It comes as the Sons are poised to exit administration, following confirmation on April 12 that a takeover deal is set to be agreed.
One of Scotland’s oldest football clubs, Dumbarton was plunged into financial trouble on November 18 last year, after officials announced they had been left with “no option” but to appoint Quantuma – a business advisory firm – to manage the administration process.
Fans of the League One side rallied together, launching a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over £122,000 at the time of writing.
The funds have helped cover player and staff wages, as well as running costs.
READ MORE: Spate of attacks on buses in Barrhead ‘could see services withdrawn’
Administrators Quantuma confirmed that a deal had been reached which will save the club and wipe out its debt, with all creditors set to be paid in full.
However, the Sonstrust has raised concerns about the “apparent links between the proposed buyer and the previous ownership of the club” as one of several reservations about the agreement.
Sonstrust chair David Brownlee said: “We acknowledge the statement from Quantuma and can confirm that the trust director, Cameron Watson and Gareth Phillips met today for an introductory chat to discuss his potential investment as we welcome any development being made that safeguards the club’s long-term future.
“However the Sonstrust do have concerns about the apparent links between Gareth Phillips/Pendragon and the previous ownership of the club.
“We would urge him to to explain openly the nature of the relationship to Dumbarton supporters who are rightly concerned by this connection.
“To the best of our knowledge Mr Phillips also has no previous experience in football, and we would be keen to learn more about his plans for the club moving forward.
“The Sonstrust stands ready and willing to help anyone with the best interests of Dumbarton Football Club at heart, and we would hope that Mr Phillips and his team communicate with the support at the earliest proper opportunity to outline their vision moving forward.”
These concerns were echoed by Jackie Baillie MSP.
She said: “As a supporter of Dumbarton Football Club, I have concerns over the new owner’s connections to the club’s former owners.
“It looks like the same people in new packaging.
“I think fans of Dumbarton Football Club will be left with a lot of questions over Gareth Phillips’ past associations and it may be prudent for him to address these at the earliest opportunity.
“Meantime, I am seeking a meeting with both Mr Phillips and the Scottish Professional Football League.”
Dumbarton’s administration led to them being deducted 15 points by the Scottish Professional Football League which contributed to their eventual relegation to the fourth tier.
