Dumbarton FC: Jim Chapman relaxed as squad start to sign

May 29 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON boss Jim Chapman headed for Spain on Sunday in a relaxed mood, with some of his title-winning squad re-signed and tentative agreements reached with new signings.

The gaffer jetted off to Palma with his players for a four-day break as a reward for their third division title success.

Among those signed on at the Rock last week were fans’ favourite Derek Carcary, skipper Gordon Lennon and keeper Dave McEwan.

Midfielders Iain Chisholm and Andy Geggan will also be Sons players again next season, along with youngsters Kieran Brannan, Richard McKillen and Martin McNiff.

They join Michael Dunlop, Ben Gordon, Mark McGeown and Stevie Murray, who were already signed up for the coming campaign.

Top scorer Ross Clark was also on the plane to Spain, but has yet to commit his future, along with Pat Boyle and Ryan McStay.

Jim said: “It’s a lot of work but the sooner we get them in, the better. We are not in as much of a rush as we were last summer.

“We will be looking at getting the right signing targets, but we have a good nucleus of the squad. There will be so many players looking for contracts over summer.

“We have tentative agreements with a couple of players but there is nothing confirmed and, until they actually sign, you are always cautious.”