Dundee

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Dundee's unpredictability both on and off the pitch never fails to stun the football world.

'Elvis' has entered the building and his reception is far from ideal from the Dundee support.

The overriding feeling is Steven Pressley's appointment doesn't inspire confidence as his record is littered with sackings, and losing more games than he has won, before a six-year hiatus from management.

Given Tony Docherty was dismissed for underperforming, supporters were expecting a statement appointment or perhaps something left-field with names like Temur Ketsbaia and David Healy linked.

However, there is more to Pressley than meets the eye. He ticks boxes that align with the role of head coach compared to the traditional football manager.

He is experienced with over 340 matches as a manager and enjoyed a successful period in his last stint in Scotland with Falkirk.

He has a proven track record in youth development, notably at Falkirk, where he helped develop Murray Wallace, Jay Fulton, Lyle Taylor and Stephen Kingsley.

Most recently he was in the Premier League with Brentford, developing players to fit a very good team at the elite level - working with those standards at Dundee will hold him in good stead.

His reputation among the players he's coached also seems positive. and Pressley appears well respected within the industry. He emerged as the standout candidate for both John Nelms and Gordon Strachan for good reasons.

The head coach model might very well prove to be a masterstroke. When you reflect on previous managers, a recurring theme emerges - flawed decision-making in recruitment and squad balance.

Paul Hartley chucked away Martin Boyle, Jim McAlister and Gary Harkins, all on frees when they all still had so much to offer. The replacements weren't near the appropriate standard.

Neil McCann had no plan B, while his foreign imports clearly required time they did not have to adjust to the Scottish game.

James McPake allowed both Leigh Griffiths and Jason Cummings to depart during a relegation battle, while remaining fiercely loyal to players out of their depth.

Tony Docherty couldn't balance the young squad with experienced players and left us very light up front (Simon Murray is our only contracted forward).

If Strachan, David Longwell and the recruitment team can take a weight off Pressley's shoulders and allow him to focus solely on getting results on the pitch, then this model will be an interesting development to watch unfold.

Football fans are fickle. If Pressley gets off to a winning start he will win over his doubters. While they are upset at his winning record, they're also desperate for the new head coach to mend that with Dundee.

Pressley is hungry and has a point to prove. The fans will be satisfied once they can see this new set-up walking the walk instead of talking the talk. In other words, a little less conversation, a little more action please.

Image source, SNS

Dundee have added a friendly against Brechin City to their pre-season schedule.

New head coach Steven Pressley takes his side to Glebe Park to face the Highland League outfit on Saturday 5 July at 15:00 BST.

Dundee travel to take on Championship newcomers Arbroath the previous weekend, 28 June, at Gayfield Park.

Aberdeen and Dundee are competing with teams in England for the signature of Ross County striker Ronan Hale. (Belfast Telegraph - subscription required), external

Read all of Wednesday's Scottish Gossip

Image source, SNS

Dundee managing director John Nelms has been discussing the process of appointing of head coach Steven Pressley, what it means for the structure of the club and his hopes for next season.

Here are the best bits from his sitdown with club media:

• On the process recruiting a new head coach, Nelms says Dundee have a "core value of development." The club now has a "proper framework and structure" and he believes Pressley comes with "all the tools" to make that work.

• Nelms adds that Pressley has "vast knowledge of what we need to do to be successful" after "working with development players" at Premier League club Brentford.

• On the structure change at the club, which has resulted in David Longwell being appointed as technical manager, Nelms says: "It goes back to the word development. We need to have a person who is giving a little bit more to our players so they are best they can be."

• "Every player will have David looking after them," Nelms adds. The American describes Longwell as "no-nonsense" and says he will be part of the first-team set-up.

• On appointing a head coach rather than a manager, Nelms says that "won't look much different for fans". The head coach's focus will be on "getting points in the bag," he adds.

• On the interview process with Pressley, Nelms says the board "spent four hours walking through different elements" and the new Dundee boss "was saying all the things we want to hear". The former Scotland defender "literally ticked all the boxes".

• Nelms says Pressley is a "soft-spoken leader" who will "lead by example" in his role. "He wants to make you better and as successful as possible," he adds.

• On summer transfer business, Nelms says "recruitment hasn't stopped at all" and "signings will be here soon".

• And on the club's hopes for next season, he adds: "It's always top six, it's what we budget for. We strive to be in it and always will."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the surprise appointment of Steven Pressley as Dundee's new head coach.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Jack: Absolute embarrassment of an appointment. Was actually excited we could be appointing a manager who knows how to win trophies in David Healy. But once again trying to get past Gordon Strachan without a Celtic connection is impossible.

Nicol: What on earth have we done this time? To say it's not quite what I hoped for is an understatement. United fans are laughing their heads off.

Willie: "New philosophy of football at Dens," so said Strachan. This retrograde step to bring in a failed head coach is just the latest in a long line of cronyism from the technical director. In my opinion the sooner Strachan severs all connections with Dundee, the better.

Callum: Pressley has done a lot in his career. He'll bring a freshness that's maybe needed. You can only appoint from the people who apply and it's only fair to give him backing and support.

Ronnie: A bit out of left-field and goes to show how inaccurate the rumour mill is. A lot of very negative comments already which is ridiculous; give the new coach time to settle in and make his mark. Both Gary Bowyer and Tony Docherty were unexpected appointments and fans were not happy. Dundee fans are basically never happy!

Matt: As a follower of Scottish football and Carlisle United supporter, I was shocked by this appointment. Pressley crops up in debates about our worst manager in history.

Murray: Docherty's results were not always the greatest, but I hoped the management had a plan to take Dundee to a higher level when removing him and his coaching staff. However, the haphazard nature of the recruitment process leaves me in doubt that this is the case.

Gordon: I'm a bit underwhelmed by this appointment, but I do think some of the comments on the internet are over the top. Pressley has a lot of different experiences which could benefit Dundee, the biggest challenge is building a squad that can compete right from the off. David Longwell is also a bit of an unknown with lots of player development experience. I suspect the management believe the only way forward for Dundee is to develop our own talent. The problem with that is the best young players will end up at Rangers or Celtic.

Iain: I simply can't fathom this one. Pressley has been out of management for six years. It's akin to the abysmal reign of Mark McGhee some years back. A Strachan 'old boys' choice. It's a massive backward step. I'm really bewildered by this appointment.

Image source, PA Wire

You have to dig through some serious fan fury to find any kind of positivity relating to Steven Pressley's Dundee appointment.

The Dens Park board are facing intense criticism from supporters for their decision to bring in the former Celtic defender, whose previous job in management was a 10-month spell at Carlisle United six years ago.

But does the ex-Hearts captain's history of youth development provide some optimism for the Dundee fanbase?

The 51-year-old joins after spending four years as Brentford's head of individual player development, and former Scotland centre-back Joelle Murray hailed his "great track record" of working with youngsters at Falkirk more than a decade ago.

Murray says the decision to bring in Pressley points to Dundee looking to recruit young talent from south of the border, develop them and sell on for profit.

"It's definitely a route that they will be looking to go down," she adds on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"What Pressley might have from working in his previous role at Brentford is a network of really good young players he has knowledge of, and he will be looking to try and bring them to the other side of the border to develop them."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

When Tony Docherty was sacked with the dust barely settling on a disappointing Premiership campaign, few Dundee fans who would have thought they would be uttering the phrase 'Elvis has entered the building' just a few weeks later.

At the time of the departure of Docherty - and his backroom staff - the club stated their intention to "restructure the football department".

Giving Steven Pressley the title of head coach, rather than manager, and the creation of a new technical manager position, which will be occupied by David Longwell, definitely projects the look that things will be different going forward.

If social media is anything to go by, the appointment of Pressley has left a large number of the Dundee support 'All Shook Up'. But if the new regime can hit the ground running, it could be a case of 'Loving You'.

Apologies for the rather predictable Elvis song references.

Anyway, there will be some who will point to the fact Pressley has been away from the Scottish game for more than a decade, plus he has not held a managerial role anywhere since leaving Carlisle United six years ago.

But there can be no doubt Pressley is bringing vast experience to Dens Park.

And he will also have a knowledge of the English market, particularly with regards to some potential young talent coming through the ranks south of the border. That knowledge could prove invaluable as Dundee look to strengthen their squad.

Pressley also played under Dundee technical director Gordon Strachan at Celtic, so the ex-Scotland boss will be well aware of the qualities his former player can bring to Dens.

But this is not about the past. The success or failure of any appointment is determined by results - and ultimately that is what Pressley and co will be judged on going forward.

Image source, SNS

As well the arrival of Steven Pressley as head coach, Dundee have "taken this period to restructure the football department" by appointing David Longwell as technical manager.

The Dens Park club say the former St Mirren, Burnley and New York Red Bulls academy coach will be "part of the coaching staff with a specific focus on player development".

On the arrival of Longwell, managing Director John Nelms said: "David comes to us with a long and productive history in the development of players both north and south of the border.

"Player development has always been at the forefront of our club, and with the amount of young emerging talent, it is important that the restructuring of the football department will emphasise this even more.

"His main role will be working alongside technical director Gordon Strachan and head coach Steven Pressley to ensure the concentrated development of individual players. David will also have additional roles within the first team set-up."

A surprise name has emerged as Dundee's new head coach.

Steven Pressley has landed the role following his time as Brentford's head of individual player development.

It is the former Scotland defender's first managerial job since he left Carlisle United in 2019 after just 10 months in charge.

Dundee say Pressley "emerged as the standout candidate" after "a thorough and comprehensive search process" to find a successor to Tony Docherty.

What are your thoughts on that, Dee fans? Send us your views.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell have confirmed the signing of Jordan McGhee on a two-year deal, with the club holding the option of a further year, following his Dundee exit.

BBC Scotland reported that the versatile 28-year-old had penned a pre-contract agreement with the Lanarkshire side in January.

Stuart Kettlewell was Well's manager at that point, but he has since left. Kettlewell's replacement, Michael Wimmer, is also no longer at the club.

The Fir Park side are yet to appoint a new first-team boss, but their summer player recruitment continues as McGhee's arrival follows the signing of Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger.

McGhee's departure from Dundee brings to an end a six-year stay at Dens Park. The former Hearts and Falkirk player made 197 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals and gaining top-flight promotion twice.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

Image source, Press Eye

Dundee want to speak to Linfield boss David Healy about their managerial vacancy at Dens Park.

Last month the Dark Blues sacked Tony Docherty one day after securing their Scottish Premiership status for next season in the final game of the campaign.

Healy, who is the Northern Ireland men's team's record goalscorer, has been in charge of Linfield since 2015 with a club spokesperson confirming to BBC Sport NI that the terms of the 45-year-old's contract allow him to discuss the move.

This season's Irish Premiership title was Healy's sixth at the Windsor Park helm with the Blues finishing 22 points ahead of Larne.

He has also won two Irish Cups, three BetMcLean Cups and one County Antrim Shield during his time in charge of the Blues.

In August, the former Manchester United and Rangers striker turned down the opportunity to take over at Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers and said he was "content" at Linfield.

Former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney, as well as former Dundee players Charlie Adam and Temuri Ketsbaia, have also been linked to the role.

Dundee have been granted permission to speak to Linfield's David Healy about the managerial vacancy at Dens Park. (Sun), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Dundee are favourites to sign midfielder Drey Wright, 30, following his departure from St Johnstone. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Dundee's new era under their yet-to-be announced manager will begin at home to second-tier Airdrieonians on Saturday 12 July in the Premier Sports Cup.

The Dens Park side then visit Alloa Athletic and Bonnyrigg Rose in Group C before hosting Montrose.

Image source, SNS

Dundee will face newly-promoted Championship side Arbroath in a pre-season friendly.

The currently managerless Dark Blues travel to Gayfield on Saturday 28 June for a 15:00 BST kick-off.

Dundee sacked Tony Docherty following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season after the club finished just above Ross County in the relegation play-off spot.

Dundee are hoping to unveil their new managerial appointment next week, with managing director John Nelms meeting with potential managers across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (The Courier, external - subscription required)

Rangers' interest in out-of-contract Dundee midfielder Josh Mulligan is on hold until the Ibrox club appoint a new head coach, but the 22-year-old has other options, with Charlton Athletic and Salford City also keen. (Daily Record), external

Ziyad Larkeche, the 22-year-old left-back, says he is returning from his loan to Dundee unclear about whether "there is a real plan for me" at Queens Park Rangers after Marti Cifuentes was dismissed as manager before the end of the season. (The Courier, external - subscription required)

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

As Dundee's search for a new manager continues, the fans will probably still be breathing a sigh of relief at avoiding relegation.

Their basement battle went right to the last day of the Premiership campaign and for all connected with the Dens Park club, it was far too close a call.

The new man, whoever he may be, will have plenty in his inbox, but one of the main objectives will be to ensure they find themselves nowhere near such peril next term.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it won't be straightforward - just ask Tony Docherty.

Recruitment will be key. Over the past couple of seasons we often heard about how young a squad Dundee had.

That is commendable in many ways, but could also explain the inconsistency that got them into difficulty last term.

Perhaps the club need to focus on bringing in a bit more experience this time around. Maybe try and source a few more grizzled, seasoned pros who know their way around the Scottish game.

Those are decisions for the new manager – the identity of whom we should know in the next couple of weeks.

Image source, SNS

Dundee have been drawn alongside Airdrieonians, Alloa Athletic, Montrose and Bonnyrigg Rose in Group C of the 2025-26 Premier Sports Cup.

Yet to appoint a new manager after the shock sacking of Tony Docherty, the tournament will mark the new boss' first game in charge of the Dens Park club, with the opening fixture on 12-13 July and further matchdays on 15-16 July, 19-20 July, 22-23 July and 26-27 July.

The eight group winners and three best runners-up will join Scotland's five European entrants - Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United - in the last 16 on the weekend of 16-17 August.

Dundee have won the trophy on three occasions, with their most recent triumph coming in 1974.

Image source, SNS

Speculation on who Dundee's next boss will be continues to swirl.

Reports suggest former Celtic forward Shaun Maloney is the leading contender, with ex-Dens Park midfielder Charlie Adam also in the frame.

So why would the Dundee board be interested in either of those names? "They are looking for a young, progressive coach," says The Scotman's sports editor Mark Atkinson.

Adam is currently working as a set-piece coach at Everton after being sacked by Fleetwood last December following a year in charge.

Maloney is also a free agent after leaving Wigan in March, lasting 14 months at the club. The ex-Scotland winger previously spent just four months in charge of Hibs.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Atkinson said: "Dundee want to get their academy up and running and they want to build a philosophy right through the club.

"I think that's why Maloney is of such appeal. He obviously knows [technical director] Gordon Strachan, who is among the hierarchy at Dundee.

"Adam would probably fit into that category as well. I think Shaun's got slightly more experience, but Charlie's a massive Dundee man.

"He also played for the club and I think it would be a real honour for Adam if he was to get that job."

A week on from Tony Docherty's sacking, we asked who you would like to get the Dundee manager's job.

Here's what some of you said:

Jayeffell: None of the names being mentioned excite me. Even the thought of Charlie Adam returning makes me ponder his time at Fleetwood as being less than successful. Shaun Mahoney failed bad at Hibs. John Kennedy from Celtic perhaps but untested (like Doc) as a boss. An experienced boss with Simon Murray as player/coach. You'd have a team of triers at least if they follow his example.

Ronny: Scott Brown, he stands no nonsense.

Iain: Maloney has been pushed by the media as the front-runner from day one. I don't see that working. I'd like to see Adam in the role. He loves the club, and has been building on his experience since he finished his playing career at Dens. He'd also attract players to the club.

Jim: Dundee need an experienced manager, not a roookie! Brown seems a good candidate for the job.

Adam: Temuri Ketsbaia has managed at a decent level and would unite the fans but I can't see our board going for it. Maloney or Adam would divide the fanbase massively. Neither seem like an upgrade on Docherty. Thinking we've made a mistake bulleting Doc!

Flynn: Personally those names do not excite me that much. I would be looking for Brown as he has got lots of experience from playing in the league and he has done well at Ayr with the resources he has been given.

Gary: I think we need someone who'll use the players we've got in the right style of sensible attacking football. There's always names bandied about but after initially being unenthused by Maloney I'm slowly warming to it. I'm sure he's reflected on what he could've done better at Wigan and a pre-season behind him might have a better outcome than he got at Hibs. Ketsbaia might be an outfield shout, he'd have a different style and would want to play attractive football, but even somebody like Brown might be worth a punt, at least he'd give them the fight they need.

Marc: I'd give it to Andy Woodman from Bromley. We have to try something different and going for another journeyman Scottish football manager will get us nowhere. And if he's successful he will get a bigger job back in England.

Former Wigan Athletic head coach Shaun Maloney is a leading contender to be Dundee manager, former captain Charlie Adam is likely to be considered, fellow Dark Blues midfielder Temuri Ketsbaia has expressed an interest, while Ayr United's Scott Brown and Bromley's Andy Woodman are contenders. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.