Jim Duffy and Calum Gallagher scoop League One awards for April

The Sons had to turn on the style in April to pull away from the danger zone with three wins and two draws to earn Duffy the manager of the month award.

And he wants to make sure they are able to make a real challenge for promotion in the new campaign.

READ MORE: Dumbarton ace Dom Thomas up for PFA League One Player of the Season award

Duffy said: “I do have a contract for next year, but I need to sit down with the directors and see if we are on the same wavelength.

“If I feel I can put a team together to compete then I’m 100 per cent committed.

“But if I don’t believe it then you can’t convince players you’re going to do it.

“I’ve had a discussion with the board and they are going to come back to me on how they are going to try to take the club forward.

Duffy picks up the award for the second time this season after guiding Sons to League One safety

“They have to look at the budget to see if it’s feasible or achievable to challenge for promotion.

“The league is going to be tougher next year with the possibility of Falkirk coming down and maybe even either Alloa or Queen of the South as well.

“Airdrie are going full time and you could have Peterhead and Clyde coming up so it’s going to be really difficult – even more so than this year.

“So we need to be in a position where we feel we can compete.”

Calum Gallagher has made it a Dumbarton double, winning his first player of the month award for netting four goals.

The signing of former Motherwell and Dundee United defender Brian McLean was also pivotal – and Duffy has also praised his physio Kirsten Murray.

Gallagher netted 13 times this season with the former Rangers man in scintillating form in April

He said: “Last Saturday was the first time since October we had a full bench.

“Our physio Kirsten Murray has been unbelievable. She has got to have been the busiest in the country.”

Gallagher, who has netted 13 goals, would be delighted to work with Duffy again next season but he is out of contract after today’s final game at Arbroath.

He said: “It’s my highest total for a season and I would great to get a couple more at Arbroath.

“I’ve got a wee bet on with my dad and a work colleague that I would get 15.

READ MORE: Jim Duffy and Dom Thomas win February League One awards

“It’s been a very polarising season, but the last month was very good and I am delighted to get my first ever Ladbrokes award.

“My contract is up so I’m not entirely sure where I stand.

“I have loved working for the gaffer. He’s really experienced and he definitely helped me this season.”