Following two promotion challenging seasons, Dumbarton inexplicably sank to the bottom of the First Division and were relegated to the third tier of Scottish league football.
With the loss of Sir Hugh Fraser, finances at the club were tight, and with this in mind it was decided to appoint Mark Clougherty as player/manager.
In the Scottish Cup, another third round exit was Dumbarton's fate, although this would be after a draw against Premier Division opponents Hibernian.
Locally however, Dumbarton regained the Stirlingshire Cup, with a final victory over Stirling Albion.
Dumbarton competed in the Scottish Reserve League (West), winning 11 and drawing 11 of 33 games.