Dumbarton FC to exit administration as deal agreed to save historic SPFL side (2025)

The Sons collapsed into administration in November with fans raising more than £120,000 to keep the League One side afloat

Crisis hit Dumbarton have been saved from collapse with a takeover deal set to be agreed - and creditors paid in full.

The League One side were plunged into administration in November after years of behind the scenes turmoil, with a land sale that fell through proving the final straw.

In the days that followed fans raised more than £100,000 to help secure the club's future until the end of the season, although Stevie Farrell's men did find themselves landed with a 15 point penalty - the same as fellow crisis club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

However administrators Quantuma now say that a deal has been agreed that will save the Sons, and wipe out their debt - with all creditors set to be fully paid.

In a statement, Quantuma said: "The Joint Administrators of Dumbarton Football Club Limited can confirm that they have agreed Heads of Terms with Gareth Phillips on a proposal that would see the Club exit Administration solvently and with all creditors paid in full.

"Fans will be aware that the Administrators have been engaged in litigation against Pendragon Group Limited of which Mr. Phillips is the principal.

"The full terms of the proposal are subject to confidential negotiations, however as part of the proposal, the litigation with Pendragon would be concluded on the basis Pendragon would not hold security over the Club's assets.

"Mr. Phillips would introduce sufficient funding to stabilise the trading of the Club going forward and the Administrators are required to be satisfied that there is security for cash flow and a business plan to provide support for the Club for the next 3 seasons.

"A non-refundable deposit has been received by the Administrators which will cover any short-term trading shortfall whilst the transaction is being negotiated, until the target completion date in early May.

"The Administrators will now work with Mr Phillips and his team to conclude this proposal to allow planning for next season to commence."

However Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has expressed concerns over the news, and is requesting a meeting with Philips as well as the SPFL.

The Scottish Labour deputy leader said: “As a supporter of Dumbarton Football Club I have concerns over the new owner’s connections to the club’s former owners. It looks like the same people in new packaging.

“I think fans of Dumbarton Football Club will be left with a lot of questions over Gareth Phillips’ past associations and it may be prudent for him to address these at the earliest opportunity. Meantime, I am seeking a meeting with both Mr Phillips and the Scottish Professional Football League.”

And the Sons' Supporters Trust said they shared the worries, with chair David Brownlee saying: "We acknowledge the statement from Quantuma and can confirm that the trust director, Cameron Watson and Gareth Phillips met for an introductory chat to discuss his potential investment as we welcome any development being made that safeguards the club's long-term future.

"However the Sonstrust do have concerns about the apparent links between Gareth Phillips/Pendragon and the previous ownership of the club. We would urge him to to explain openly the nature of the relationship to Dumbarton supporters who are rightly concerned by this connection.

"To the best of our knowledge Mr Phillips also has no previous experience in football, and we would be keen to learn more about his plans for the club moving forward.

"The Sonstrust stands ready and willing to help anyone with the best interests of Dumbarton Football Club at heart, and we would hope that Mr Phillips and his team communicate with the support at the earliest proper opportunity to outline their vision moving forward."

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