John Steele has said it is ‘critical’ fans are able to return to Sons matches next season.
Yesterday (Tuesday) it was confirmed that up to 500 people will be able to return to grounds for the first time in 15 months in time for next week’s play-off final between Dumbarton and Edinburgh City, with chairman Steele highlighting the importance of crowds to lower league sides.
He said: “It is now critical that we get fans back in – from a financial perspective and also for the wellbeing of the club in the community.
“Without spectators in reasonable numbers then, like all clubs, we start to wither.
“We’ve got to redress that and it’s critical that spectators come back to allow us to move onwards and upwards.”
Included in the 500 are members of the press, players outwith the matchday squad, club officials and scouts/observers.
Steele also said that he would not have continued as chairman of the Castle Road club if it wasn’t for the support of Sons fans who helped raise more than £25,000 to keep the club afloat during the first lockdown.
He added: “It’s very simple to say how overwhelmed I have been by the actions of our supporters.
“If I wasn’t heartened by the support then I wouldn’t have continued in my current role.”
