Scottish League 1 Dumbarton enter administration

The Sons moved to the Dumbarton Football Stadium in 2000

Dumbarton have been placed into administration after directors felt they were left with "no other option".

Quantuma, who have been appointed administrators, say insolvency comes as the result of non-receipt of "significant" funds owed from the sale of land in 2021.

The Sons are the second Scottish League 1 club after Inverness Caledonian Thistle to enter administration this season.

Like the Highlanders, Dumbarton have incurred a 15-point penalty and slip below Inverness to bottom of the table. A five-point penalty will also be applied next term.

Quantuma say the roles of 18 players, six other football staff and three club staff are secure and they are asking interested parties to contact them.

Founded in 1872, Dumbarton are one of Scotland's oldest football clubs, enjoying top flight title success in the late 19th century.

In recent generations, they have frequented the country's lower leagues and won promotion via the play-offs last season.

Following Saturday's 2-1 home win over Queen of the South, the Sons were eighth, a point above Annan Athletic. Stephen Farrell's side visit Alloa Athletic on Saturday.

Quantuma managing director Ian Wright said in a statement: "The directors of the club were left with no option other than to appoint administrators, following the non-receipt of significant funds that were owed to the club from the sale of development land in 2021.

"As administrators, we will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this transaction and other issues affecting the club, but will not be in a position to comment further at this time.

"Our immediate priority is to ensure the club can complete its fixtures and we will be meeting with key stakeholders to ensure this can be achieved.

"We understand this will be a shock to fans, staff and the local community.

"The club employs 18 playing staff, six football staff and three club staff whose roles are secure whilst we work through the early stages of assessing the options available to the club. We would invite any interested parties to come forward."

An SPFL spokesperson said: "The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today confirmed the imposition of a 15-point deduction for Dumbarton, in line with SPFL rules on member clubs suffering an insolvency event.

"The William Hill League One table has been updated accordingly."