DUMBARTON FC is in the process of preparing a bid for £50,000 from a £3 million cash injection into Scottish football, the club's chairman says.

The SPFL Trust revealed on Wednesday, June 10 that it had received the single biggest personal donation in Scottish football history.

James Anderson, a fund manager and partner with Baillie Gifford, an Edinburgh based investment company, gifted the football charity £3,125,000.

A Covid-19 crisis fund will now be set up by the SPFL Trust, to which all 42 SPFL clubs including Dumbarton FC will be eligible to apply to, where they then will receive a fixed grant of £50,000.

The Sons will receive the grant on the basis that they are able to demonstrate support for the local community.

Dumbarton FC chairman, John Steele, told the Reporter: "The offer of financial support via James Anderson is very welcome. We are in the process of putting together an application, along with other clubs.

"We particularly welcome the community emphasis, which chimes with our own desire to root ourselves more and more in the life of the local area, and to provide real benefit to our neighbourhood.

"We will be saying more about the kind of programmes this could help us sustain and develop in due course.

"Collaboration with local businesses, charities and voluntary groups is something we certainly want to strengthen.

"We already do quite a bit with youth groups, in cooperation with our sponsors, C&G Systems Ltd. That includes rail safety training, stadium tours and hospitality for schools, and support for local youth football.

"Of course, additional money like this does not solve all the current financial challenges faced by a small club like ours. But it is a real boost.

"It shows that Scottish football can produce real community benefit and is definitely worth investing in.”

SPFL Trust chief executive, Nicky Reid, commented: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to James for this unprecedented gesture.

"It will enable clubs to access vital funds during these exceptional times, whilst ensuring they can also continue to support the important community work that has been taking place over recent months.”

James Anderson said: “Football is at the heart of communities across Scotland, and there are not many societal organisations that bring people together nowadays, to catch them in a net when they fall.

When Covid-19 struck, I realised what a significant loss it would be for towns across the country if their local SPFL club’s very survival was threatened.

“This isn’t just about the passion on the pitch, which is why we love the game, but about the responsibility our clubs take in communities across Scotland.”