New Lapointe reign now officially sealed

Canadian businessman completes Sons takeover

- STUART MCFARLANE

It has been a non-stop first week in the Dumbarton hotseat for new owner Mario Lapointe after his takeover of the club was finally completed.

The Montreal businessman has been a busy man over recent days down at the Rock, pressing the flesh with local sponsors, media and new faces both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

With certainty over the historic club's future now secure, the focus shifts quickly to matters on the pitch as they aim to overcome the rockiest of starts to a pre-season - and a minus five deficit to kick off the League Two campaign.

But as a flurry of new faces confirmed through the door - and discussions over more to follow - Lapointe was keen to stress the need for sustainability on and off the pitch, even if that means a few tough conversations with boss Stevie Farrell.

He also stressed his desire to see the Sons players embrace the fighting spirit shown by the club's support as they try to escape their predicament.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Lapointe said: "Stevie knocks on my door every week.

"We have a general meeting every week and tries to convince me the cup money might be a little more than we anticipated because he knows the equation we are trying for, to make the money coming in balance the wages.