After turning down a new deal at Dundee, 32-year-old centre-half Joe Shaughnessy is set for a move to Australia with Newcastle Jets. (The Courier, external - subscription required)
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSNew Kilmarnock signing Scott Tiffoney says he has come to a "great place to play football" after joining the Rugby Park side on a two-year deal following his Dundee exit.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder spent two seasons at Dens Park, scoring 10 goals in 76 appearances, and also has previous Premiership experience with Livingston.
"I'm buzzing to be here. As soon as I heard Kilmarnock were interested it was something I really wanted to be part of," said Tiffoney.
"I've played here before as an opponent and always thought it was a great place to play football.
"The manager's been really clear on what he wants and how I can fit in, so I'm just excited to get going and show the fans what I can bring."
Tiffoney is new Killie manager Stuart Kettlewell's fourth signing after defender Jamie Brandon and midfielders Greg Kiltie and Jack Thomson.
"Scott is a player that I've admired for a while, he's a consistent performer in this league, as soon as we were alerted to his availability it was one we wanted to get done," said Kettlewell.
"Again he's one that fits into the system we are going to be playing and he's going to add to the quality we already have here. I look forward to getting to work with Scott as we kick off pre-season this week."
Killie fans, what do you make of Tiffoney's signing and the club's summer transfer business so far? Share your views here.
Image source, SNSSkipper Joe Shaughnessy is among those leaving Dundee
Joe Shaughnessy, Mo Sylla, Scott Tiffoney, Antonio Portales and Scott Fraser are leaving Dundee under freedom of contract, the Dens Park club has confirmed.
A squad update states that negotiations continue with Josh Mulligan, 22, over a new deal.
A knee injury reduced captain Shaughnessy, 32, to just 10 Premiership starts last season, the first of which came in late February.
Fellow centre-back Portales, 29, was a regular, with the Mexican making 31 appearances in all competitions.
Midfielder Tiffoney, 26, scored seven goals in 43 outings, while Sylla, 31, featured in 42 games in his second campaign for the Dark Blues.
Fraser, 30, made just one league start all season after a summer switch from Charlton Athletic.
Lyall Cameron and Jordan McGhee had already agreed moves to Rangers and Motherwell respectively.
Image source, SNSRangers midfielder Lyall Cameron is determined to play his part in getting his new club "back to where it belongs" after joining from Dundee.
Despite signing a pre-contract agreement in February, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has become the first fresh face to join under new head coach Russell Martin.
Cameron, who made his Dundee debut aged 16 against Raith Rovers in 2019, made 119 appearances for the Dens Park side, scoring 33 goals and providing 14 assists.
"It was a no-brainer [to move]," he said. "As soon as Rangers came up I was desperate to be here. Being from Scotland as well I know what the club stands for.
"It's definitely a big change, they play a lot more games, there are a lot bigger expectations, so it's going to be a massive change for me.
"I'll need to learn to deal with that, but it's something I'm really looking forward to. It's a new project, they're looking to build and improve and win leagues again.
"It's something great to be part of and I want to come here and make an impression and do as well as possible and get this club back to where it belongs."
Image source, SNSFinlay Robertson signed a Dundee contract extension until 2027 in February
You would be forgiven for doing a double take if you came across recent footage, external of Dundee's Finlay Robertson training with Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.
As part of the Dens Park side's strategic partnership with Monterrey, 22-year-old Robertson has joined up with the Mexican club to train this summer.
That has seen Robertson rub shoulders with multiple Champions League winner Ramos, who joined Rayados in February, as well as former Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos and ex-Spain midfielder Sergio Canales.
Monterrey are involved in this summer's Club World Cup and open their group fixtures against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Some social media speculation, external suggested Robertson could be registered to play in the tournament, but he does not appear to be in the squad.
So how did all of this come about?
While Monterrey representatives were checking up on Mexican youngsters Victor Lopez and Cesar Garza, who joined Dundee in January, they were impressed by academy graduate Robertson.
"One of the directors of Monterrey came over to watch to see how Chespi and Cesar were doing," midfielder Robertson said.
"They watched training throughout the week and signalled me out as one they would like to see more of."
And how is the 22-year-old finding it?
"It's a bit surreal at times being on the same training pitch with such big names," he added.
"But showing you can hold your own with them, it fills me with confidence."
New Dundee head coach Steven Pressley says the club must develop their own talent given the financial gulf to clubs throughout the English pyramid. (The Courier), external
Image source, SNS"Why now and why Dundee?"
The first question Brian McLauchlin asked Steven Pressley as he was unveiled as the new head coach on Friday.
Here's the answer:
"It's a really exciting opportunity and one I'm exceptionally grateful for. I think it's a club that over recent years has shown the ambition and it's also got terrific history.
"So, I think there's big potential and I'm really excited by that.
"In terms of my own situation, I think this summer was always a juncture in my life.
"I'd been at Brentford for four years, I'd just finished my degree, my daughter was finishing school - I felt I needed a new challenge and when I left Brentford, I put my CV in here and seven, eight days later I was a manager. So it just feels right.
"For the last couple of years, I certainly had that management itch and I just couldn't get rid of it.
"The attraction here is the club, but also Gordon [Strachan] being here, who I've known a long time and I think we're aligned.
"It's a really good opportunity for me and one that I'm relishing."
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley believes he developed "a softer side" in his role as Brentford's head of individual player development and thinks it will help him as the new Dundee head coach.
The former Scotland international succeeds Tony Docherty in the Dens Park dugout and was unveiled to the media for the first time since returning to Scotland earlier today.
The 51-year-old spent 12 years in England and paid particular focus to his stint with the Bees, adding it has given him a refined perspective.
"It was a great role in terms of education and understanding, and allowed me to form really strong relationships with personnel and get to know the players," he said.
"Sometimes when we go through the transition from being a player to manager, we forget the difficulties of being a player.
"Being a football player is a hard journey. There's so much vulnerability about it, there's so much disappointment, so much pressure around the job.
"Working with the players very closely reminds me of just how difficult that journey can be.
"It's really important that we have that type of culture within this club where you can be vulnerable, we are going to support each other and help each other, we are going to make you better.
"I want to be a manager where my players feel they can come to me and speak on issues that they have and they're not scared to do so. The role has allowed me to develop in that way.
"It's allowed me to develop my softer side in many ways and hopefully that will benefit me."
Image source, SNSThe SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".
Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.
"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.
"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley addressed the media for the first time since being announced as the new head coach of Dundee.
Here are the key things he said:
Despite being out of management for five years, Pressley said "you never lose that itch".
He is "aware how the business works" and knows the way to win fans over is "to win" but stressed there has to be "a period of growth" before success comes.
The head coach says the club's "new structure is aligned with my style of management".
Upon accepting, Pressley spoke with mentors Archie know and Alex Smith.
He and his team "aspire to bring back the good times".
Pressley said Gordon Strahan was "a big influence" on coming to the club.
The head coach says they "have to change" the cycle of managers at the club.
Pressley was "perfectly honest" and admitted if fans were "looking for a manager with a history of producing titles and winning honours then, I'm not your man" but added from "a development perspective" he's demonstrated that.
Image source, SNSDrey Wright had two spells as a regular St Johnstone starter
Dundee have become Drey Wright's third Scottish Premiership club, with the English utility man saying Dens Park felt "a good fit for me" after leaving relegated St Johnstone.
The 30-year-old, who played in defence, midfield and the wing during his time in Perth, has signed a two-year contract.
He becomes new head coach Steven Pressley's second signing of the day following the arrival of compatriot Paul Digby following his exit from Cambridge United.
Wright told Dundee's website: "I'm excited about the direction the club is going."
Having started his career with Colchester United, the Londoner began the first of two spells with St Johnstone in 2018 and then had two seasons with Hibernian before returning to Perth.
Last season, he made 38 appearances, all but one as a starter, as Saints finished bottom of the Premiership.
Meanwhile, midfielder Charlie Reilly has signed a new one-year contract with Dundee despite being restricted to eight substitute appearances last season.
Since arriving from Albion Rovers in June 2023, the 23-year-old Scot has had loan spells to Arbroath and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, for whom he only managed one appearance at the start of the last campaign.
He told the club website: "The past two years haven't gone the way I wanted in terms of injuries and game time, but hopefully this year I can show the best of me."
Image source, Getty ImagesMidfielder Paul Digby insists there's "no limits" for a successful season with Dundee after joining on a two-year deal from Cambridge United.
Former England youth international Digby, 30, can play in central and defensive midfield and has made over 350 competitive carer appearances.
"I am absolutely delighted to get it done and I'm extremely excited," the former Ipswich Town midfielder said.
"I learned of the interest a while back and it was something that was incredibly exciting for me.
"I've always been in the English leagues since I came out of school, so this will be a completely new challenge for me.
"I've had fantastic chats with the new head coach, John and David and they kind of sold it to me but I had such a good feel from everyone.
"Everyone has gone above and beyond for me to make sure I feel welcomed and doing anything they can for me and my family. It's been a fantastic start for me.
"On the football side, I'm excited for a new challenge and for all the fantastic games we've got up here. I'm excited but also hungry to do well and there's great potential in the football club to do well in the next few seasons.
"This is a completely new chapter for the club going into this season. A new head coach, new players and it's important we start afresh and have a real good go this season and there's no limits on that for me."
Image source, SNSWe asked for your views on whether or not Dundee should sign Ross County striker Ronan Hale.
Here's what some of you said:
Gary: Of course you'd take him. Him and Simon Murray upfront, if they get played as a two are proven goal scorers in the Premiership and it'd seemingly have the makings of a decent pair. Will he come? Or will we even go in for him? As a Dundee fan we've learnt transfer speculation is usually a whole load of stuff and nonsense, but we can hope.
Richard: Yes definitely! No brainer. Hale would be a great partner for Murray, between the two players last season you have nearly 30 goals, this would be the signing of the close season for sure !
Thomas: Yes, he could be a good partner alongside Murray, the new Tommy Coyne and Keith Wright perhaps.
Derek: If it's possible for Dundee to get Hale, they certainly should. He'd be an ideal strike partner for Murray and we know Hale can score goals in the top flight. Most other potential signings up front would represent a much bigger risk.
Jimmy: We need to try and hold on to Josh Mulligan. Hale would be a good signing, there are a lot of good players in the market now but will they come to Dundee?
Alan: Hale would be a marquee signing for Dundee and show the club have ambition - not many signs of that up to now! We should be competing for the top six every season and pushing the boat out, for once, on players like Hale will make that possible.
Iain: I'd like to see Dundee show some fresh ambition with our signings this year under a new coach, but the owners haven't spent hard cash for transfers historically, which would have to happen to sign him. More loan deals are likely. We definitely need support for Murray.
Dundee have agreed a deal to sign former Cambridge United midfielder Paul Digby, 30, as a free agent. (The Courier, external - subscription required)
But Antonio Portales and Mo Sylla are set to leave Dundee, who remain confident of keeping Josh Mulligan. (The Courier, external - subscription required)
Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter 18 goals in 42 Ross County appearances, it's unsurprising Ronan Hale is attracting transfer speculation.
Recent reports have suggested Dundee are in the market for the Northern Ireland striker's signature.
After making his long-awaited debut for Michael O'Neill's side in Tuesday's friendly win over Iceland, the 26-year-old admitted any future international caps may depend on his club situation.
"I've done what I can but then again it's all down to club level as well," Hale said, "I need to be performing every week.
"I'm a Ross County player and I'm contracted to them but things can change.
"It's just about seeing what the future holds for me and the best decision to keep me playing at the highest level I can."
Hale has two years left with County, who were relegated to the Scottish Championship after their play-off final defeat to Livingston.
The striker proved his Premiership worth in his first campaign in Scotland's top flight... Would you like to see him stay in the division with Dundee?
We asked for your views on what business you would like to see Dundee do in the transfer window this summer.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Iain: We need a midfield. A lot of the blame last season was given out to our defence, but they had nothing in front of them to actually give them a chance! We also need back-up for Simon Murray, he's brilliant and runs through brick walls for this club - but he can't do it alone!
Keneil: Club needs to sort out all the out-of-contract players. We will need plenty midfielders, especially with experience to cover the loss of Lyall Cameron. Also Murray has to have a decent partner, he was left doing too much himself last season. Lastly I'm hoping as Steven Pressley was a good defender, I hope he can sort out our lot. Would like to see young Luke Graham get a game, he did really well at Falkirk.
George: I think a new manager with a proven track record of success would be a good start.
Alan: Josh Mulligan, Mo Sylla and Scott Tiffoney will go. Signing Ronan Hale from Ross County would go a long way to getting the fans onside again. We have one signed striker and virtually no midfield at present. I would like to see Jamie Brandon and Stephen Kelly signed from Livingston, plus Kyle Vassell who has left Kilmarnock
Iain: A top defence coach would be a good start - 139 goals shipped in the past two campaigns. That's simply shocking. Murray performed miracles last season, but he's now our only recognised striker and is 33? Having lost Luke McCowan and Cameron we badly need some creative flair too. It's a total rebuild for me.
Phil: Balance. This was Tony Docherty's undoing. Too many times last season the team was top heavy in rookies making rookie mistakes and no leaders on the pitch. We need a balance between seasoned pros and youth, this will help development more than anything else.
John: Noah Chilvers and big Jordan White from Ross County. One is a classy midfielder and White is an experienced centre-forward for Murray to play off. Get centre defence sorted from players already there, but we need full-backs.
Image source, SNSThe transfer window opened last Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.
Now Dundee have their new head coach and a fresh structure in place, attention at Dens Park will turn to first-team recruitment.
Following the news of Steven Pressley's arrival, managing director John Nelms said fans can expect signings soon - but what is required this summer?
Is there still a particular area of the squad that needs improving, or certain players you are desperate for the club to sign? Or maybe holding on to a key player is the biggest priority?
And what about departures? Lyall Cameron and Jordan McGhee have moved on, but who else are you expecting to go?
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSMidfielder Scott Fraser has opened up his "horrible" injury-ravaged season with Dundee.
The 30-year-old midfielder had hernia surgery in November that led to complications and he only featured five times for the Dark Blues.
"I ended up having nerve damage that was causing me more pain, which was obviously unfortunate because from the outside looking in it is like, 'Oh he is injured again,' Fraser told BBC Scotland.
"It was frustrating because I never really got the chance to heal from the first surgery, so this week I managed to get myself down to London and hopefully got that fixed.
"It is frustrating because I feel like I missed out pretty much on a full season outwith my control.
"Honestly it was horrible, it is easily the toughest part of my career I have ever had, one of the hardest experiences of my life.
"I have a two-year-old daughter as well, who I couldn't play with, just because any sort of motion was sore."
Fraser is now out of contract and back to fitness as he seeks a fresh start.
"My phone has been a bit busier than I probably would have expected having missed a full season," he added.
"The couple of people I have spoken to already at different clubs have said I am more than welcome to go in and train and prove my fitness. That is all I ask for really because if I am fit, ability wise I am good enough to go and play."
Edinburgh-born 19-year-old forward Rayan Mohammed has missed out on a debut for Pakistan against Myanmar through injury but is in talks with clubs in Scotland, England and abroad after being released by Dundee. (The Scotsman), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSDavid Longwell worked in St Mirren's academy for more than a decade
Technical manager David Longwell says Dundee can achieve success with "a bit of style and a development mind" amid a fresh era at Dens Park.
In a new role at the club, the 51-year-old, who has worked in the academies of St Mirren, New York Red Bulls and Burnley, will bring his "experience and knowledge" to help the youth set-up and first team.
He says he hopes to "assist, support and enhance" the "great platform" young talents have at the club, who this week appointed Steven Pressley as head coach.
In recent years, Lyall Cameron, Josh Mulligan and Finlay Robertson have thrived in the Dundee side, and Longwell is determined to carry on that positive work.
On his role and the club's new structure, he says: "What the club are trying to do is win, fans all want to know that, but you want to do it with a bit of style and a development mind. We can definitely achieve that.
"My role here, I've got a lot of experience and knowledge and I can bring that. It will be fluid and flexible. At the moment I'm helping with with recruitment.
"From day to day when the season gets going, it will be looking at individuals in training and how we can develop them.
"There's such a great platform here. Hopefully I can assist, support and enhance that."
Dundee have offered 32-year-old club captain Joe Shaughnessy, whose current contract runs out this month, a new contract at Dens Park. (The Courier), external
Chief executive John Nelms says Dundee will have "signings soon" as they face a squad rebuild under new head coach Steven Pressley, with St Johnstone defender Drey Wright poised to be among the first. (The Courier), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
