Sons’ new manager: The possible candidates

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SO…he’s gone.

Ian Murray is off into the Paisley sunset after a successful time at Dumbarton. There will be much more relating to his departure to follow.

But in the meantime, Sons need a new gaffer. It’s a position that’s certain to generate interest and, after Murray’s success, some rookie managers may well fancy it. However, there are candidates out there. Here, The Dumbarton Terrace examines some of those who may be the main contenders, from the sublime to the (almost) ridiculous.

Stephen Aitken

Became Stranraer manager in October 2012. Has just finished a season which saw the Stair Park club reach the promotion play-offs on a shoestring budget. Has been linked with moves to a higher level before as a result of his success in charge of the Blues.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? Stranraer’s failure to win promotion through those play-offs means a fourth consecutive season in Scottish football’s third tier for Aitken. How much longer can he stay at that level if he intends to make a career out of managing? The club is also much more local to him, although Stranraer do train in Glasgow through the week and only head down the M77 on matchdays.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? He would still be part-time, and in a season where Sons will be one of two part-time sides, there may be some lingering doubt about the step up – although there’s only one way to find out if he can deal with it. Also said to only be interested in a full-time gig as his next move.

Verdict If made an offer he can’t refuse, why not?

Gus MacPherson

Former St Mirren and Queen of the South manager who has just managed Queen’s Park to the promotion play-offs after a second-placed finish in League Two.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? He knows the second tier of Scottish football well, and his knowledge of it goes right to the very top, having led St Mirren to the First Division title in 2006. The move to a League Two club may have been right for him to get back into the game, but a boss with such experience in the higher part of the league setup may well fancy a move back into it should the chance arise.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? Opinions are divided as to his style of management, and relegation from the First Division with Queen of the South doesn’t look particularly impressive on his CV. That was his last season at this level and his stock may not be as high as it used to be.

Verdict Clued up on the division alright, but if his style of football isn’t going to be easy on the eye then results are a requisite from the start.

Billy Reid

Has managed both Clyde and Hamilton Accies in Scottish football’s second tier, leading the New Douglas Park club to promotion in 2008. Currently employed as assistant manager at Ostersunds in Sweden.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? Similarly to MacPherson, he has experience of competing, and succeeding, at the very top of the division. His current post in Sweden is as a right hand man and, having been there for 18 months, he may fancy a move back home and the chance to be his own man again.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? More used to working with full-time players, albeit some of them were making their first moves in senior football – Darian MacKinnon at Hamilton, for one. He’s also rejected the chance to be Swansea City manager in the past, while at the Accies, so he doesn’t switch clubs lightly.

Verdict Worth considering.

Allan Moore

Recently sacked by Arbroath after a season which looked set to end in success instead resulted in dismal failure. Previously in charge of Morton, who he managed to second place in the Championship in 2012/13, and Stirling Albion, with whom he won promotion three times. The last of those was with Sons skipper Andy Graham in the Binos squad.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? He’s a former player at the club and his last full season as a second tier manager ended in a close call for promotion with Morton. He and Andy Graham have already operated together at both Stirling and Morton and with Andy already re-signed, that may be a selling point should Moore be approached by Sons.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? There can be few managers whose records are so haphazard as Moore’s at this level. His Morton side went from being highly impressive title challengers in 2012/13 to a calamitous outfit the following season, seeing him replaced by Kenny Shiels. Less than a year in charge at Arbroath, two leagues lower, suggest all is still not well.

Verdict A gamble, but on his day, capable.

Darren Young

Has recently won the League Two title in his first season in charge at Albion Rovers.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? He must think this management lark is easy. It was no mean feat for him to walk into Cliftonhill this time last year, and transform a side who finished seventh in 2013/14, well adrift of the play-offs, into champions. May well be happy with his lot at Coatbridge at the moment but this would be a step up to a level he was used to for many years as a player. The last Dumbarton manager who was previously with Albion Rovers did OK too – one James Chapman.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? As above, may not want to leave Rovers after a first year which could hardly have gone any better. May not yet be ready for the move into the second tier – but as with Aitken, how will he know unless he gives it a try?

Verdict A potential outsider.

Walter Smith

Recognised as one of the legends of Scottish football management, winning a total of 21 trophies in two spells as Rangers manager, including 10 league championships. Has also been in charge of Everton and the Scottish national team, the latter of which saw him manage his country to a 1-0 win over France.

Why would he come to Dumbarton? Very good question when you look at that CV. But he DOES live in Helensburgh, and a guy who has done so much in football isn’t going to find empty Saturday afternoons terribly enjoyable. Dumbarton are also one of his former clubs as a player and, with the Championship set to contain a number of sides he’s used to facing as Rangers manager, it may just appeal. Then again, maybe not.

Why wouldn’t he come to Dumbarton? To say the least it’s a bit of a contrast from his previous managerial positions. And maybe the manager’s jacket really is hung up, and he has no intentions of getting back into the game.

Verdict Would be a miraculous act if he was to return to Sons as manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Well, he isn’t doing anything right now either.