Dumbarton chairman John Steele has urged supporters to get behind the club at a 'critical time'.

The chairman and the board are looking to address 'serious issues' both on and off the pitch as they aim to create a positive community-focused future for the Sons.

Steele, who came in as the new chairman last May, said: “With continuing challenges both with our league position and in terms of resources, it's important that our supporters and friends fully understand the difficult situation we are in, why things are as they are, and how we plan to turn things around with their help.

“After six years of our owners, Brabco, looking to relocate the club's stadium to a new site as part of a plan to increase profile and income, the plans were rejected by West Dunbartonshire Council earlier this year.

“There was virtually no investment in the infrastructure of the club during that period, with the expectation of the owners being that relocation would take place.

"The longer-term costs of that lack of investment are now coming home to roost, but the new club board, working closely with supporters through the Sonstrust, are determined to address this and find a path to long-term sustainability."

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Steele admits that last season's relegation after spending six years in the Scottish Championship has left the club with a mountain to climb.

And while Jim Duffy and his side, who currently sit third from bottom above Stranraer and Stenhousemuir, are battling to avoid the drop, Steele is adamant that the club will find its footing once again.

He added: “Our challenges were obviously made worse by last-minute relegation to League One at the end of last season, after six years in the Championship – the second tier of Scottish professional football – where we were punching way above our weight as a small, part-time club.

“Relegation has left us with a significant increase in debt and nothing to show financially for our time in the Championship.

“Furthermore, a new season in a lower division saw a 25 per cent drop in season tickets, despite attempts to make prices competitive at League One level, and a change in demographics towards more lower-priced concessions.

“The impact of both relegation and a fall in regular support has been huge financially.

“If we can work together to overcome our immediate difficulties, the long-term looks bright. We are where we are – now we need to look forward.”

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Speaking on behalf of the Sonstrust, the registered provident society that brings Dumbarton fans together and has a shareholding in the club, chairman Brian Payne welcomed the statement from John Steele.

“The trust agrees wholly with the strategy and approach of the Dumbarton FC board and the collaborative style of the club chairman. We will continue to do everything we can to back the club, and to urge Sons fans to get behind it financially and in every other way.”

The Dumbarton FC board and the Sonstrust will be making further announcements shortly about initiatives to raise much-needed funds and to make progress in the league.