Dundee to face Livingston and Brechin in pre-seasonpublished at 14:09 BST 3 June
14:09 BST 3 June
Image source, SNS
Dundee have confirmed pre-season friendlies against Livingston and Brechin City.
Steven Pressley's side visit Livingston - who were relegated from the Premiership last season - on Saturday 27 June before hosting Highland League Brechin on Wednesday 8 July.
Dundee kick off the new campaign on 11 July at home to Airdrieonians in the Premier Sports Cup group stage.
McCracken exit a big blow - how will Dundee respond?published at 13:08 BST 3 June
13:08 BST 3 June
Tyrone Smith BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
It looks like being another fairly busy summer of recruitment for Dundee.
A new goalkeeper is set to be high on their shopping list after the departure of Jon McCracken, a near ever-present.
His exit is a big blow for Dundee. Yes, McCracken had his wobbly moments but generally he was an assured custodian for Steven Pressley's side - and replacing him will be far from easy.
Kieran O'Hara, 30, stepped in for McCracken, who was injured, in the final few games of the season and performed well enough.
But Dundee could do with bringing in another experienced keeper to give them proper strength and depth in that department.
They just need to look across the road at neighbours Dundee United, who were blighted by goalkeeping issues throughout the campaign.
Dundee do of course have Harry Sharp on their books. The 25-year-old spent the bulk of last season in League with Montrose and hasn't played a top-flight game in two-and-a-half years.
Under contract until the end of next season, perhaps it could be now or never for a crack at a regular Dundee spot.
McCracken among players released by Dundeepublished at 13:52 BST 1 June
13:52 BST 1 June
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Jon McCracken was absent for Dundee's end-of-season fixtures
Goalkeepers Jon McCracken and Trevor Carson are among four players being released by Dundee, who are in talks with defender Clark Robertson about an extended stay.
McCracken, 26, Northern Ireland international Carson, 38, and defenders Ethan Ingram, 23, and Lewis Montsma, 28, are all leaving at the end of their contracts at Dens Park.
Carson had finished the season on loan at Ross County, while Kieran O'Hara tended goal for Dundee in their final three fixtures of the season as McCracken missed out injured.
Loan players Cameron Congreve, Joel Cotterill, Yan Dhanda, Aldahir Valenzuela, Scott Wright and Tony Yogane are returning to their parent clubs, with Dhanda having been loaned by Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts.
The experienced Robertson, 32, has been with Dundee for two years, making 41 appearances so far.
"We would like to give huge thanks to each of the departing players, for their professionalism, attitudes, efforts, and for the lasting memories they each helped create in Dark Blue," Dundee said.
Dundee summer transfers to be team effort - gossippublished at 08:20 BST 1 June
08:20 BST 1 June
Technical manager David Longwell explains that it will be a team effort again by the Dundee backroom staff this summer in the transfer market. (The Courier), external
'Robertson has other options amid Dundee offer' - gossippublished at 08:36 BST 29 May
08:36 BST 29 May
Clark Robertson has offers on the table from the Middle-east and India as Dundee try to persuade the 32-year-old defender to accept a new one-year contract. (Daily Record), external
Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is looking to sign six or seven players during the summer transfer window, depending on negotiations with those out of contract. (The Courier), external
Dundee in no rush to sell in-demand Graham - gossippublished at 08:11 BST 28 May
08:11 BST 28 May
Dundee are in no rush to sell centre-half Luke Graham, insists head coach Steven Pressley, with reports suggesting 43 clubs, including Rangers, are interested in the 22-year-old. (The Courier), external
Dundee have offered 32-year-old defender Clark Robertson a new contract. (The Courier), external
Could Robertson be Dundee's next midfield maestro?published at 11:16 BST 27 May
11:16 BST 27 May
Tyrone Smith BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Over the last few years, Dundee have been blessed with mercurial midfield talent.
Former Dark Blues stars Luke McCowan, now at Celtic, and Lyall Cameron, now at Rangers, fall in to that category. Replacing that kind of quality, the kind that can unlock any defence , can be very difficult.
In the season just gone, Steven Pressley's side have fared reasonably well in the midfield engine room. Ethan Hamilton, who arrived from Lincoln City last summer, has proved a particularly shrewd addition.
It feels like a big campaign coming up for Finlay Robertson who is entering the final year of his contract. The former Scotland under-21 cap was widely tipped to step into the boots of McCowan and Cameron, however over the last two seasons he has struggled to establish himself in the Dundee team.
This term he only started 13 of their 38 Scottish Premiership games. At 23-years-old, Robertson, who is a product of the Dundee academy, does have time on his side, and in fairness the two Ls, Luke and Lyall, are very tough acts to follow.
But there is no doubt the Dundonian has buckets of talent – the challenge for him, and Pressley, is finding a way of unlocking it on a more regular basis going forward.
Dundee defender Graham has interest from 43 clubs - gossippublished at 08:26 BST 27 May
08:26 BST 27 May
Image source, SNS
Dundee centre-half Luke Graham wants to test himself in the Championship this summer, with Portsmouth, Derby County, Norwich City, Stoke City, Lincoln City, Charlton Athletic and Preston North End among 43 clubs interested in the 22-year-old along with Rangers, Lech Poznan, Jagiellonia Bialystok, Schalke, Valencia, Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg and Famalicao. (Portsmouth News), external
Significant accomplishment lays the foundationspublished at 12:06 BST 26 May
12:06 BST 26 May
Ethan Hampton Fan writer
In August, it was clear the priority for Dundee was simply to retain our Premiership status following a rebuild of the football department and a turgid, stuttering start to the season.
Dundee were widely tipped for relegation, so the comfortable eighth-place finish should not be understated.
While far from a glamorous achievement, the context surrounding this season makes it a significant accomplishment, and Steven Pressley can hold his head high after a job well done.
Loan signings Tony Yogane and Cameron Congreve have been a joy to watch and both look destined for strong careers at a higher level.
The same can be said of Luke Graham, who is expected to depart this summer. It has been a pleasure watching these young players move closer towards fulfilling their immense potential.
Those who remain in dark blue next season will return as better players and a stronger collective, armed with another year of Premiership experience.
Ethan Hamilton's player of the year award was thoroughly deserved and I look forward to seeing him - alongside many others - continue to take to the field at Dens Park and drive this side forward.
The foundations are set, not just with the players, but the club and fanbase as a whole. I'm already excited for next season.
'Rangers told to outbid Portsmouth for Graham' - gossippublished at 09:05 BST 25 May
09:05 BST 25 May
Rangers have been told they must outbid Portsmouth, who had an offer rejected in January, if they wish to complete a deal to sign 22-year-old centre-half Luke Graham from Dundee this summer. (Football Insider), external
Are Dundee preparing for life after Graham?published at 12:35 BST 21 May
12:35 BST 21 May
Tyrone Smith BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNS
In all probability life after Luke Graham is almost reality for the Dundee fans.
After months and months of intense speculation over the sought after central defender's future, it looks likely that the 22-year-old will depart Dens Park over the summer.
It is not all doom and gloom for the Dark Blues, who will be substantially remunerated should one of Graham's potential suitors make their move and meet their asking price.
How they reinvest that money could be key in determining how they get on next season.
Head coach Steven Pressley can rightly take a feeling of satisfaction in to the close season having steered his team to an eighth place Premiership finish – they were 10th the campaign before.
A rock at the back, Graham has been an integral part of the team's development.
How they replace him, if he goes, looks like a huge decision.
Since Pressley's arrival last summer, he has proved to be a shrewd operator in the transfer market having made a number of clever and effective signings, and he may need to be again – Graham will be big boots to fill.
But perhaps the answers are already in the building at Dens Park – they certainly do have a few young centre halves on their books who possibly could fill the space.
Twenty-four-year-old Ryan Astley – who recently signed a new deal - has already established himself in the starting line-up.
Billy Koumetio, 23, and Aaron Donnelly, 22, are both players Pressley will be hoping could also step in and do a solid job in the heart of the Dundee defence.
Whether the solution is on their doorstep, or whether it lies elsewhere – it will be intriguing to see what life after Luke Graham looks like.
Graham unsure if he's played last Dundee game - gossippublished at 08:36 BST 21 May
08:36 BST 21 May
Luke Graham, the 22-year-old centre-half for whom Dundee rejected a £1.5m January bid from Portsmouth, says he does not know yet if he has made his last appearance for the Scottish Premiership club. (The Courier), external
Dundee centre-half Luke Graham, who is being looked at by Rangers and is reportedly interesting English clubs, says constant speculation about his future has been "non-stop" and tiring. (Glasgow Times), external
Graham included in Scotland pre-camp training squadpublished at 12:59 BST 20 May
12:59 BST 20 May
Image source, SNS
Dundee defender Luke Graham has been included in Scotland's World Cup pre-camp training squad.
The 22-year-old has featured for Scotland Under-21s but is yet to make his senior international debut.
Graham, who missed out on a place in Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for the finals, will train with Scotland before the squad depart for the United States.
Clarke's side host Curacao in a farewell friendly at Hampden on 30 May then head to the US where they will play Bolivia in their final pre-World Cup friendly.
Graham has had an impressive domestic season with Steven Pressley's side. The centre-back has made 40 appearances and scored three goals as Dundee finished eighth.
Graham's form has led to links with a number of clubs, including Rangers, over a move away from Dens Park this summer.
Motherwell and Killie dominate TOTWpublished at 17:44 BST 18 May
17:44 BST 18 May
Jonathan Sutherland Sportscene presenter
Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian
On the losing side, but made five saves.
Tom Sparrow - Motherwell
A midfielder by trade, Sparrow has never let Motherwell down at right back.
Stephen Welsh - Motherwell
On loan from Celtic, Welsh has been a real leader at Fir Park. Played with heart, soul and real quality. Had an effort ruled out for a foul.
Ryan Astley - Dundee
Scored the winning goal to send the Dundee faithful home happy.
Tuur Rommens - Rangers
Won all his duels against Falkirk and looks a good signing by Danny Rohl.
Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock
Surely has to be in the World Cup squad. Made the previous squad, and since then his form has been electric.
Callum McGregor - Celtic
Much has been made - rightly so - of the impact made by the return of Martin O'Neill in steering Celtic to another title. But in his own way, the captain at the centre of this team has quietly done the steering on the pitch. Since the Dundee United game there has been much more of a steely resolve and intensity when required from Celtic, and McGregor has embodied that mission in the post-split games. His teammates voiced their praise for his leadership on and off the pitch throughout what's been a tumultuous campaign that saw Brendan Rodgers and then Wilfried Nancy depart. Throughout it all McGregor has been the constant. The emotion poured out of him at the end said it all.
Lukas Fadinger - Motherwell
A steely presence all season for Motherwell. His deflected goal was the difference against Hibs.
Nicky Clescenco - Kilmarnock
Took his goal well. Looked lively and creative in the rout of Livingston.
Joe Hugill - Kilmarnock
Two goals against Livingston upped his tally to eight in his past 12 games for Kilmarnock. Has thrived under Neil McCann.
Youssef Chermiti- Rangers
Looked like an absolute world-beater against Falkirk. His goals were superb. Has had his critics, but 15 Premiership goals is a respectable tally. His challenge next season will be to up that tally, and be more consistent.
'A platform to build on' - Wrightpublished at 13:42 BST 18 May
13:42 BST 18 May
Tyrone Smith BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNS
Dundee midfielder Drey Wright believes their eighth place Premiership finish can be a strong platform for them to launch a top six push next term.
The Dark Blues – who were 10th last season – leapfrogged Aberdeen in the table with a 3-2 home win over the Dons on Sunday.
Speaking at the end of a "rollercoaster" campaign , Wright said: "Throughout the whole season we have come on so much in a lot of different aspects, in and out of possession.
"It has not been easy, it has come down to a lot of hard work, the manager has been clear on that from day one.
"From the outside noise we probably never had any chance of eighth but we always believed. You don't aim to finish eighth in the table but it was the best that we could at the end of the day and we managed to get the job done.
"It is a platform to hopefully build on that next season, I think the majority of clubs in the league are just trying to nick a top six place so that gives us a good platform to go and do that next year."
Wright also hailed the job done by head coach Steven Pressley, who has gone on to win over the doubters among the Dundee support, many of whom were sceptical of his appointment last summer.
"I won't be the only one to say they have really enjoyed working under him this year, his message has always been very clear, whether that is to do with tactics or other things," Wright said
"It has been hard work, a lot of time on the training ground getting it to where he thinks we will be effective in certain areas and I think throughout the season we have developed different ways of playing and defending against teams and you can see that hard work paying off.
"If it wasn't showing on the pitch then there is an issue but I have enjoyed every second of it this year working for him and am looking forward to next year."
'Pressley has changed my mind'published at 10:43 BST 18 May
10:43 BST 18 May
Media caption,
Highlights: Dundee 3-2 Aberdeen
We asked for your thoughts after Dundee finished their Premiership campaign with a 3-2 win over Aberdeen on Sunday.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Niall: Steven Pressley got the team organised after a shaky start to the season 8th place finish is fine - need to strengthen the squad and push on next season.
Martin: It's was all doom and gloom after the first game of the season, most will agree. Credit to Pressley, he had a plan which he knew would take time, knowing it and he would be unpopular with a lot of supporters. He gradually turned things round and is finally receiving the recognition he deserves. The team have always played for him and that is something money can't buy. Yes we want to finish higher up the league but you can't do that without firstly laying foundations and squad longevity, which Pressley is doing. I like him and trust him to make good decisions for the club, players and supporters. Well done everybody, keep it going.
Jefcal: Well done everyone. Do not think we deserved to be behind at half time but put on a good second half. Last half hour we were good. The wind helped. Interesting to see how we line up next season.
Jim: I was one of the Pressley doubters when he got the job. He has changed my mind over the course of the season. At times we have played some great football and should have had a few more points to show for it. We've had some great results that we've waited a long time for. We have also shown we have the fight to get back into games like today. I'm looking forward to next season with more optimism than I have in a long time.
Dundee 3-2 Aberdeen: Have your saypublished at 16:49 BST 17 May
16:49 BST 17 May
Ryan Astley crashed in a 90th-minute winner for Dundee against Aberdeen to take them above their visitors to an eighth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
What did you make of Dundee's performance and season as a whole?