DUMBARTON’S head of youth development Tony McNally has had numerous hurdles put in his path since joining the club back in May, writes Adam Thomas.

After the under 20s team was scrapped, many would have been led to believe that youth development at the Sons has taken a back seat.

But McNally, who previously coached at Annan, has set about putting his imprint on the way the club treats youngsters.

He said: “It’s been great so far. Obviously it’s been full of challenges but it’s been fantastic. I came in and we’ve implemented a new style and philosophy.

“We’ve brought in a lot of new coaches and had a clear-out.

“Obviously it was for financial reasons that they scrapped the under 20s. We’ve come in and we’ve put in a pathway for this season, but the idea is for next season that we implement an under 20s or a reserves team, depending on what the SFA want to do.

“It also depends on what happens to the first team this year as well, if they stay up or go down.”

McNally has wasted no time in getting stuck into the job, and has looked to change the philosophy and the way the kids think about football.

He added: “We’re focusing more on the attitude of the players, and the respect of players, so we’re trying to bring the right type of people into the club rather than just taking them because they’re a good player.

“They need to be a good player and have a hardworking attitude and to play for themselves, their coaches, their teammates. It’s about trying to create that ethos around the club and it’s been great and it’s been positive, and from a football perspective we’re now implementing a challenge to their decision making.

“Instead of everyone trying to play the Barcelona way, I’m trying to get them to understand that there is a time of when to play or not to play that way, and it’s challenging the kids’ decision making.”

The head of youth development has been in regular contact with Sons boss Stevie Aitken, and has encouraged the under 17s to train with the first team.

And with the jump from under 17s to first team proving big, numerous Dumbarton players have joined junior clubs to help their development.

Amadou Kassarate has joined Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Kyle Prior has moved to Vale of Clyde, Cameron Hambleton has joined Irvine Victoria and Jay Cameron has gone down to Newmains.

But despite this movement, the former Annan coach is hoping to create a more community feel at the club.

He said: “I want to start a development centre. I want to start a link and to start interacting with the local clubs.

“The aim would be to have the development centre but that doesn’t conflict with the boys’ clubs, so they can still play and train with the clubs but they come in for extra training as well.

“So it’s about trying to get a partnership with the local clubs and trying to get the best local talent to come to us.

“The community links haven’t been there recently and I’ve tried to create that ethos and philosophy, not only for Dumbarton but the local teams as well, to show that there is that vision and pathway in the clubs.

“The best local talent should be coming to Dumbarton first; we need to be engaging with the local teams.”

The Sons recently welcomed Singer 04 Community FC after a game, and Ardencaple Boys Club, FC Argyle 2006 and Kilpatrick FC will be down to visit the CID Stadium for Dumbarton’s next home games.

McNally said: “We’re looking to start getting the local clubs involved and down to games, to have a look around.

“We take them into the dressing room at the end for a question and answer so it’s good for them as well. “ And McNally, who is looking to get his UEFA A coaching licence next year, isn’t just looking at improving the youngsters.

He said: “I get the coaches to do small match reports on the game, key moments of the game, to give me a lowdown of the match, who did well, who struggled, and then I can report back to them.

“I can look at where things may have gone wrong, and how I can help develop the coaches and the kids as well and give them a different voice, a different angle as kids react in different ways.

“Doing reports is part of the coaching development as well, which I think will enhance the way things are done.”

If your school or youth club would be interested in the community tickets, for more details call 01389 762569 or email afindlay@dumbartonfc.com