Dundee

Image source, SNS

Has a "miraculous" use of the loan market been integral to Dundee's success under Tony Docherty?

A number of temporary signings, such as Owen Beck, Amadou Bakayoko and Malachi Boateng, have played key roles in Docherty's side.

After securing top-flight promotion last year, Dundee opted to replace Championship-winning boss Gary Bowyer with Docherty.

The Athletic's Jordan Campbell was fearing the worst for the Dens Park side at that point, but Docherty has gone on to secure a top-six spot and is eyeing a European place in his debut season as a manager.

"Bowyer was moved on and it seemed like a really, really harsh decision," Campbell said on Tuesday's Scottish Football Podcast.

"You were fearing for Dundee, whether that would kill the momentum, whether it would take away the spirit that they built last season.

"But Docherty's done a great job. You look at his use of the loan market, it's been miraculous really to bring in guys like Beck, Bakayoko, Boateng and [Aaron] Donnelly, who have all been big, big parts of the team this season."

This week, the Dundee boss was named on the shortlist for PFA manager of the year award along with Derek McInnes, who Docherty worked under for a long spell.

"I think you can see the similarities between the McInnes school of thought, in terms of being aggressive," Campbell added.

"But I think Dundee do play when they've got a chance and he's done really well to create that blend."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland

Given the season that they have had, it is no surprise at all to see Dundee boss Tony Docherty in the conversation for manager of the year.

And few could argue, given the sterling job he has done at Dens Park, if come the summer he has several such awards adorning his mantelpiece.

His team have surpassed all expectations, certainly the ones held by many outwith the Dark Blues’ dressing room.

Docherty and his players aren't done yet either. They have their eyes firmly fixed on what would be the ultimate prize – European football.

Every game is a big game, but this could prove to be a pivotal weekend as they attempt to take a step closer towards being able to dig their passports out.

With four games to go, Dundee are two points behind fifth-placed St Mirren who are the current occupants of the final European spot.

The teams go head to head at Dens Park this weeked – an encounter you could easily argue is one of the biggest of the campaign for both sides.

While nothing will be decided on Saturday, Dundee know their fate lies in their own hands, and a win over the Paisley team would put them in the box seat as they look to secure European football for the first time in over two decades.

Amadou Bakayoko, the striker on loan to Dundee, and midfielder Teddy Jenks, who is with Ross County, are being retained by Forest Green Rovers next season along with former St Mirren midfielder Kyle McAllister, former Rangers youth Charlie McCann, one-time Dundee United left-back Jamie Robson and ex-Hibernian striker Christian Doidge after their relegation from League Two. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Despite being named on the PFA young player of the year shortlist, Lyall Cameron’s primary focus remains achieving a European place with Dundee in a season he feels could "go down in history".

The 21-year-old midfielder has excelled in Tony Docherty’s side, who achieved a top-six finish following promotion back to the top flight.

Having secured a top-half spot, Cameron and the rest of the Dundee squad now have their sights on booking a place in Europe by catching fifth-placed St Mirren, who are two points ahead.

"The expectation at the start of the season was survival," Cameron said.

"So if we can get Europe it will be massive. It will almost go down in history because it's been such a long time.

"Once you have a few good performances, and the team helped me out in that, the whole confidence grows around the club and we start realising we can compete at this level.

"I'm glad I have been able to compete as well."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Always the bridesmaid, maybe the bride?

Dundee's Tony Docherty has the chance to win the PFA Scotland manager of the year award ahead of his former gaffer Derek McInnes - but how has the rookie become one of the most impressive bosses in Scottish football?

Sixteen years were spent next to McInnes in the dugout, acting as assistant St Johnstone, Bristol City, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock. Over 750 games side by side. It was quite the apprenticeship for the East Kilbride native.

Then, quite suddenly, he had the top job at a Premiership club last summer following Gary Bowyer's abrupt exit just days after guiding Dundee back to the top flight.

Initially, there was surprise at the appointment but Docherty insisted "this day was always going to come."

Intrigue abounded. He knew the league, he knew Dundee well, but did he have what it takes to cut it as a manager? Could he keep the Dark Blues in the top flight?

Failure to progress from the League Cup group stages wasn't a great start. Two wins in the first 10 league matches wasn't in the script either, even if there were only two defeats in there.

Dundee had plunged down to 11th but the league was tight and they soon cemented themselves in mid-table.

A 4-0 win over St Mirren showed what Dundee could do when they clicked. Docherty called it a "complete performance" and claimed his side were still improving.

It wasn't plain sailing. A 2-0 lead at Tynecastle turned into a 3-2 loss. There was a 7-1 humiliation at Celtic Park.

But Docherty stayed calm. They responded to that massacre with a draw and two wins. The baby hadn't been thrown out with the bathwater, and Docherty kept the faith.

Dundee kept beating teams around them and ticked off their survival target then, with a game to go before the split, secured a first top-six finish since 2015. European football for the first time in 20 years is now on the horizon.

"Derek is a really, really close friend of mine. He's fully supportive, it's totally amicable," Docherty said of McInnes. If either of them win the award, that friendship will remain in tact.

Dundee loan player Zach Robinson - who has been at Dens Park from Wimbledon for the past two seasons - will be a free agent this summer. (The Courier, print edition)

Dundee have used their 'surprise package' status to their advantage this season - and Mo Sylla has been a huge part of their success, says defender Ricki Lamie. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Tuesday's gossip.

Image source, SNS

There's been many reasons for Dundee's success this season. Tony Docherty's shrewd recruitment. Their togetherness and team spirit. The exploits of Luke McCowan.

But one of the shining lights in an excellent first campaign back in the top flight is young Lyall Cameron.

The 21-year-old has been integral to Dens Park side's fortunes this term, using his guile and grit to make a difference at both ends of the park.

With five goals for the season, the midfielder has dealt admirably with the step up from the Championship.

Cameron has the best passing accuracy (79.5%) of all Dundee players to attempt at least 50 passes in the league this season.

His talent was obvious in the second tier last term, with many of a Dee persuasion worrying he may be snapped up before Dundee even kicked a ball in the Premiership.

Cameron's fine form this season may add to that noise come the summer, but for the time being, the Dundee support are revelling in having such a talented youngster making them proud on a weekly basis.

That pride would only grow if he was to be named PFA Scotland young player of the year, by beating Kilmarnock's David Watson, Lennon Miller of Motherwell and Rangers winger Ross McCausland.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Dundee defender Ricki Lamie says the Dens Park side can see the "progression" they've made after a "spirited" defeat to Celtic.

Tony Docherty's men left the league leaders settling after threatening a late comeback in Sunday's 2-1 defeat.

With fifth spot and European qualification still very much up for grabs, Lamie has urged his team-mates to finish the season strongly.

“It was spirited on our behalf," the 30-year-old told BBC Scotland.

"I think we have a good account if ourselves. The last game at Parkhead was something we wanted to put right and not dwell on.

“He (Docherty) had an Ariel view and he had plenty of messages to send. There were a few tweaks tactically in terms of our press and particularly in the second half and I thought it gave us a lot more impetus in terms of carrying a threat.

“The gaffer said we looked like a proper team and I think we feel that. The progression has been apparent and that breeds confidence.

"We have still got a lot to play for. There is a lot to play for in the top five and going for what the manager says is going through the finishing line and going through it strong.

“We have bounced back after some bad results and we have a wee bit of steel in us.”

The Sportscene team praise Dundee's second-half showing in defeat to Celtic, but say Tony Docherty's side could have been more clinical.

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee's narrow loss to Celtic.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Ian: Another full-blooded performance from the Dee. Shot ourselves in the foot for the second goal. But showed resilience in pressing the game in the last 15 minutes. This season has been the most I have enjoyed watching my team since the Cannigia era. Playing skilful soccer with full commitment, it’s been a pleasure.

Doug: Dundee went toe-to-toe with Celtic and can count themselves unlucky not to have managed at least a draw. On this showing, Dundee should be very encouraged about getting the points to leapfrog St Mirren for a crack at Europe next season. Next week is the big one!

Anon: Really good to watch, great spirit in team. Sure to add to side next term. Manager runs a tight ship. The club owners need to invest in the stadium structure. It's shocking.

Image source, SNS

• Celtic have scored in each of their last five games in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 14 goals in that run.

• Dundee have failed to win in their last four games in the Scottish Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 2 September 2023 to 24 October 2023, a run of five games.

• Celtic have scored in 30 of their 34 games, only Rangers (31) have scored goals in more matches in the Scottish Premiership this season.

• Celtic are undefeated in their last five games in the Scottish Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 23 December 2023 to 28 February 2024, a run of 10 matches.

Were you at Dundee's 2-1 defeat by Celtic or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say here.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "In the second half, we had a really, really strong performance and we went toe to toe with Celtic. Sitting up there and watching it, I watched a really good team. I was really, really proud of them.

"They need to take it into the next game. We're getting better and better. It's the most shots on target Celtic have faced by a team all season. Just a wee bit unlucky that we didn't do that wee bit more in front of goal to get the goal."

Since an early March loss away to Hearts, Celtic have barely looked back with 13 points from a possible 15 helping them regain the title initiative.

This win was far from vintage but typical of a side with the nous and experience in the likes of double goal scorer James Forrest to get the job done.

Dundee's hopes of a European place to cap a fine return to the Scottish Premiership remain alive and their next four fixtures are against teams they have taken points off so far this season.

Their set pieces caused Celtic plenty of problems and manager Tony Docherty - watching from the stand as he served a touchline ban - can take heart after avoiding a repeat of recent heavy defeats in this fixture.

Dundee make two changes following their 0-0 draw with Rangers 11 days ago.

Antonio Portales replaces the injured Joe Shaughnessy in defence with Josh Mulligan taking over from Lyall Cameron in midfield and Cameron also missing from the squad.

Celtic's last game was that epic Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, which they won on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Brendan Rodgers makes just one change to his starting line-up with James Forrest replacing fellow winger Yang Hyun-jun, who makes the bench.

Image source, SNS

Dundee: McCracken, McGhee, Portales, Lamie, Dodgson, Mulligan, Sylla, Boateng, McCowan, Tiffoney, Bakayoko.

Substitutes: Sharp, Astley, Main, Robinson, Robertson, Howley, Donnelly, Mellon, Costelloe.

Celtic: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate, Kuhn, Kyogo, Forrest.

Substitutes: Bain, Palma, Idah, Yang, Nawrocki, Iwata, Bernardo, Kelly, Ralston.

Image source, SNS

Dundee captain Joe Shaughnessy has been ruled out with cruciate ligament damage while Owen Beck (groin) is also likely to remain out for the remainder of the season.

Daizen Maeda remains out for Celtic, but he is closing in on a swift return from a hamstring tendon problem.

Image source, SNS

Malachi Boateng admits Dundee want to cap their impressive return to the Scottish Premiership by securing European football.

The sixth-place Dens Park side begin their post-split fixtures at home to Celtic on Sunday knowing that fifth spot will enough to ensure Dundee's first European campaign since 2003.

"It is definitely there for us," midfielder Boateng said.

"As a group we obviously want to strive for more and look up the table so it is definitely achievable for us.

"I think it is a good incentive to have, obviously Europe is something that a lot of the boys pushed for at the start of the season but we will just keep on playing our game and there is no pressure on any of us to do it.

"The season is not over, we have got five games to go, so no one is relaxed on holiday or anything, just very composed and taking it game by game."

Manager Tony Docherty says his Dundee players feel a "huge sense of achievement" over securing a top-six place, but insists they won't ease off in the final five games as they now target European football.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Tony Docherty insists his touchline ban won't hamper Dundee's attempts to upset Premiership leaders Celtic on Sunday.

The Dark Blues boss will serve a one-match suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season in the goalless draw at Aberdeen earlier this month.

"I am disappointed but it doesn’t effect preparation too much in terms of all the work we do during the week and prior to the match," said Docherty.

"I have brilliant staff - Stuart Taylor, Scott Paterson - and they will deputise in that respect.

"We will have a line of communication. We are very close and discuss every fine detail during the week, game-plan, so we are all very much on the same page.

"It is all about the players, it is all about the game. We have not had a game for quite a while now, so we have spent a lot of time on the grass in terms of planning, we know the kind of game-plan we will need to execute to give us a chance against a really top opponent.

"We take great pride as a staff that the players know their jobs before they go on to the pitch so it is just reinforcing messages and Stuart is more than capable, he has experience of doing that."