STEVIE AITKEN is confident the appointment of Stuart Millar will prove to be a crucial summer signing for Dumbarton.

The 50-year-old has left his position at Barclays Premier League side West Brom to become the new chief scout at the Rock, and will oversee the Sons’ recruitment strategy this term.

And Aitken has taken on board the words of wisdom from former Manchester United boss David Moyes to bolster his backroom team.

He said: "I am delighted to have him on board. One of the first things I did when I got the job was to look at the recruitment side.

"Stuart has been working behind the scenes for us recently and has a lot of good contacts in the game.

"What is out there is going to be key for us and the work he will do is vital.

"I had a meeting with David Moyes last week and his advice was to ensure you have the best recruitment team out there. I am certain Stuart will give us that.

"Stuart will watch future opponents for us and has a wide range of contacts through his work in Scotland for West Brom.

"We will keep looking out there, across the country. There are players out there and Stuart fits the bill for us to try to get them on board."

Dumbarton kicked off their campaign with a win over Morton in the Petrofac Training Cup last weekend.

And Aitken is keen to make it two out of two when his side face East Fife in the first round of the League Cup this afternoon.

He said: "It's important early in the season to build up a bit of momentum. I want to get into a winning pattern because that obviously gives players confidence.

“I think it's important to build on that early in the season and that's what we will be aiming to do, continuing with this game against East Fife."