Dundee

Steven Pressley does not regret taking on the Dundee manager's job. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland

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Under-pressure Dundee boss Steven Pressley is well aware of the demand from supporters for results as he prepares for a "pivotal" home match against St Mirren on Saturday.

Dundee have lost four consecutive league games, and six of the past seven, to occupy second-bottom spot in the Premiership but are within a point of Kilmarnock and ninth-place St Mirren.

"I'm very aware that supporters want to see results. I've been in the industry long enough to know that's what they want," said Pressley.

"The difficulty for a manager or a head coach is that you can never guarantee result, but what we've got to work towards is performance and then you hope the performance will give you the result.

"I could talk all day about performance, improved performance, but really, the supporters want to see those results.

"So, I understand that, that's why for both clubs this weekend it's a very important game.

"I think it's been a challenging period but I've retained a lot of faith in what we're doing.

"I see progress in certain things, we've had to adapt, we've had to go with certain systems and change certain systems and introduce players later.

"So, we get all that but I don't think the supporters want to hear all that at present.

"The important thing is we know this weekend is a pivotal weekend. We know for both clubs it can be the catalyst for real confidence within the group, a real feelgood factor. We have to ensure we're on the right end of the result.

"Ultimately, we need to try and get a performance that gives us a result because the supporters want to see a result."

Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland

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Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Dundee's Premiership game with St Mirren this weekend.

Here are the main points from his press conference:

• With Dundee having lost six of their past seven games, Pressley admits it's been a "challenging period" for his side but he has seen positives in their performances.

• He adds: "I'm also very aware that supporters want to see results, I understand that."

• He feels St Mirren's visit is "pivotal" for both teams given their respective league struggles and confidence within the squads.

• Pressley wants his players to find a "winning edge" to go with their hard work.

• He adds: "If we deliver on the things we've been working towards then hopefully we'll get the result, that's the reality."

• Dundee have a full squad available.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Dundee went to Easter Road with a new approach.

The usual five-at-the-back set-up was scrapped in favour of a flat four, with the clear intention of playing more direct football.

My biggest gripe this season has been our lack of chance creation. At Easter Road, for the first time in what feels like forever, we carved out a handful of genuine opportunities.

Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger produced two sensational saves that prevented us pulling level. On another day, we maybe take something from that match.

While our overall form remains dreadful, that aspect of the performance was encouraging. If we can refine and build on this style, results will come.

A run of games with Yan Dhanda in the '10' role supporting Simon Murray is worth the dice roll. I've been advocating for this and expect it to be a matter of when not if they click.

I also appreciate Steven Pressley's transparency this season. He never gets too high or too low after results and he's consistent in stressing his standards won't be fully met until more time has passed.

Coupled with the point that context matters - Dundee are still building while Hibs are now well established after their own early struggles under David Gray - these are far more meaningful observations than the usual cliches about having "an honest bunch" who are "hurting in there".

However, it's crucial Dundee put wins on the board immediately, because we're in real danger of being cut adrift if we don't soon turn our fortunes around.

That said, we sit just a point below Saturday's opponents St Mirren and Kilmarnock, and we actually have better form than both across the past five league games.

Prior to the defeat against Rangers, we were in decent form at Dens. If we beat Saints we rise at least one place in the table and suddenly the picture doesn't look as grim.

Football is a fickle game but Dundee need points quickly to avoid tumbling into a crisis.

The Sportscene panel analyse Dundee's performance against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Watch all the highlights from Hibernian's 2-0 win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Dundee's 2-0 defeat to Hibs on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

Adam: It's a disgrace that Steven Pressley is framing this as some sort of "improvement". The game was done and Hibs were thinking about their next game before we even had a shot on targe, nevermind gave them something to think about. Pressley needs to go if we are to have a chance of staying up.

Mark: Pressley no doubt gained some valuable experience down at Brentford even in the role he was in but the Scottish Premiership is not the English Premier League. Point in case, we get a free kick in the attacking half in the dying seconds of the first half, perfect time to get that ball in the box but no we try to pass it about and then the ref blows his whistle. That could only be down to Pressley's tactics. He needs to go now.

Grant: This is the worst Dundee team ever to play at this level. Pressley needs to go but so do the people who appointed him.

Ian: Let's be honest what we have on the pitch is absolutely dross. Pressley keeps saying he sees improvement, ask any Dundee fan and they will say different. He must go for the sake of our Premiership future.

Johnny: Pressley is fooling nobody with his comments after the game, we were once again negative with our set up. Another horrendous tactical effort from Pressley.

Darren: I don't blame the manager, he can only work with what he is given. The club is not being run properly and I don't believe Mr. Nelms has the ability to do so. He is the problem not all the managers that come and gone under him. John Nelms out please.

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "You'll see from the team I selected we didn't come here to sit in. We came to be aggressive in our play and I think we were that.

"No-one likes losing games, but within the loss I see progression and that's important for me.

"Their goalkeeper made a couple of incredible saves. It was difficult to see [if we should have had a penalty]. "

A fourth defeat in a row for Dundee.

There were signs of life late on at Easter Road, although the first-half showing was very passive.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Dundee have not bid for Bohemians midfielder James Clarke, 24, despite reports to the contrary. (The Courier - subscription required), external

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Hibs midfielder Joe Newell and Alasana Manneh both played 60 minutes in a bounce game as they close in on a return to action.

Dylan Levitt could be available but Josh Campbell, Miguel Chaiwa and Rudi Molotnikov are out.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley expects to have a full squad available, with Clark Robertson and Fin Robertson both fit again after missing the defeat by Rangers.

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Steven Pressley is urging Dundee to end a 24-year wait for a victory at Easter Road on Saturday.

The last time Dundee beat Hibs in Edinburgh was a 2-1 victory in October 2001 and they head into this weekend's clash in second-bottom spot with just two wins from 12 Premiership matches having lost their past three in a row.

Pressley's side overcame Celtic at Dens Park for the first time in 37 years last month and the boss is hopeful of a similar achievement this weekend.

"I think the team hasn't won there in over 20 years so that's the task," the Dundee boss said.

"We've had some good results in that time, I think we drew there last year. But Hibs have been going about their business quite quietly and effectively.

"Of course, across the city, that's getting everybody's attention, but Hibs are a good side. They went to St Mirren in their last game, won 3-0, I think that that shows you the level of quality that they have.

"They're a strong side, a very athletic side. They've been building this team for a number of years and it's progressing well. So it's a really, really difficult game for ourselves.

"But it's a game we should really look forward to. It's a brilliant arena to play on Easter Road, a great stadium, great pitch. It should be really exciting for our players.

"We have to go there and, first and foremost, make sure we put on the right type of performance."

Pressley is backing goalkeeper Jon McCracken for a potential Scotland call-up for next year's World Cup.

McCracken was not part of the squad that ended Scotland's 28-year World Cup absence with victory over Denmark on Tuesday, but has previously been called up by Steve Clarke.

"If he has a full good season of football then there's no reason why he wouldn't be a consideration next summer," Pressley said.

"But there's still a long way to go on that and Jon's still to prove that he can show that consistency. I thought he was excellent against Rangers so he's making strides in the right direction.

"But hopefully, at the end of the season, if he still keeps improving, then maybe he'll see some form of reward."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to travel to Hibs on Saturday.

Here are the main points:

• Former Scotland assistant Pressley hails the "amazing" national team who qualified for a first World Cup in 28 years but feels, while the achievement is incredible, it may be "papering over the cracks" of the Scottish football set-up.

• Pressley stresses his players have been working "exceptionally hard" to "make things better" after three successive defeats before the break.

• Despite poor results, the 52-year-old insists he is "very fortunate" with "the personality and character of this group".

• The Dundee boss says he hasn't "got everything right" as manager but is still "learning on the job".

• Pressley says the task on Saturday is to win at Easter Road for the first time in over 20 years against a Hibs side who have "been going about their business quietly and effectively".

• The Dundee manager believes if goalkeeper Jon McCracken can have "a full good season of football" there is "no reason he wouldn't be a consideration" for Scotland's World Cup squad next summer.

• Team news: Clark Robertson was back in training for the first time on Friday while Fin Robertson has returned to full training.

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• Hibs are unbeaten in 16 top-flight home matches against Dundee (W9 L7) since a 2-1 defeat in October 2001 under Alex McLeish.

• Dundee have lost their past two Scottish Premiership games against Hibs, last losing three in a row in September 2018.

• Hibs' 1-0 defeat to Rangers in their last home match ended a 16-match unbeaten run at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership. The Leith side could lose back-to-back matches at home in the competition for the first time since May 2024.

• Dundee have lost four consecutive away league matches, the longest ongoing run of consecutive defeats of any Premiership side, while they could lose five on the bounce on the road in the top flight for the first time since January 2022 – a run that included a 1-0 defeat to Hibs.

• Dundee have faced the most shots (182) and shots on target (72) in the Scottish Premiership this season, while only Livingston (23) have conceded more goals than the Dark Blues (22).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

In the not too distant past Dundee fans were treated to the talents of Luke McCowan, Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan.

All three possessed the priceless ability of being able to unlock any defence.

To lose one such player is disappointing – but to lose all three in the space of a year is a real blow.

And how second-bottom Dundee could do with some, if not all, of those players now amid a hugely disappointing start to the season.

While it is inevitable good players will eventually move on, how you replace them is key. But finding comparable quality replacements is far from easy and the voids have been inadequately filled at Dens Park.

That lack of creative spark is illustrated by Dundee mustering just nine goals in their opening 12 league games, the third lowest strike rate in the division.

They have also attempted just 29 shots on target – comfortably bottom of the pile on that front.

Worryingly for Dundee they have been leaky at the back too, shipping 22 league goals. Only bottom club Livingston (23) have conceded more.

You can argue there is no point dwelling on the past, but would things be different if Dundee were able to call on the services of Mulligan, McCowan or Cameron?

The bigger picture is a lot of key players left the club at the end of last season. Ensuring that doesn't happen again is something the hierarchy have to look at.

However, in the here and now Steven Pressley needs to find a way of getting the players he does have at his disposal in his new-look squad to deliver results.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

The fact Hibs have only won a single home game this season would normally inspire optimism - but Dundee have a habit of giving teams a lift in exactly these situations.

Now that we've faced every side in the league we should be a stronger, more informed team.

We know how others are trying to shape up - and crucially, they have a clearer picture of us as well. It's those perceptions we need to warp, starting this weekend.

Dundee have lost more matches (seven) than any other team in the league and while our defensive structure has improved since last season, we're still not difficult to beat.

Individually, though, there were positives in the last game despite the 3-0 loss to Rangers. Billy Koumetio and Luke Graham both gave a strong account of themselves and it may be worth persisting with that partnership at centre-back. What they lack in experience, they compensate for with composure and ability.

As a former centre-half, Steven Pressley should know how to mature this partnership into something formidable. They could be the key for patching up our defensive woes.

Dundee head coach Steven Pressley says his club are focusing on improving their recruitment skills before the January transfer window amid a "flawed" transfer system that meant it took nearly five months to agree a compensation fee for midfielder Josh Mulligan's move to Hibernian - and are seeking a new head of recruitment. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked what one thing you would change at Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: The manager/head coach, or whatever his role is. For someone with "35 years" in football (I think he said?), what was he doing? It wasn't learning tactics or adaptability it seems!

Eric: Change the manager.

Michael: Steven Pressley has to go, but that's only the start. Gordon Strachan has been a waste of money and I no longer have faith that the owners and the board are actually working in the club's best interests.

Boab: My one change? The manager. Elvis needs to leave the building.

Donald: John Nelms to remove himself from running the football side of things and concentrate on Dark Blue Property Holdings, the new stadium and training ground and appoint an experienced chief executive to run the football club, re-engage with fans, sort out season-ticket pricing and the football dept as a whole. Not too much to ask!

Mark: Ditch the move to a new ground. Will end up being a waste of time and money.

Ronnie: Simple. The manager.

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Dundee should have had a penalty when midfielder Ethan Hamilton was challenged by Kyrell Wilson in last month's 2-1 defeat by Falkirk, according to Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum.

He suggested on The VAR Review show that a broken shin pad and blood on the Falkirk player's leg had misled the referee and VAR team.

"No question for us - this should have resulted in an on-field review," Collum said. "The referee is good at communicating - we need to get the full picture.

"But they are too forensic to justify why it is a defensive free-kick and not a penalty. There is maybe some contact of the Dundee player's studs on the Falkirk player slightly, but that's caused by the defender kicking into the Dundee player.

"The attacking player leads with his studs, but there is nobody in front of him at that point. The Dundee player commits no offence. He is not reckless and he is then kicked."

It's been a bumpy ride so far for Dundee under Steven Pressley.

A group-stage League Cup exit has been followed by a trying Premiership start, with the Dark Blues currently a point off the bottom.

Despite the sensational victory over Celtic last month, Pressley's men have only won one other game and are staring at another fight to retain their top-flight status.

The international break provides the chance to pause for breath and reflect after a frenetic few months at Dens Park.

So, if you could change one thing about Dundee's season so far, what would it be?

Tell us here.

Dundee manager Steven Pressley would be happy to see goalkeeper Jon McCracken called up by Scotland but is pleased to have the 25-year-old's sole focus on Dens Park matters for now. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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Cameron Congreve has urged fans to keep the faith as struggling Dundee attempt to spark a revival.

The Dark Blues have lost three on the bounce - and five of the past six - to occupy the relegation play-off spot.

"It's still really early doors but definitely stick with us," was Congreve's message to fans.

"We've shown what we can do by beating Celtic and drawing away to Rangers. Stick with us, we're going to turn it around."

The 2-0 home victory over Celtic last month could have marked a turning point in Dundee's season. Instead, they have lost the subsequent three games, most recently going down 3-0 at home to Rangers.

Congreve, who has been a rare bright spot in Steven Pressley's side, with a league-high five assists since joining on loan from Swansea City, cited a weakness after Dundee conceded three goals from corners in the past two outings.

"I think we've had a tough block of games, we've played some really good teams as well. We're working on things, we're keeping at it, we're working really hard on the training pitch," he added to BBC Scotland.

"Set-pieces are a massive part of the game, we've been so strong with them all season and then we've let ourselves down with them in the last two games.

"We do a lot of work on them as well so we'll eliminate that and put ourselves right in the mix."

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Hibs and Dundee have agreed an undisclosed compensation package for Josh Mulligan following the midfielder's summer move to Easter Road.

The settlement removes the need for an independent SPFL tribunal to determine the fee for the Dark Blues academy graduate.

Mulligan, 23, signed a four-year deal with Hibs and has become a key player, earning a first Scotland call-up for last month's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said: "Josh is an exciting young Scottish talent and we have been pleased with his development since his arrival this summer. We look forward to seeing continued progression in his game.

"We would also like to thank Dundee for the amicable negotiations and agreed outcome."

Dundee said both sides are "satisfied with the outcome" and added: "Both clubs have worked constructively to reach a settlement that reflects the considerable investment – in time and in coach development – that Dundee has made to help Josh establish himself in the Scottish Premiership."