Dundee

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee manager Tony Docherty will have much to ponder during this international break.

He cut a frustrated figure after his side's 4-1 weekend defeat at Aberdeen and his quote "the overriding thing is we're here to win games of football" was quite telling.

Yes, there has been a lot to like about their performances over the last few months, including spells of the showing at Pittodrie. But football is a results business, and however you dice it up, the Dark Blues have found getting wins on the board a real struggle.

That is something Docherty knows will have to change when they return to action later this month.

The stats don't lie – Dundee have won just two of their last 10 league games and three in 12 in total this season. It is a continuation of their poor end to last term when they completed the campaign with no Premiership wins in eight.

They have also been conceding far too many goals this season. However, the cloud of Dundee struggles does have a silver lining – Docherty's side are seventh in the table and the season has a long way to run.

Two or three wins would get them moving in the right direction again and make things look a whole lot better.

Their next game, at home to bottom club Hibs, would be a good place to start.

Image source, BBC Sport

Dundee chief executive John Nelms has revealed he wants to have another crack at playing a Scottish Premiership game in the United States after they and Celtic explored the possibility of doing just that in 2015. (The Herald), external

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Going into the game at Pittodrie I felt it was the best time to play Aberdeen. That looks a little silly now but truth be told it was never a 4-1 kind of game.

It was a very good first half to watch for the neutral, both teams were open and direct. It felt like I was watching fencing in the way both sides were continuously probing each other for a lapse in the other's defence.

Oluwaseun Adewumi was through on goal and should have sent Dundee into the lead, but his finish lacked conviction.

Then Simon Murray's penalty just before half-time was very tame and easily saved. It felt like a lazy effort with very little power and placement – just relying on the goalkeeper going the wrong way.

Goalless at the break and we could have been two up.

Jimmy Thelin's side are still rivalling Celtic in November and that isn't by accident. A few tweaks from the Swedish tactician in the second half pushed the Dons on to the front foot and as quickly as they drew first blood they soon doubled their advantage.

Once again Dundee were littered with mistakes in their attempts to defend and frustratingly it's not down to any particular individual. That makes it more difficult to fix as the issue appears to be systemic.

Coupled with the lack of clinical finishing, it distracts attention from the positives of the performance.

Murray did get on the end of a delicate cross from Scott Tiffoney to pull one back, but just as Dundee got a foot back in the door, we conceded immediately from kick-off and the door slammed shut.

That just about sums Dundee up. Aberdeen go on to win by a comprehensive scoreline, Dundee head into the international break wounded.

I feel like a propaganda machine when it comes to praising the same individuals for their positive displays but it must be said that Josh Mulligan and Scott Tiffoney were a greatly positive force in an otherwise dire outcome.

In regards to the break it's another chance to press the restart button. We're one win away from getting back into the top six, we need to grind out good results and levels of defending after the break to show our top-six credentials.

Producing homegrown players for the Dundee first team remains a part of the club's business strategy, says managing director John Nelms. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

What would you like to ask Tom English about Dundee?

Our chief sportswriter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Answers will be provided on Tuesday’s episode of the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast and on this page later in the week.

Put your questions to Tom here., external

Jordan McGhee returned from injury two months ahead of schedule and is eager to help Dundee solve their defensive problems. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights of Aberdeen's 4-1 win against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

(Available to UK audiences only)

We asked for your views on Dundee's 4-1 defeat against Aberdeen.

Here's what some of you said:

Dudley: Yet another defensive shambles, last season we were the second worst in the division, it's the same this year. We were promised quality this season, over quantity, that has not happened. The team can't play for 90 minutes, they're not fit. Clueless all over the pitch, we can't do the simple basics correctly.

Gary: Classic example of the importance of end product. We were competitive and Simon Murray will be more disappointed with his penalty than anyone, but they couldn't take the opportunities to score. Team selection was decent, although Lyall Cameron is only showing in flashes his pre-Luke McCowan levels, so there was scope for Scott Tiffoney to start as he looked dangerous.

Mark: Worrying times for Dee fans, those bottom three places look like a straight fight between us, St Johnstone and Ross County. All Scottish football fans know Hearts and Hibs wont be at the bottom at the end of the season.

Ronnie: Dundee held their own and then some in the first half. If's and but's about the penalty and whether scoring it would have changed the result, unlikely. This team switches off like a light. Not capable of thinking when under pressure and showing unbelievable naivety. Pretty performance and 2-0 down again and again and again. Sort it out Doc!

Image source, SNS

• Aberdeen have scored eight goals via substitutes in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• Aberdeen have scored four goals in a game for the first time since 15 May 2024 against Livingston (W5-1).

• Kevin Nisbet has scored his third goal in the Premiership this season, netting for the first time since 28 September 2024 against Dundee.

• Dundee have conceded six goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, no team has conceded more.

Aberdeen bounced back from their League Cup semi-final humbling to move ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a sizzling second-half showing at home to Dundee.

Ante Palaversa’s classy finish broke the deadlock at a sold-out Pittodrie, and within four minutes it was two when Topi Keskinen lashed the ball through the legs of Jon McCracken.

Dundee briefly rallied, and Simon Murray - who had a first-half penalty saved - glanced a header into the far corner.

However, their revival was doused just moments later when Vicente Besuijen - only on the pitch for just 42 seconds - raced onto a Kevin Nisbet through ball to finish.

And Nisbet added a late fourth himself, as his deflected shot evaded Jon McCracken.

Jimmy Thelin’s side - who suffered a first defeat of the campaign in losing 6-0 to Celtic in the League Cup semi-finals last weekend - were more like themselves as they extended their unbeaten league run to 11.

Dundee - the last team to beat Aberdeen in the league at Dens Park back in March - drop to seventh as their winless run at Pittodrie stretches to 16 games.

Dundee fans, whether you were at Pittodrie or following from home, we want your thoughts on the game., external

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I think it's fact that we were the better side [in the first half]. If we come in 2-0, it's an accurate reflection of the game.

"Bitterly disappointed with the nature, the manner of the goals. We lose three goals from set-plays. The first one, not doing our job, not taking responsibility. The second one's a throw-in, we make a mistake and it's just so easy to score a goal against us.

"The third goal is beyond me. I've never seen that in all my years. We need to make sure we get better. We've been blighted all season by individual mistakes.

"Aberdeen didn't need to do much to score goals or win the game today. To lose those goals in the manner we lost them was disappointing.

"There are positives within the performance, but the overriding thing is we're here to win games of football.

"[Finlay Robertson] is going to A&E. He got quite a bad kick and it's swollen up. He's in a bit of discomfort - we're just sending him up there as a precaution. Our thoughts are with him and hopefully it's not too bad."

Andrew Southwick
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

In Dundee's last two games they had found themselves having to pull back a two-goal deficit. The message from manager Tony Docherty was clearly to be on the front foot from the off.

Few inside Pittodrie could have argued had Dundee lead at the break. Oluweaseun Adewumi twice caused panic in the box while Seb Palmer-Houldon skidded a shot across goal.

However, for the second time against Aberdeen this season they were left to rue their finishing, none more so than Simon Murray after his weak penalty was saved.

They had more than matched Aberdeen for 45 minutes, much like earlier in the season, but again couldn’t breach the Dons backline more than once.

Docherty's men could not keep the tempo going after an encouraging first half and a more subdued Dundee were unable to post a first Pittodrie league win since 2004.

Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Mackenzie, Molloy, Rubezic, Shinnie, Palaversa, Duk, Clarkson, Keskinen, Sokler.

Substitutes: Doohan, Nisbet, McGarry, Besuijen, Morris, Milne, MacDonald, Ambrose, Stewart.

Dundee: McCracken, C.Robertson, Astley, McGhee, Mulligan, Cameron, Adewumi, Murray, Larkeche, Palmer-Houlden, Sylla

Substitutes: Sharp, Ingram, Tiffoney, Main, F.Robertson, Koumetio, Braybrooke, Portales.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet returns while Dante Polvara will be back in the squad after the international break. Pape Habib Gueye (quad) remains out.

Dundee will be without Julien Vetro after he fainted in the dressing room before last weekend’s win over Kilmarnock. Although there have been no further problems, Dundee are waiting for tests before putting him back in the squad.

Trevor Carson and Scott Fraser will be back in training after the international break while Joe Shaughnessy is working his way back from a long-term knee injury.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jordan McGhee is determined to build on his "massive" return from injury after crowning his rapid recovery with a goal.

The Dundee defender, who was sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury, made his comeback off the bench last weekend as Tony Docherty's side rallied from two down to claim a dramatic win over Kilmarnock.

As he prepares for Saturday's trip to face Aberdeen, McGhee said: "It was massive. At one point my scan result came back saying it might be three months out.

"But I felt no pain after a couple of weeks after and then the club got another scan and there was a bit better news so I have worked really hard with the physios and the staff behind the scenes.

"I have come back six or seven weeks early so the feeling of scoring was massive for me and can hopefully kick me on this season, scoring many more and propel the boys, fill them with confidence that we can go and pick up more points."

McGhee is one of a number of players out of contract at Dens Park next summer, but is focusing only on his fitness and football for now.

"When I got the news I was out for three months my head was all over the place, but now I am back I am just concentrating on trying to pick up as many points as I can for the club," he said.

"We will see what comes to fruition."

Niall McGinn, the 37-year-old winger on loan to Greenock Morton from Glentoran, has criticised former Dundee manager Gary Bowyer over his treatment of him at Dens Park, saying he was made to train with the youths for three months before he was forced out the club to free up wages. (Open Goal podcast), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Tony Docherty is looking to "sow seeds of doubt" at Pittodrie against an Aberdeen team whose unbeaten start to the season came to a shuddering halt last weekend.

Dundee, who are sixth, travel north full of confidence for Saturday night's game after coming from two down to beat Kilmarnock 3-2.

Aberdeen remain tied with Celtic at the top but suffered their first defeat under Jimmy Thelin with a 6-0 thrashing by Celtic in the League Cup semi-final.

"Aberdeen deserve enormous credit for what they have done this season so far in terms of their unbeaten run," said Docherty.

"But their unbeaten run in the cup is now finished, it is my job as Dundee manager to sow those seeds of doubt and try and make sure my team go up there and put in a level of performance that gives us every opportunity to win."

Dundee were unfortunate to lose 2-1 when the teams met at Dens Park at the end of September.

Docherty added: "We put in a really strong performance and probably should have come out with a positive result from that, but we didn't.

"But having analysed that match and the other games have both played since then, we need to take a lot of confidence from the way we played last time."

• Aberdeen are unbeaten in 15 home league games against Dundee (W10 D5) since a 2-1 reverse in May 2004 under Steve Paterson.

• Dundee have only had two wins in their last 29 league games against Aberdeen (D8 L19), the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory in March last season.

• Aberdeen are one of two sides, along with Celtic, to win nine of their opening 10 Scottish Premiership matches this season (D1). In the 21st century, only one team has reached 10 wins in as few as 11 matches from the start of a Scottish top-flight campaign and not gone on to win the title (Celtic in 2010-11).

• Dundee have only won one of their last eight away league games (D3 L4), a 1-0 victory at Motherwell in October.

• Aberdeen have scored 20 goals from 123 shots in the Scottish Premiership this season, with their conversion rate of 16.3% the highest of any side in 2024-25. The Dons have scored over six goals more than their expected goals (20 goals from 13.7 xG), the highest overperformance of any side in the competition this term.

Dundee's proposed new training ground can take the club to the next level, believes manager Tony Docherty. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

"We just want to make sure the boys are rewarded for what they have done at this football club."

Tony Docherty is hopeful the recent, "fantastic" news regarding the approval of their new Riverside training centre will help contribute to ongoing contract conversations with a number of players.

Reports suggest, external there are 13 players out of contract at the end of the season, but Docherty is comfortable with the situation and admits "talks are ongoing".

Should they stay, the players will be enjoy new facilities. The planning application for a new football training centre and community hub at the city's Riverside pitches, was approved earlier this week by Dundee City Council.

"These boys deserve it," Docherty said as he previewed Saturday's game against Aberdeen.

"We have good facilities here, but to get approval for going into your own training ground is fantastic news.

"It can contribute towards the ongoing talks and we just want to make sure the boys are rewarded for what they have done at this football club."

It's a "massive" move for the club, says Docherty who said he is "OK" with the situation surrounding many of his squad.

"It is important you look at each individual one, all the players are getting spoken to and it is important there is stability within the football club," he added.

"It was well documented when I came in there were only three signed players, so we have managed in that first season to build up a core of players.

"It is steady improvement every year and we are working very much on that basis to create that stability and that sustainability and that involves these contract extensions.

"These things are ongoing. We don't want to put ourselves out there and mention any more than we need to but talks are ongoing"

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Tony Docherty addressed the media before his side's Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen on Saturday.

Here's what he had to say:

• Julien Vetro, who was taken to hospital after fainting in the dressing room just before last weekend's game with Kilmarnock, "is still with the medics at the moment," Docherty says. "They are still monitoring exactly what happened."

• The comeback against Killie feels like "a really big win for a whole host of reasons," he adds.

• Docherty says Aberdeen deserve enormous credit for what they have done this season, but says they are travelling to Pittodrie in confident mood and points to the strong performance they put in against the Dons at Dens Park earlier in the season, adding "we are in a good place".

• On the news that Dundee City Council have approved plans for a new football training centre and community hub in the city which the club will use, the manager says it is, "massive for the football club" and shows that "the club is going in a positive direction."

• Trevor Carson and Scott Fraser remain out, but Docherty is hopeful they will be back in the squad after the international break.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Sometimes it can take just a little thing to ignite a team's season.

A key decision going your way, a lucky goal, a match-defining moment of magic.

Could Ziyad Larkeche’s 94th-minute winner against Kilmarnock on Sunday be one of those catalyst moments for Dundee?

Prior to that game, the Dark Blues were on a disappointing run of just one win in eight Premiership games.

Manager Tony Docherty pointed to a number of things that had contributed to that sequence, including individual errors and decisions going against them.

Despite that, he was adamant he was happy with the performance levels and insisted if such levels were maintained, results would come.

His theory was backed up by their comeback at Dens. At 2-0 down, they could have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be another one of those days.

But his side dug deep to turn the game round and get the three points.

A lot of the positive traits we have come to associate with Docherty’s Dundee were on display. Gutsiness, desire and bodies on the line. But also real quality too. His side appear to have their swagger well and truly back.

Now one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but there was enough evidence in that pulsating game to suggest that Dundee are certainly more than capable of finding their place back in the winner’s enclosure on a more regular basis.

While that all remains to be seen, one thing that now appears certain is that Dundee will take plenty of confidence and style in to their next game – a stern test against on form Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday night.