Chapman: It's only going to get tougher

Published 18 May 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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JIM Chapman was delighted with his side's efforts to finish sixth in the Second Division - but warned next season's campaign will be even tougher.

After a shaky start by the Sons, they managed to secure a solid finish and their First Division play-off challenge lasted until the second last week of the campaign.

The Dumbarton boss was pleased with his players' determination and improvement over the hard-fought season and hopes to build on this next year.

But Chapman admitted it will be difficult to break into the play-off positions after full-time club Livingston steam rolled their way to promotion from the Third Division.

And last week, he knew things would be made even more difficult with Kenny Black's Airdrie United - another full-time outfit - dropping down to Scottish football's third tier after a play-off defeat to Brechin City.

Giving his verdict on the 2009/2010 season to Sport Scene, he said: "We found out at the start that when we made a mistake we were punished in the Second Division. But the good thing is we have secured our Second Division status comfortably and we have taken steps forward as a club with youth development.

"We are not just paving over cracks, we are building solid foundations.

"Everybody's idea of success varies but what we can say is the players, the coaching staff and the fans have worked hard and done well this season.

"You don't want to set targets too high because people will think you are a dreamer but you don't want to set them low either because people will think you lack ambition.

"Realism has to play a massive part but we will hopefully be challenging for the play-off next season."

Chapman had the tough task of trimming down his squad by letting go of 10 players last week, however he insisted the cuts had to be made.

He said: "It's never an easy decision to make but you make a professional judgment, it's never about personalities. We have done the right thing to help the club go forward.

"I felt we needed a bit more strength in the side and players like Dennis Wyness is what we need."

One player who should be playing for the Sons next season is Ben Gordon, who picked up the club's player of the year this month.

Chapman praised the former amateur player and reckons he is one of Dumbarton's best signings.

He added: "I think there were a number of players who could have won the award.

"Ben Gordon showed potential at amateur level and he has made that step up and hopefully he can progress with Dumbarton."

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 18 May 10

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