The 2022–23 season will be Dumbarton Football Club's first in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of Scottish football, having finished ninth in the division in 2021–22 season and been relegated via the playoffs. Dumbarton will also compete in the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Cup.
Story of the season
May
Following the Sons' relegation to Scottish League Two eight players were released by the club. Paul Paton headed the departures, with Sam Ramsbottom, Patrick O'Neil, Sam Muir, Stephen Bronsky, Eoghan Stokes, Mark Lamont and David Hopkirk also released. Loan players Carlo Pignatiello, Kieran Wright and Adam Hutchinson returned to their parent clubs, whilst George Stanger was offered a permanent deal after impressing during his loan spell from University of Stirling. Player of the Year Conner Duthie was also offered a new contract however he turned it down, whilst veteran Patrick Boyle was offered a player/coach role. Joshua Oyinsan was next to leave, as he was released by the club on 12 May. David Wilson became the club's first new signing of the summer on 14 May, joining four years after leaving the club. He was followed the same day by winger Ally Love who joined after leaving Clyde. A day later Brett Long joined the club from Peterhead, signing a two-year deal. However Paddy Boyle turned down the offer of a player/coach role and left the club. Striker Kristoffer Syvertsen also left the club a week later to return to his native Norway. Martin McNiff became the club's fourth new signing of the summer, re-joining the club after leaving in 2014. The club also announced their first pre-season friendly, against Workington, on Tuesday 5 July. Further friendlies against Ayr United, Caledonian Braves and Gretna 2008 were also arranged.
June
In June a further friendly was arranged, with West of Scotland Football League Irvine Meadow XI. Defender George Stanger meanwhile turned down a permanent deal, having impressed during his loan from University of Stirling. Midfielder Ryan Blair became the club's fifth new signing of the summer on 4 June, and was joined the same day by former Albion Rovers captain Aron Lynas. A week later striker Ryan Wallace joined on a two-year deal from East Fife. On 14 April the club added sports scientist Matty Fenwick and video analyst Stephen Gray to their backroom staff. The club's squad numbers were confirmed on 15 June. On 22 June, striker Declan Byrne became the club's eighth new signing of the summer, joining after leaving Albion Rovers. Dumbarton's first pre-season friendly ended in a 1-1 draw with Ayr United at National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde, Ally Love scored the Sons' goal. Two days later came a 1-0 defeat to Lowland Football League Caledonian Braves. Ryan McGeever was named the club's new captain on 27 June, replacing Stuart Carswell in the role. Gregor Buchanan was named as vice-captain.
July
On 1 July goalkeeper Harry Broun joined the club from Kilmarnock having impressed as a trialist. The following day the Sons won 3-2 against Gretna F.C. 2008 thanks to goals from Ryan Wallace, Gregor Buchanan and a trialist striker. Wallace was on the scoresheet again three days later in a 3-0 victory against Northern Premier League outfit Workington. Midfielder Finlay Gray was next to join the club, having impressed as a trialist. He signed the same day as the club lost their opening Scottish League Cup clash 2-1 against Stirling Albion. The club's next game also ended in defeat, 2-0 to Premiership Aberdeen on 13 July. The Sons recorded their first win of the season on 16 July - 2-0 against 10 man Peterhead. Finlay Gray opened the scoring with Gregor Buchanan netting in the second-half. The League Cup campaign ended with a 0-0 draw with Scottish Championship Raith Rovers - with Sons losing the bonus point penalty shootout 3-2. 23 July saw the club defeat Irvine Meadow XI in their final pre-season friendly - with Declan Byrne, Ally Love and Finlay Gray all netting. The league season opened with a 2-0 victory against Stirling Albion thanks to Declan Byrne's double inside the first five minutes.