* Stop press: Jim McIntyre has agreed to take up the post of manager at Dundee.
McIntyre’s the target as Sons search for new manager at the Rock
Jim McIntyre with the trophy he won at Hampden with Ross County.
By Bill Heaney
Dumbarton man Jim McIntyre is the person of choice for the manager’s post at the Rock stadium.
Steve Aitken, who was seen by many as one of Scotland’s best prospects to succeed in football management has now left the club.
Aitken has been forced to preside over a depleted Dumbarton team which has faced injury problem after problem with its playing staff.
Helensburgh solicitor John Steele, pictured left, who now chairs the club, told the Sons’ website: “We have had a number of encouraging expressions of interest over the past few days and we are actively considering these.
“After a really difficult start to our League One campaign it’s important that we find someone who can inject confidence and stability into the side.
“Though we are a part-time team we have a proud history. After our recent success for six seasons in the Championship we recognise that this is a time of consolidation on and off the pitch.
“Dumbarton FC continues to aspire to be successful as a community club. That means bringing our supporters, staff, board, trust and many friends in the locality together to work for a sustainable, positive future.
“There’s a really good spirit at the club, and we aim to go on building on that with the support of valued sponsors C&G Systems and other commercial and community partners.”
Managers being tipped for job include Jim Duffy and Paul Hartley, but McIntyre, who was brought up locally is said to be the “dream” option for Sons.
McIntyre has an impressive CV. Aged 46, he has made his mark as a player and coach. He played mainly as a striker or as a left midfielder.
During his playing career he turned out for Bristol City, Airdrie, Kilmarnock, Reading, Dundee United and Dunfermline Athletic.
He started his managerial career with Dunfermline Athletic followed by a scouting role at Bristol City. He then managed Queen of the South and Ross County, winning the Scottish League Cup in March 2016 with County.