A tragic loss

The New Year has started as disappointingly as it ended for Dumbarton, with another game off - this time away to Albion Rovers. It's the end of an era, too, with the departure of veteran Craig Brittain to Beith. His presence will be sorely missed, as Jack Deighton points out. With an enforced break and Alan Gourlay also moving on to Vale of Leven, manager Jim Chapman is no doubt plotting some changes in the squad to consolidate a serious bid for promotion in 2009. The fixture backlog and lack of match fitness certainly can't help, but in spite of some less than stellar recent performances and mounting games in hand, the Sons are still in third place in Division Three and the sides around us have also been throwing away needless points. So it's all to play for. The saddest news of all, however, far outweighing any football considerations, is the death of Fiona Lawrie, wife of Club stalwart and CEO Gilbert Lawrie. No words can compensate such a loss, but I'm sure all who know Gilbert will want to offer their deepest sympathy and support. I've only met him a couple of times, but the respect and fondness with which he's held by so many speaks volumes. (Picture of Gilbert and the DFC badge courtesy of Big Rab)
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