promoted to the 1st Division, made Lister one of their first signings. In a league featuring the likes of Stevie May, Kris Doolan and Lyle Taylor, a veteran who had barely been noticed in the lower leagues was hardly an intimidating proposition. What happened that season was truly remarkable however. Dumbarton’s incredible escape under Ian Murray dominated the headlines, but Lister’s success was an often externally overlooked reason for that. Early signs were promising. His all-action style, powerful presence and bravery quickly endeared him to an, at first, sceptical home support. Goals in his first two competitive games further boosted the positive feeling amongst fans. It was Lister who kept many going during a barren start to the season, where Alan Adamson’s side looked well out of their depth. A belting strike against Livingston couldn’t prevent defeat in the League Cup, whilst a Man of the Match display against Hamilton was rewarded with another goal. It should’ve been awarded with all three points too, but somehow Sons managed to chuck away a two goal lead at the death. In between the games Lister also scored his first senior hat-trick, albeit in a 3-0 Stirlingshire Cup victory against a young Stirling Albion side. Gradually as Dumbarton threatened to find their feet, Lister and Bryan Prunty rekindled a partnership from their Alloa Athletic days. It was very much the traditional ‘little and large’ combination. Prunty would work defenders, grab chances and get himself in good positions. Lister would use himself as a battering ram, and be Sons’ focal point in attack. Adamson’s sacking a fortnight after goals from Lister and Prunty had secured Sons’ first away point in the league (against Raith Rovers) had little impact on Lister’s form. In Ian Murray’s first league match in charge he grabbed a double, in a shock 4-3 win against Falkirk. He would score just once again until the end of March. Despite that, that ‘once’ was vital. His equaliser against future employers Airdrie United was followed by an assist for Marc McCusker to score his only goal for the club. It was enough for all three points. A result that moved the Sons above the Diamonds and off the foot of the table for the first time. The goals may have dried up, but Lister’s form remained impressive. Time and again experienced Premier League defenders struggle to cope with the then 32 year old and, if it wasn’t for the fact that he rarely lasted until the 70th minute, further goals would’ve followed. When he did break the duck though, he did so in memorable fashion. There were plenty of rumours circulating about a summer move to Raith Rovers in the lead up to Sons’ midweek tie with Grant Murray’s men. Perhaps that affected the team too, as they found themselves two goals down early on. Step forward the season’s unlikely hero. Lister grabbed another hat-trick, bravely taking a glove to the face from David McGurn to complete it, as Sons recorded a 4-2 success. Days later he had his 11th league goal of the season - a career best. Flicking in a clever header early on against Hamilton in the second game in four days between the sides at New Douglas Park. Playing on AstroTurf twice in close succession took its toll though, as he struggled for mobility all game. It took him time to recover after that, but when he did he capped off the season in the best way possible. His goal against Cowdenbeath played a massive role in a hugely memorable 3-2 win that secured safety. Somehow Dumbarton, with their reliance on an ageing journeyman, had stayed up. Lister’s fine form was rewarded with the Player of the Year award a week later. He picked up a host of other gongs too, cementing his place as a cult-hero with the home support... right up until he joined freshly relegated Airdrie United (as they were) a few weeks later. Some fans will still have a tarnished image of him for that choice. I won’t however. There is no way Lister should’ve had the season he did at the Rock. The fact he did, and then moved on, makes it all the more unique. I’d like to wish Jimmy all the best in his retirement which was announced today. His role in getting us to where we are today should not be underestimated and, above all else, he was simply great to watch. In total Jim made 39 appearances for the Sons, scoring 17 times. How we could do with someone with that sort of record at the moment.
1 Comment
|
Archives
April 2020
CategoriesAuthorI'm Fraser, 22, Sons fan who is now living the dream of reporting on Dumbarton for the Lennox Herald. |