Dumbarton FC: Sons-mad fan travel from Czech Republic for celebrations

May 15 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

A SONS-mad fan travelled from the Czech Republic to witness Saturday’s title celebrations.

Ian Kinloch made the 1000 mile trip from Chomutov, in the north west of the country, to see Dumbarton lift the third division trophy.

He told the Lennox Herald: “I used to go with my father every week and I’ve now been supporting Dumbarton for about 50 years.

“I remember being at Boghead Park when they won the old second division in 1972, and the players and fans went into the town for drinks afterwards.

“I now live in the Czech Republic but Dumbarton’s result is always the first one I look for on a Saturday.

“But about a month ago, when it became clear they had a chance of winning the title, I knew I had to come back. I probably wouldn’t have done so otherwise.”

Mike Sneddon, of Bury in Greater Manchester, made the game part of a 647-mile football marathon over the weekend.

He went to support his local team at Shrewsbury on Thursday before heading up to Annan on Saturday with his brother Graham.

Then he witnessed Bury’s second leg against Shrewsbury on Sunday before heading to Newcastle’s game with Middlesbrough on Monday with his Magpies-supporting wife Emma.

The 34-year-old said: “It was amazing. I’ve been up for some big games over the years, but I’d never seen Dumbarton lift a trophy until Saturday.

“The last game I saw before Saturday was a 1-1 draw with Arbroath in November 2007, so it has been a long wait to watch them again.

“I’ve always lived down in Bury, and watch them every Saturday, but I’ve been supporting Dumbarton for over 30 years as my grandad is from the area.

“I probably spent about 15 to 18 hours in total travelling to the three games over the weekend, as well as Bury’s home game on Sunday.”

Sandy McGregor, of nearby Stockport, also made the journey north for the celebrations.

He said: “It was fantastic. I’ve seen Dumbarton get promoted before, in 1995 and 2002, but never as champions.

“I lived in the Vale of Leven originally before moving to Stockport 22 years ago. I was told not to support Rangers or Celtic so I followed my local team.

“The last game I saw was the 1-1 draw with Cowdenbeath in February, when it looked as if we had no chance of winning the title.”

Meanwhile, Sons View programme columnist Simon Barrow, from Exeter, travelled to Annan and back from Birmingham on Saturday.

He said: “It was the best day of my footballing life. For various reasons, I had never been to see Dumbarton lift a trophy before Saturday.

“In December 1969, aged 11, I was watching the Scottish results and saw that Dumbarton had been beaten 6-1 by Stranraer.

“That made me decide that was my team. My parents told me it wasn’t logical, but what do you do aged 11 when your parents tell you something?

“Exeter have also been promoted to the English League One this season. I’m very happy for them, but Dumbarton are my first team.”