Dumbarton Football Club is celebrating 150 years of rich footballing history today (Friday) - and the club has paid tribute to the supporters, players, coaches and staff who have helped the Sons along the way.

The club was formed on December 23, 1872, and was a force in the early days of Scottish football, lifting the first two Scottish Football League titles, one jointly with Rangers, and winning the 1883 Scottish Cup.

The club have since enjoyed various highs and lows over the succeeding years and currently sit top of the SPFL League Two table after relegation from League One last season.

The milestone will be celebrated before this Saturday's SPFL League Two match at home to East Fife.

But as the day itself arrives, the club have thanked fans, coaches, staff and players, past and present for their commitment to the football team over the last century and a half.

A club spokesperson said: "We have reached 150 years of being here for the football fans of our local area and further afield, and for countless players and managers who have served us over the years.

"To all those who have seen us to this milestone, past and present, players, managers, directors, sponsors, supporters and all others who have served us in any way, at any point during the past century and a half - thank you.

"You have contributed to our club being a fixture on the local and national sporting scene for this remarkable length of time."

Dumbarton's MP Martin Docherty-Hughes congratulated the club on a remarkable achievement.

The local MP tabled a motion in the House of Commons, noting the club’s history since it was formed.

He said: "In parliament, I’ve paid tribute to Dumbarton FC and warmly congratulate everyone at the club on their 150th anniversary.

"Two of my own family members have had the honour of playing for the Sons, and enjoyed a lot of great memories over the years.   

“As one of the earliest established football clubs in Scotland and worldwide, the club can rightly be proud of its rich history.

"I wish all the fans, players and coaching team the best of luck for the rest of this season - and every success for the future.”

Mr Docherty-Hughes met with club representatives and current Sons manager Stevie Farrell at Dumbarton Library earlier this year, where a special exhibition celebrating 150 years of Dumbarton FC is running until January 31, 2023. 

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton's constituency MSP, said: “It is a fantastic milestone for Dumbarton Football Club to reach 150 years.

"My thanks and congratulations go to the club officials, players, management team and of course the fans for believing in and backing the Sons.

“This club is steeped in history and the team continues to gather fans across the globe.

“The emergence of the Young Sons also shows how there is an appetite from the younger members of the Dumbarton community which is encouraging as the club aims to build going forward.

“Dumbarton will go down in history as one of the oldest clubs in Scotland and I sincerely hope that it continues to grow in the years to come.

"It will certainly always have a special place in my heart.”