In a significant boost for Scottish football, both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dumbarton Football Club have successfully exited administration…
Both clubs have now secured investments that will pay off all creditors, thus stabilising their financial situation. These developments not only secures both club’s future in the Scottish Professional Football League but also saves their history and both have proud records in th Scottish game worth securing.
The news also marks a notable recovery in the financial health of these two historic teams, promising continued participation in professional football in Scotland with both clubs maintaining their proud history.
So rival supporters will not be able to chant “Inverness Caley, YOU LET YOUR CLUB DIE”, or “You’re not Dumbarton any more”. It also saves us referring to theDumbarton or theInverness Caley Thistle in articles.
Inverness and Dumbarton are now both close to exiting administration.
The clubs have found investors, meaning they will successfully exit administration once approved by the SPFL
Fantastic news! pic.twitter.com/pS8SIdMBCW
— The 30 ⚽️🏴 (@The_Thirty_) April 15, 2025
The statement shown below which was posted on the official Dumbarton FC website earlier today, confirming the great news for the club, it’s supporters and indeed all of Scottish football.
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.
Celtic and Dumbarton
Celtic’s last match against Dumbarton was in the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park in January 2007 with the Hoops winning 4-0. Our last trip to Boghead was in August 1989 in the League Cup with Celtic running out 3-0 winners. The unbroken history of this fixture goes all the way back to 1891 when the clubs met at Boghead and played out a 2-2 draw.
Dumbarton have many links with Celtic in terms of players such as Murdo MacLeod, Charlie Gallagher (what a player!) and of course fellow Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace as well as Celtic’s Iron Man Sean Fallon.
A pint or a half a pint?
An interesting point about Dumbarton’s unbroken history. In season 1890-91 the league had 20 matches and they finished top ahead on goals scored but level on points with Rangers. A play-off however was played and that finished 2-2 so it was decided for the one and only time that the title was shared.
If you have a pint and decide to split it into two half pint classes to share with a pal, what are you left with?
A pint or a half a pint?
Congratulations and total respect for both clubs who have retained their full dignity and respect!
We all know how easy it is to go under, declare bankruptcy in order to avoid paying the people and companies you owe money to. Another Scottish club even found it easier to become extinct and accomplish all those things too! Then after some wrangling with the sfa were curiously entered into the lowest division above more deserving clubs, as a brand new club as recently as 2012! All to avoid paying their creditors!
But this wasn’t for Dumbarton or Inverness Caley! Class! Total class!
This should throw shame on the SFA for what they allowed back in 2012! Corrupt to the core!