New assistant looks ahead

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

HE’S coming into a league that will take no prisoners.

But Stevie Farrell isn’t viewing his move to a higher division as a sentence. More as an opportunity.

Dumbarton’s new assistant manager was a proud man yesterday as he was unveiled alongside new gaffer Stephen Aitken.

The duo are continuing their successful partnership from Stranraer, and next season will be in charge of Sons against the likes of Hibernian and St Mirren, as well as either Motherwell or Rangers.

However, Stevie is used to working in tense atmospheres, having represented the Prison Service Union on the trade union circuit in his day job.

Now he’s aiming to ensure that Dumbarton is represented well by its football team – and revealed that he knocked back the chance to be his own boss at Stair Park.

He told The Dumbarton Terrace: “It’s a new challenge for us. Stephen has been repeatedly linked with jobs while Stranraer have been successful but this is a good one for us.

“It’s a different league and we’re excited to take it on and meet the challenges. We’re confident we can take the other teams on and hopefully be successful in keeping Dumbarton as a Championship club.

“Anything beyond that is a bonus.

“Quite simply, Stephen is the reason I came here. We have a fantastic relationship – we don’t always agree, but that’s what every management team needs.

“You need an assistant to challenge you. We’ve managed to get more right than wrong together in the last couple of years and hopefully that can continue here.”

Although he and Stephen enjoyed great success at Stranraer, reaching the promotion play-offs twice, Stevie is keen for the new chapter to begin.

He will have temporary charge at the Rock soon, with Stephen due to jet off on a pre-arranged holiday to Florida this weekend.

But Stevie, who spent most of his playing career in the juniors after playing senior for St Mirren and Stranraer, is up for the challenge.

He added: “You look ahead – not back the way. We now have contracts here and the two of us are committed to taking the club forward.

“What will be, will be in the future – but I’ve no intention to manage. I’ve been given the opportunity at Dumbarton and it’s one I will take.”