Dumbarton Blueprints

Club Ethos

It’s a privilege to play for this football club and to be apart of this profession. We will always work hard and give maximum effort, both in games and in training. We will be good role models for our younger fans, participating in community activities and making both our fan base and the local community proud to be associated with us. We will promote from within, giving academy players opportunities in the first team squad. We will give retiring players opportunities to join the staff and build the next phase of their careers. We are proud and grateful to be apart of this establishment and community.

Tactical / Style of Play

The team shape will be dictated somewhat by the capabilities of the current squad, but I’m currently looking at a 4231 or 3421 formation. In order to build a solid defensive foundation, I’ll either want a back 4 with one or two defensive midfielders, or a back 3 which can become a back 5 out of possession.

We’ll be aiming to hit teams on the break and be good on set pieces. Whilst this will be a counter attacking tactic primarily, I don’t want the team to simply sit back and invite pressure, so there will be some flexibility in terms of mentality. In possession, we’ll be direct and fast-paced. Attacking players will be expressive, and we’ll look to zip the ball forward when in possession.

More to come on this in a future post.

4231 formation

3421 formation

Transfer Strategy

• Goalkeepers will primarily be good shop stoppers and have presence (height, communication), as well as being experienced and commanding
• Defenders will be strong, aggressive tacklers, good at marking, positioning and dominate in the air
• Midfielders will be good in the tackle, work hard, have high stamina, and be useful passers of the ball
• Strikers will be fast, have good technique and dribbling ability. They’ll be able to run the channels and finish chances
• The squad as a whole, will be hard working and good on set pieces
• We’ll have a spine of experienced domestic players, with a smattering of youth

When looking at player recruitment, I’ll be prioritising traits that suit our philosophy and style of play.

Season 1 Targets and Expectations

What I hope to achieve during my first season in charge, and what the board will be expecting of me: