Dumbarton Football Club fans finally returned to the Rock last week after more than 400 days locked out of the action.
West Dunbartonshire’s move into level two restrictions last Monday saw the Sons permitted to allow supporters into their home for the first time since March 3 last year - and the Castle Road faithful were rewarded for their patience as Sons secured League One survival via the play-offs.
A sell-out socially distanced crowd of 398 certainly made themselves heard at the C&G Systems Stadium, despite Covid restrictions requiring some fans to turn up almost two hours before kick off.
Gaffer Jim Duffy admitted that the experience of having supporters back in the ground was an unusual one on what turned out to be his last match in charge of Dumbarton before his departure yesterday (Monday).
He said: “It was brilliant having the fans in, even in the warm-up when you wouldn’t normally have fans in. In a way it was strange and a bit surreal.
“I don’t think it was the most exciting match for the fans, and it was certainly a bit nerve-wracking, but it was a pleasure to see everyone back.”
Duffy’s comments were echoed by captain Stuart Carswell. Speaking to the club’s social media channels, he said: “It was fantastic to have the fans back, even if it wasn’t a great spectacle for them.
“I’m sure if you asked them before the game if they’d take a victory but no goals then they would’ve taken it.”
Whilst man of the match Nick McAllister added: “It’s been more than a year since I last played in front of fans so it was quite weird coming out into the noise at the stadium. But it was a fantastic experience.”
Whilst supporters could enjoy watching their side in action, the experience was very different to a normal matchday.
Fans were temperature-checked on arrival and then taken to seats by stewards, with each fan remaining socially distanced from other supporters.
Sons’ general manager Antonia Love paid tribute to the club’s safety officer Jacqui Sibbald for her efforts to ensure every guideline was followed. She said: “I can’t thank Jacqui enough for all her work this season, but especially for the return of the fans last week. The same has to be said for the volunteers who helped make sure everything was as safe as possible. It was great seeing everyone back again.”
Duffy left Sons by mutual consent following League One survival.
