Dundee

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

For some, the real derby of the weekend is at Dens Park. It needs no introduction.

If Sunday's edition is anything like the last Dundee derby - when the Dark Blues won at Tannadice in March for the first time since 2004 - we are in for a treat.

Then guided by Tony Docherty, Dundee stunned their neighbours with an astounding first-half performance that had them three goals to the good.

How new head coach Steven Pressley would love for that to be replicated at Dens this weekend.

Despite an atrocious start, former United defender Pressley appears to have steadied the ship with back-to-back draws at Ibrox and Rugby Park.

A first home win for Pressley, particularly one against their neighbours, would provide "an enormous lift" and be something of a statement, given many predicted he would be given his jotters by now.

But, perhaps more importantly of all, it would provide bragging rights down Tannadice Street, with the Dark Blues eyeing three successive wins against Jim Goodwin's new-look side.

Some might say this is the real baptism of fire for many of Goodwin's summer recruits.

How many have walked up the road for a game before?

Tangerine fans will be hoping striker Zac Sapsford is one of those making the jaunt up the hill.

The Australian sustained an ankle injury as United exited the Conference League against Rapid Vienna and, despite being set for up to four weeks out, Goodwin said the club are "giving him every chance" to make the derby.

Given the raft of changes in both ranks, the early-season encounter and the search for both sides' first win of the league season, a belter is surely on its way.

Read more: Weekend's Scottish Premiership picks

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Dundee add new signing Ethan Hamilton to their squad after the midfielder's arrival from Lincoln earlier this week.

Paul Digby remains out with a calf injury and Charlie Reilly is back training after a broken collarbone but is not ready.

United's 14th summer signing, Nikolaj Moller who joined from St Gallen, goes into Jim Goodwin's squad.

They remain without Ryan Strain, Isaac Pappoe (both knee), Kristijan Trapanovski, Ross Graham, Max Watters (all hamstring) and Zac Sapsford (ankle).

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Steven Pressley is both "excited" and "apprehensive" before his first derby as Dundee head coach.

His side have drawn two and lost one of their opening three Premiership games of the season, but could kickstart their season against their city rivals on Sunday.

Pressley has experience in the fixture, having played for United in the late 1990s, and knows how uplifting a victory would be.

"It's obviously a great game, a great spectacle, and it's proved to be that in recent times," he said. "Excited by it, apprehensive, as you can imagine.

"At any stage of the season, [winning the derby] is a great result, we know how important it is to the city of Dundee and to our supporters.

"We've got some stability in the last couple of games with two positive results. We want to continue to build on that and winning a derby gives your supporters and your club an enormous lift. So we're well aware of the importance of the game."

Despite a rocky start to the campaign, Pressley can sense positivity building after successive draws against Rangers and Kilmarnock.

"I really enjoyed the work this week, I've really enjoyed working with the players," he said. "There's a quiet confidence around us. There's a growing confidence.

"I say it time and time again, I'm very fortunate to work with this group of players. They're a group that all want to improve, all want to better themselves and it's a real credit to them."

It has been nine years since Dundee last won against United at Dens Park, a run that Pressley would like to bring to a halt this weekend.

"Dundee have performed well in recent derby games," he said. "They've won the last two, but a really interesting stat is that in the league, we've not won Dens Park since 2016, which is quite incredible.

"It's a statistic we'd like to put right, but it's going to take a big performance in order to do that."

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Head coach Steven Pressley has suggested Dundee are interested in signing former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack.

Reports have linked the Dens Park club with a move for the Scotland international, who is currently at Turkish second-tier side Esenler Erokspor.

The 33-year-old has played 28 times since making the switch to Turkey last September after spending seven years at Rangers.

When asked about the reported interest in the ex-Aberdeen midfielder, Pressley said: "He is a player we've certainly spoken about within the club. I can't say much more on that."

On the potential of further summer signings, the Dundee boss added: "It's very dependent on a number of things.

"I want to find that sweet spot where we have enough players but not too many. We're not far away from that."

Dundee this week signed Edinburgh-born midfielder Ethan Hamilton from Lincoln City and Pressley said: "He is a player that we've pursued for some time.

"He's a player that's been down south from Scotland all his career, but he's really excited about returning north of the border and we were really excited to have him on board.

"He's a great size. He's 6ft 2in, he's athletic, he's got a little bit of an edge and he's a really great professional."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Sunday's derby with Dundee United.

Here are the key lines:

• On reported interest in former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, Pressley says he is "a player we've certainly spoken about within the club".

• The Dundee boss says his squad are "excited" and "apprehensive" about Sunday's derby at Dens Park, which will be his first in charge.

• Pressley anticipates a "great game" and "great spectacle", adding: "There's a real sense within group that they are excited about it".

• The head coach knows "how important it is to the city of Dundee and our supporters" and is aiming to "continue to build" on back-to-back draws at Rangers and Kilmarnock.

• Winning the derby would "give everyone an enormous lift," he adds.

• Pressley says there is "growing confidence" within his squad and promises "a really honest performance" from his players this weekend.

• On the potential of further summer signings: "Very dependent on a number of things. I want to find that sweet spot where we have enough players but not too many. We're not far away from that."

• Team news: Paul Digby is still missing and Charlie Reilly is "not quite there yet".

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• After their 4-2 victory in March, Dundee could win back-to-back derbies against United in the top flight for the first time since November 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• There have been 17 goals in the past four Scottish Premiership meetings between Dundee (nine goals) and United (eight goals), an average of 4.3 per game.

• Dundee have only won one of their past 12 home league games (D4 L7), a 2-0 victory over St Mirren in April.

• Dundee United have won just one of their past seven league matches (D1 L5), beating Aberdeen 2-1 on the final day of last term.

• Dundee have both had the fewest shots (15) and faced the most shots (47) of any side in the Scottish Premiership this season so far.

Dundee have held talks with Scotland international Ryan Jack over a return to the Scottish Premiership. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee's biggest flaw last season was a weakness at the back.

Their effectiveness in the attacking third was neutralised by a fragility in defence, a porousness which ultimately cost Tony Docherty his job as manager.

Solving that brittleness will be key to Dundee avoiding a dogfight at the wrong end of the table this time round.

You would think Docherty's successor, Steven Pressley, has the credentials to do just that, having served various clubs and his country with distinction in defence.

And there are signs he may be finding a way to tighten things up. Dundee were unfortunate to concede a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Rangers, which was followed by a goalless stalemate at Kilmarnock.

The backline will need to stand firm on Sunday as Pressley's men host neighbours United in the season's first Dundee derby.

There will still be sections of the Dens Park faithful who remain sceptical following Pressley's surprise appointment.

But a victory over their big rivals would go a long way towards to getting remaining doubters onside.

Dundee's threat in attack will increase in games to come as the new signings get to know each other, insists manager Steven Pressley. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Last season we had to wait until the middle of October for our first league clean sheet. We have now reached that feat after three games.

Dundee looked tough to beat in the stalemate against unbeaten Kilmarnock - at a stadium every team dreads visiting - and I can't remember the last time we could say that as a Premiership side.

Looking defensively astute cannot be taken for granted; our lack of defensive prowess was our Achilles heel last season.

Hopefully that backline momentum holds us in good stead for Sunday's Dundee derby. It's a special match, the first one you look out for when the fixtures are announced.

Dundee have a good record in the derby in recent years, yet a win on Sunday would be the first Premiership derby victory at Dens Park since 2016, when we famously relegated our neighbourhood rivals down to the Championship.

In the build-up, I feel like I'd rather be in our shoes than theirs.

Simon Murray has scored in the past three Dundee derbies - he steps up for these games. Alongside Yan Dhanda and Joe Westley, I feel Dundee carry a strong goal threat with players who fancy themselves as matchwinners. Sometimes these players are the difference.

We look strong at set-pieces while United appear vulnerable in that department, conceding four goals from dead balls across their past three games.

While things read well on paper, all that counts is the practice on grass.

What we've seen so far from our league action is encouraging, and a victory in the derby would be the perfect result to carry into the international break.

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Dundee's newest signing Ethan Hamilton "couldn't wait" to complete his move to Dens Park as soon as he knew the club were interested.

Steven Pressley's side have signed the 26-year-old midfielder on a three-year deal from Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee.

The Scot has spent all his professional career down south since signing for Manchester United's academy at age 15, and played for them up to Under-21 level.

He has also had spells at English sides including Peterborough, Accrington and Bolton.

"I'm delighted to be at the club," said Hamilton.

"When I first heard of the interest, it was something I was really interested in and something that I wanted to take on.

"I spoke to the manager and couldn't wait to get it done."

Hamilton moves to Dens Park after a two-year spell with Lincholn, scoring three times in 82 appaerances.

"I'm a high-energy player who will always give my all for the team, and I'll hopefully chip in with some goals as well," he added.

Watch Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith analyse Steven Pressley's tenure at Dundee so far.

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock draw 0-0 against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Dundee's 0-0 draw against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Ross: Improving game by game. Not exciting football but at least defensively we look better. Small gains.

Stephen: Good point and defence and keeper had a fine game, clean sheets mean points so keep it up.

Gary: Dundee came away from a notoriously difficult venue with a decent point, no reported injuries and a clean sheet, that's about all the positives that can be taken from that game. Steven Pressley's team seem to be building resilience and a unity for the games to come.

George: Very pleasing to get a point at Kilmarnock. We seem to be sorting the defence out. All we need now is some goals going in. The team seem to be in better shape.

Iain: We might be more resolute at the back, but our attacking stats are a massive worry. Worst attempts on goal in the league so far. We really lack creative threat. Still early days. Three or four signings needed.

Brian: Not enough fire power from Dundee, all the hard work at Ibrox followed with an inept performance against not a great Kilmarnock side. Three at the back terrifies me and the goalkeeper's kicking is awful, out of play more times than in. A point is a point, but better play needed.

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Kilmarnock remain unbeaten under new manager Stuart Kettlewell as they played out a goalless Scottish Premiership draw against a much more resolute-looking Dundee.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "It's a good point. We've had a really difficult start to the season, and the games on paper are hard games. The encouraging aspect for us is in all three, we've seen growth in certain areas.

"It was important to come here and get a clean sheet, do the basics of the game well. The one thing you need in a squad is spirit and determination, and I saw that in all our players today. That was really encouraging.

"They showed resilience in abundance. We know we need to improve offensively and with the ball, and I think that will come with work on the training ground and belief. Results like today give you that belief.

"There's a lot of hard work ahead of us. We've shown some green shoots, and a spirit and determination I'm really proud of. In terms of where we want to get to, we're still a million miles away.

"We're very close on a couple [more players]. I'm hopeful we can get them in in the coming week."

A Dundee move for Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, 18, is in the balance after an injury to Alistair Johnston. (The Courier - subscription required, external)

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Cameron Congreve is delighted to complete a move to Dundee that was "months" in the making.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has joined on a season-long loan after extending his Swansea City contract to 2028.

Congreve, who has played 19 games for the Swans, spent last season on loan at League Two Bromley, scoring six goals in 47 appearances.

On his Dundee move, Wales Under-21 international Congreve said: "It feels amazing, I'm absolutely delighted to be here and I can't wait to get started.

"It's been going on for quite a few months, and I've known about it for a while. I went back to Swansea for pre-season, and then I was allowed to go out on loan, and then it all happened quite quickly.

"I spoke with the gaffer, assistant and [technical director] Gordon [Strachan], and then I was here a day later.

"The call was really impressive, the amount of detail they went into, in terms of training, games, breaking things down and how they want to play. Every aspect they covered was really impressive and I made up my mind straight away.

"I played quite a lot last year and I just want to continue that, but most importantly, I just want to help the team as much as possible.

"I'm a player who likes to score goals, create goals. I like to excite and just get forward. I try and beat players, combine with my team-mates and just make things happen."

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Djenairo Dabiels (shoulder) and an unnamed player are doubts for Kilmarnock, but they have Tom Lowery back and Kyle Magennis getting close to action. Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

Dundee have lost Paul Digby for five or six weeks to a calf injury but Simon Murray and Cesar Garza return and Charlie Reilly is back training after a broken collarbone. Plamen Galabov is hoping to shake off an illness.

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Mexican midfielder Victor Lopez has left Dundee after the club reached agreement with Queretaro to cut short his loan.

The 22-year-old arrived in January on a year-long deal and made his debut the following month in a 4-0 Scottish Cup victory against Airdrieonians.

But he made just one further appearance, in the 1-0 League Cup group-stage defeat at Alloa in July this season.

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Former Dundee, Hearts and Dunfermline striker Craig Wighton has announced his immediate retirement from professional football at the age of 28.

Wighton joined Montrose earlier this summer after a loan spell from Dunfermline last season, but says he can no longer "cope with the physical demands" on his body.

Capped six times at Under-21 level by Scotland, Wighton won the Championship with both Dundee and Hearts, while he also lifted the League 1 trophy with Dunfermline.

Wighton has struggled with knee problems since an ACL injury in 2017 and told his family, friends and team-mates of the decision yesterday.

"Just want to thank Montrose for the short time I've been here, I've really enjoyed the changing room and appreciate how nice everyone connected to the club has been," Wighton said.

"This is a decision I feel I've had to make as I can't cope with the physical demands on my body any more and I can't perform the way I want to and know that I can.

"I also want to thank the manager for understanding and for how well he took the news when I had the conversation - that meant a lot to me.

"I wish Montrose nothing but the best for the season, I'll be supporting the boys and have no doubt they'll have a successful season as they are a great group of players and guys!"

Dundee are in talks over a loan deal for Swansea City midfielder Cameron Congreve. (The Courier), external