More than 70 people attended the Sonstrust general meeting on Wednesday, November 26 where the proposals for the new ground and the housing redevelopment of the current stadium site were discussed. Questions were asked of planning consultant Roddy MacLeod — who is working for the developers, Dumbarton CEO Gilbert Lawrie and Chairman Alan Jardine.

Jardine gave assurances at the meeting that the club board would not approve any plan that could not deliver full security to Dumbarton FC.

Former Kilmarnock and Hibs striker Nish thinks Dumbarton has a great chance to progress as a club if the plans go ahead.

He said: “I know about it but I’ve not seen any of the plans yet but I think it is great for the club. They have a chance, if you look at the like of Inverness and Ross County they way they have grown.

“There is no reason Dumbarton couldn’t do that as well. There in a league now where there is more television coverage and higher attendances because of the team’s that are in it this year.

“The club might be financially better off because of that. With a bigger stadium — especially this season — there would’ve been a lot more fans at the games.” Simon Barrow, the Sonstrust’s projects officer, who communicates with the club on behalf of the trust on the stadium plans was encouraged by the developments from the meeting.

He said: “We are encouraged by the clear, public commitment of the club chairman and CEO that Dumbarton FC will not be exposed to any financial peril from these plans.

“The risk is being born fully by the developers, we are being told, and the aim is a win-win situation for them, the club, fans and the local community.

“The trust will continue to ensure that tough and necessary questions are asked as things move forward, and to reflect the different views fans hold.”