One of Scotland's oldest football clubs Dumbarton FC enters administration

Dumbarton FC, one of Scotland’s oldest football clubs, has entered administration amid ongoing financial troubles and concerns over its long-term future.

Administrators said the club’s directors “were left with no option” after failing to receive money owed from the sale of development land in 2021.

The League One side, who have been champions of Scotland twice in their 152-year history, will also face a points deduction that will see them drop to the foot of the table.

Fellow third-tier side Inverness Caledonian Thistle were deducted 15-points after going into administration earlier this season.

A similar penalty would see Dumbarton, who are one of the oldest teams in the SPFL pyramid, drop to zero points and fall four behind the Highland club.

Glasgow-based financial advisors Quantuma have been appointed as administrators for the club.

Ian Wright, Quantuma managing director and joint administrator, said: “Craig Morrison and I were appointed joint administrators of Dumbarton FC on November 18, 2024.

“The directors of the club were left with no option other than to appoint administrators, following the non-receipt of significant funds that were owed to the club from the sale of development land in 2021.

“As administrators, we will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this transaction and other issues affecting the club, but will not be in a position to comment further at this time. Our immediate priority is to ensure the club can complete its fixtures and we will be meeting with key stakeholders to ensure this can be achieved.

“We understand this will be a shock to fans, staff and the local community.

“The club employs 18 playing staff, six football staff and three club staff whose roles are secure whilst we work through the early stages of assessing the options available to the club.

“We would invite any interested parties to come forward.”

Latest club accounts show Dumbarton were owed more than £1.6m, and that a payment of £300,000 against that loan had not been paid to the club, with its accounts stating: “The recovery of this debtor is dependent on the successful completion of a residential development on the land sold.

“The developer has experienced a number of challenges and at the date of signing these accounts discussions remain ongoing with planning authorities to obtain detailed planning permission and work on the development has not yet commenced.”

Last month, a private individual had to step in to pay wages at the club, STV News understands.

After reports began circulating on Monday, the club released a statement on social media saying: “We want to acknowledge the reports shared on varying media outlets tonight and understand it’s not the news that people wanted.

“A statement will follow tomorrow.”

Dumbarton was formed in 1872 and have won two Scottish league titles, including sharing the first-ever title with Rangers back in 1891, and the Scottish Cup in 1883.

They have also won the second tier on two occasions (1911, 1972) and the third (1992) and fourth (2009) on one occasion each.

The Scottish Professional Football League has been contacted for comment.