Dumbarton FC: Skipper Gordon Lennon in dreamland after celebrations

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

GORDON Lennon admits he’s still in dreamland over Saturday‘s magical league title celebrations.

The Dumbarton captain lifted the third division trophy after his team’s 3-1 win at Galabank Stadium before returning home for the open-top bus ride where masses of fans greeted the team.

He has been overwhelmed by the change in Sons’ fortunes, with a run of seven wins in eight games to take the title.

He said: “I am still in dreamland. I cannot believe it. We have achieved something that seemed so impossible only eight games ago.

“If somebody had said at that stage, with our remaining fixtures, that we would win the league, winning seven out of eight, conceding one goal and scoring left, right and centre, I think people would have thought ‘are you insane?’.

“We have not only managed to beat some difficult opponents, but done so with good performances as well. We weren’t just grinding out results, we played well in achieving them.

“Nothing I have achieved in football even comes close to coming down Castle Road on that open-top bus on Saturday night.

“We turned the corner, saw the supporters, and thought there was no way those were people coming to cheer us down the road.

“Then the closer we got to the stadium, the more I just thought ‘oh my God’. The number of people who came to share our achievement was just fantastic.”

The Sons players are due to have contract talks this week, something Gordon admits may bring them back down to earth.

He has declared himself in for next season if manager Jim Chapman wants him to stay, but knows he will face a fight for a place in the team.

He added: “Just now we want to try and enjoy it as much as we can. I spent silly money on the Sunday papers and didn’t read a single news item – it was only the reports on us I was reading.

“I suppose it will bring us back down to earth when the retained players are announced. All the players who have done their part will be remembered.

“I’d definitely like to stay. I’m in a position where I can’t take my place in the side for granted, and if the gaffer thinks there is a better option, it is up to me to get back in.

“I’m under no illusion with regards to the contract talks. It’s not a matter of being a definite starter next season, and I don’t think anybody thinks that way.

“We will also be able to attract new players in the second division, so we will see what happens.”