Returning Son Matty Shiels says title ambitions convinced him on Dumbarton move

Matty Shiels became the fourth player to join Dumbarton for a second spell this summer - and says the Sons’ title ambitions made it an easy decision.

The 22-year-old wide-man initially joined the Sons back in 2019 on loan from Rangers, and went on to enjoy spells at Clyde and California-based Orange County.

A permanent move to Hamilton in the summer of 2021 saw the former Scotland under-19 international become an ever-present at New Douglas Park, making 41 appearances last season in the Championship.

However, he turned down a new deal at the Accies following their relegation, and revealed that he now hopes to make himself a key player in G82 albeit further up the pitch.

Matty said: “In my younger days I was a winger mainly, but in the past couple of seasons I’ve been moved back to left-back. Last season I was thrown up front a few times though, and that made me realise that I prefer playing up there. I enjoy the attacking side of the game more.

“Hopefully I can get back to playing further up the pitch, driving at people, getting balls into the box and scoring a few goals.

“I’ve been training with the club for a while now. They allowed me to come in and get fit through pre-season.

“I really enjoyed it and working under the gaffer, so when it came to which offer to pick it was easy to choose Dumbarton. Being a local boy from Clydebank made it easier as well as a decision.”

And having finished second in League Two last season, Matty is confident that the Sons can go one better in the new campaign.

He added: “Our expectations are to win the league. I signed for the club for a reason. I think we’ve got a good chance of winning the title - and that’s why I joined.”

Boss Stevie Farrell meanwhile was delighted to get a deal