Dundee

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"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."

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Steven 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."

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The 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."

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Steven 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.

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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."

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Midfielder 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."

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We 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.

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After 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?

Give us your thoughts on Hale here.

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.

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The 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?

Send us your thoughts

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Midfielder 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.

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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.

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.

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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

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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."

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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.

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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."