Michael Ruth: I've loved playing for Dumbarton - I'd be stupid to have left

Michael Ruth says he would’ve been stupid to leave the Sons - after committing his future to the club.

The forward starred as Stevie Farrell’s men won promotion to League One last season, netting 15 times - including a memorable playoff final brace.

And he delighted fans by turning down offers from elsewhere to sign a new season long contract at The Rock last month.

But the 22-year-old believes he would’ve been making a mistake by moving on - after loving his first season in white and gold.

The former Aberdeen youngster told the Lennox: “There was interest from a few teams. But I loved my season at Dumbarton; I loved working with all the boys, the staff, the gaffer. They were all brilliant with me, especially after the last few years where things have been a bit up and down.

“They gave me a platform to go and show what I can do. They trusted me. And that pushed my decision to stay and give it another year.

“There was interest and clubs were wanting to speak to me. But I didn’t want to go somewhere so they could have a look at me. If I was going to move, I wanted it to be somewhere I was wanted right away. I didn’t want to be waiting until the end of summer to see what was coming up.

“When you find somewhere you love playing and where you’re doing well, you’d be a bit stupid to jump right away.”

Ruth arrived at The Rock 12 months ago on the back of a frustrating spell in League One with Queen of the South, which saw him start just one league match.

Now he’s excited about the prospect of starting the season as one of the first names on Sons’ teamsheet.

He continued: “You always want to be improving. And the best way to do that is by playing against better players and better teams. I had my time at Queen of the South and