Dowie ready to Rock the joint after veteran’s yes to Stevie’s part-time pitch
TALKING DUMBARTON STELIOSSTILLASAINT
ANDY DOWIE insists he had no qualms about going part-time after hearing of Stevie Aitken’s ambitions for Dumbarton.
The defender has agreed a one-year deal with the Sons following his departure from Queen of the South and becomes the first arrival of the summer at the Rock.
Boss Aitken is building for another crack at the Championship next term after leading his side to safety in the second tier last time out.
And Dowie is eager to play his part in another memorable campaign for the Sons after finally putting pen to paper last night.
He said: “I spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago – the move was all agreed there, but today was the first opportunity to go and make it official.
“The manager asked me about my situation after I was released by Queen of the South. He was keen to know if I wanted to go part-time with Dumbarton or stay full time.
“He let me know what his plans were for the club, and I was very impressed.
“After he came off the phone I spoke to my wife and was back in touch within 24 hours. I decided it was the best move for myself and my family.
“I had an opportunity to stay full-time, but decided I wanted to continue playing in the Championship. I didn’t want to drop down a division and that was the key aspect.
“I only played a handful of games on loan at Brechin, and had a good few years at Dunfermline, but it’s all about playing at a higher level. Playing against former clubs isn’t really something I think about.”
The capture of Dowie is the first move in the transfer market for Aitken and comes just weeks after he committed his own future to Dumbarton.
The 34-year-old arrives at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium with a wealth of experience following stints at Dunfermline and Partick Thistle before his switch to Palmerston four seasons ago.
And he reckons the Sons have nothing to fear in the coming months as they attempt to retain their Championship status once again.
“It was sad to leave Queen of the South in the respect that I had four years there,” Dowie told the club’s official website. “I had a good relationship with many people at the club.
“But in the last few weeks of the season, I wasn’t really in the manager’s plans, so I’m pleased with the move.
“Dumbarton have been punching above their weight for a good few seasons now, and hopefully that continues.
“Everybody knows how strong the Championship has been over the last few years. It’s not as strong as it was, but it is still a competitive division.
“With two part-time teams involved, it’s going to be interesting. I know it will be tough but I’m really looking forward to it.” ST MIRREN defender Stelios Demetriou has agreed a new one-year contract with the club.
The Cypriot became a firm favourite with the Paisley crowd after being brought on board by boss Jack Ross in January.
Demetriou played a key role for the Buddies as they retained their Championship status and scored three times in 15 appearances in black and white.
The 26-year-old has now committed his future to the Saints for another season and he is determined to help Ross’ side push up the second tier standings in the coming months.
Demetriou said: “I’m really happy to be back. It feels like I am home.
“We have a big job to do this year with higher targets and I’m really positive that we are going to start like we finished last year.
“The best time of my football career has been here at the Saints.”