Chapman rewarded for Dumbarton's near-perfect run-in

Published on Friday 8 May 2009 23:12

DUMBARTON'S almost perfect April, when they won four matches, drew one and kept five clean sheets was rewarded when manager Jim Chapman was awarded the Irn-Bru Phenomenal Manager of the Month award for the Third Division to add to the title his side will be lifting this afternoon at Annan's Galabank ground.

Chapman's side defeated Stenhousemuir, Forfar and Berwick by the same 2-0 scoreline before securing a goalless draw, at then leaders Cowdenbeath, before finishing off the month with a 4-0 win over Forfar.

Chapman's side gelled at the right time of the season to move from challengers to championship winners and the manager was honest enough to give credit to two different sources of inspiration to him. "First of all, I have to thank the players as they have been magnificent for me," said Chapman.

"They bought into what was trying to be achieved at this club and stuck with it throughout the season.

"We played football throughout and they deserve the credit for that as we did what no-one said we could, by winning the Third Division by playing good football."

Chapman also paid credit to sports scientist Doug Berner, who has worked with his side since the beginning of the year, and instilled a belief in the Strathclyde Homes Stadium manager and players that they would emerge triumphant this season. The former Albion manager added: "Doug does some work with the Red Bull Racing team and was recommended to me by one of our directors Colin Hosie. He has worked with us all, including me, on our communication and body language and helped create rules that we all adhere too. I am always looking for an edge and undoubtedly Doug helped give us one."

Annan Athletic have agreed to help make Dumbarton's day even more complete today when Chapman's side are crowned Third Division champions.

The Scottish Football League's newest members have agreed to don their away strips for this game at Galabank in order that their visitors can pick up the Third Division trophy in their traditional black-and-gold strips and not in their away colours of white shirts and blue shorts.

Dumbarton director Gilbert Lawrie said: "I approached Annan's officials at the Scottish Football League Management Committee meeting to ask if they would mind swapping as a one-off. They agreed straight away and it is a fantastic gesture by them."

Dumbarton are currently three points clear of second-placed East Stirlingshire, but with an irretrievably better goal difference, which means title celebrations today are inevitable.