After a year in the hot seat Dumbarton manager Jim Duffy has insisted that he’s not interested in getting sentimental over his time at the Sons.
The former Morton manager was appointed on October 21 last year following the sacking of Stevie Aitken, with the pre-season title favourites languishing ninth in SPFL League One.
And he marked the anniversary with a draw against Stranraer at Stair Park that lifts the Sons into the League One promotion playoff positions.
However a typically focused Duffy wasn’t interested in reflecting on his first 12 months at the Rock.
He said: “I don’t really look back.
“I’m not trying to be flippant, but I only really look forward.
“It’s a complete change of team from the one I inherited, we’ve only got two outfield players in Carsy and Hutts who were here when I arrived, and we keep adding ones like Adam Frizzell, Matthew Shiels and Reghan Tumilty.
“My main aim is to try and improve us as a football team, and the attitude and application of the players has been first class all season.”
When he was appointed, Duffy inherited a Sons squad low on morale – and numbers.
In his first two months there were occasions where he was able to name just one fit outfield substitute, whilst the club endured a goalkeeping crisis that saw no fewer than seven named in matchday squads over the course of the campaign.
However he made an immediate impact, with the Sons dismantling East Fife 4-0 for their biggest win in over two years in his first game in charge.
And once he was able to boost his depleted squad in January Duffy’s side hit form that almost lead to an unlikely promotion push – as they lost just twice between February and May.
After doubts over his future emerged in the summer Duffy faced a huge rebuilding job after committing to the club – with 18 players including key men Dom Thomas, Ross Forbes and Calum Gallagher all moving on.
Early signs were far from positive too, as the Sons conceded six goals twice in their opening six games.
However form turned a corner and, having lost just once to a part-time team since March, the Sons, and Duffy, are now looking up rather than over their shoulders for the first time in five seasons.
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