Dundee

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Neil McCann is hoping he'll remain as the last Dundee manager to beat Rangers when the sides meet at Dens Park on Saturday.

McCann, now part of the coaching staff at Ibrox, steered the Dark Blues to a 2-1 victory over Rangers back in 2017 on an emotional and "bittersweet" night for the former winger.

"I hope that'll be the same stat by the end of the game on Saturday night," McCann told Sky Sports.

"It was a funny one because my father had taken really unwell that day and I didn't think I was going to get to the game but my dad gave me the old 'Get to your work' stuff.

"It was bittersweet because he got to see me manage against Rangers, who I spent a great number of years with and he knew how much I loved them, but he knew how much I wanted to beat them as Dundee manager.

"It was brilliant to do that and go back and see him. That was probably the last night I got to spend with him, which is the bittersweet part.

"I hope [the record] it does last longer and I can hopefully play a part in that."

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Tony Docherty "absolutely" expects a different Rangers side this weekend from the one Dundee have faced three times already this season.

Rangers knocked Dundee out of the League Cup in early December, followed by a home win at Ibrox and a draw at Dens Park - all under Philippe Clement - but Docherty says the Ibrox club's style is now much changed since Barry Ferguson took interim charge.

"Yeah, I do, absolutely [expect a different challenge from Rangers]," said the Dark Blues manager.

"I think they've done really well since Barry's been in. As every interim manager would do, they change things.

"They do the opposite of what the previous regime was and they've changed the shape of the team, they've changed the formation of the team, they've changed a wee bit of their training regime.

"They've got a reaction from the players, which is down to Barry getting in there. He's got good experience there as well with [Billy] Dodds and Neil [McCann]. They've gone in and changed things and, yes, there has been a reaction."

Midfielder Josh Mulligan has called for Dundee to replicate the performance they delivered in the derby win over Dundee United as they attempt to rise out of the relegation play-off spot.

"It's obviously more difficult [playing against Rangers and Celtic], there a lot more good players but it's the same mentality going into the game, similar to the last performance, just on the front foot," said Mulligan.

"If we can put it in that similar level then I think we'll get a result."

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before his side's match with Rangers on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Lyall Cameron, who is Rangers bound this summer, is a "slight injury concern" and is "awaiting scan results" before being assessed further.

• On Cameron's absence Docherty says it is "always a blow when your best players are not available" but "players are ready to take the opportunity" if the midfielder is ruled out.

• Docherty thinks his side have had "good games against Rangers" this season and says both sides will be "buoyed" by their respective derby wins before the international break.

• He "absolutely" expects a different Rangers side to the team they faced before Barry Ferguson arrived, adding the former Ibrox skipper has good experience on his coaching staff.

• Docherty is eager to to make Dens Park as intimidating a place for visiting teams as possible.

• Dundee come into the game "feeling good about themselves" after their derby win, with Docherty adding there is a "real buzz and real good feeling" around the squad in the build-up to facing Rangers.

• With experienced players coming back into the side it helps the younger players in the squad, and the Dens boss is now seeing a "consistency in performance" due to that blend.

• He says it is imperative that Dundee, who currently occupy second-bottom spot, "prepare as well as we can to take as many points as we can to improve things" between now and the end of the season.

• Dundee are winless in their past 16 meetings with Rangers across all competitions (D3 L13) since a 2-1 league victory in November 2017 under Neil McCann.

• After winning four successive visits to Dundee in all competitions from 2021 to 2023, Rangers have since drawn both of their past two away games against the Dark Blues (0-0 in April 2024, 1-1 in January 2025).

• Dundee have failed to win any of their past seven home league games (D3 L4), this after winning three in a row beforehand.

• Having only won three of their first 11 away league games of the season (D4 L4), Rangers have won each of their past four matches on the road in the Scottish Premiership.

• Rangers have conceded 2+ goals in four successive league games for the first time since December 2005. They haven't do so in five league matches in a row since April 1986 under Walter Smith – a run that included a 2-1 loss at Dundee.

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Captain Simon Murray says Dundee's derby victory has generated a "real buzz" within the squad as they aim to build on their long-awaited win at Tannadice.

The striker scored a 90th-minute penalty to seal a thrilling 4-2 triumph over rivals Dundee United in their last outing, their first victory in six matches in all competitions.

Murray and his team-mates welcome Rangers on Saturday evening and Barry Ferguson's side will also be buoyant after securing their own derby win at Celtic.

But the Dens Park forward says Dundee can take further confidence from the 1-1 draw against Saturday's opponents in January.

"As much as it's not been the best of seasons for us so far, we've shown in real moments what a team we can be," Murray told Sky Sports.

"So I think it's a great game, going in against Rangers. There's a real buzz about the place and we just need to make sure from now until the game, we're doing everything we can to get ready for it."

Despite the win over neighbours United, Dundee are in the relegation play-off spot, five points ahead of bottom side St Johnstone with eight fixtures remaining.

"Winning that last game really helps," Murray added. "When you're winning games and getting good moments, that brings you closer together as a team.

"So it's just about learning from any disappointments, putting it to one side and kicking on."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?

You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.

In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.

For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.

Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.

It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.

Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Having ended an eight-game winless run and given their survival hopes a huge boost, Dundee will have been desperate to get back on the pitch as soon as possible after their impressive derby victory at Tannadice.

Instead, they have had a fortnight to kick their heels and mull it all over.

With his second-bottom side now five points above St Johnstone (and just one behind 10th-placed Kilmarnock), Tony Docherty will perhaps be breathing a little easier.

But his side still have plenty of work to do – starting with this weekend's visit of Rangers.

Docherty will be hoping the wave of positivity generated from the victory at Tannadice hasn't ebbed away during the enforced lay-off as he looks to harness it when the Ibrox side head to the Dens Park.

And might the break even work to Dundee's advantage? It has given Docherty more time to get some of his injured players back – and he will need as many of them as possible available and firing for a crucial couple of months.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty says Dundee set the standard in their recent 4-2 away win over Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Docherty would have no concerns about fielding Lyall Cameron against Rangers on Saturday evening, with the 22-year-old midfielder moving to Ibrox this summer. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Thanks to the international break, we've had an extra week to milk the derby victory at Tannadice - and it's been great!

The hope is that the derby win serves as a palate cleanser after our poor run of form leading into the game. Despite Rangers being our next opponent, I'm actually looking forward to watching Dundee again. For once, it doesn't feel like a chore.

Rangers have turned up for the big games lately, getting through Fenerbahce in the Europa League and winning at Parkhead, but consistency in the league has been their Achilles' heel this season.

They're good, but not invincible - and our recent home record against them is encouraging.

Some familiar faces will return to Dens Park through Barry Ferguson's coaching staff. Neil McCann - former manager and club legend (Hall of Fame inductee in 2016) - is back on the scene where his playing career started.

Funnily enough, he was also the last Dundee boss to beat Rangers at Dens, back in 2017.

Billy Dodds, however, isn't remembered as fondly.

His decision to vote against the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in 2010, when he was the club's assistant manager - the club was fighting to exit administration - still sticks in the throat of the support.

Back to the derby victory, which will mean very little if we don't kick on. We're closer to Kilmarnock, Ross County and St Mirren above us than we are to St Johnstone at the bottom.

The aim has to be automatic safety - no flirting with the play-offs. A win over Rangers would be a massive three points to pull us in that direction.

Dundee boss Tony Docherty expects to see Scott Fraser back in action before the end of the season despite yet another setback in his recovery from groin surgery. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Tuesday's gossip.

Simon Murray has been outstanding for Dundee so far this season, and one stat in particular shows his importance.

He has won four penalties for his side in the Premiership this season - the most of any player in the division. Five players are grouped in second having won two spot-kicks each.

Murray is the second top scorer in the top flight this season with 12 goals, just one off city rival Sam Dalby and Celtic's Daizen Maeda.

Murray has converted three penalties and missed one, against Aberdeen - the only spot-kick he has missed in his entire career.

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We asked who has most impressed you for Dundee this season and who has been the biggest disappointment.

Here's what some of you said:

Max: I think it has to be Oluwaseun Adewumi as the standout player just because Simon Murray was expected to be so good. The letdown has been Antonio Portales - he is nowhere near good enough.

Neal: Ziyad Larkeche would be up there if he hadn't been injured for half the season and Adewumi has made a big difference with his quality. However, it's got to be Murray for player of the season.

Lammy: Larkeche has been a standout player for me, while Murray comes a close second. No real disappointments, just a lot of inconsistency throughout the team - everyone seemed to be play well for a few games then drop off. Let's hope Sunday wasn't another false dawn.

Ben: Player of the season is Murray - we'd be far worse off this season if it weren't for his goals and incredible workrate up top. Flop would be Scott Fraser for me. A good player that could've played a key role for us this season, but he's been injured for large spells.

Scott: Top performer has to be Murray. To have a player who has scored the amount of goals he has, is crucial for a team in a relegation battle. We have a pretty honest bunch of players so I would have have to say the biggest struggle has been the amount of injuries - Joe Shaugnessy, Portales, Trevor Carson, Jordan McGhee and Fraser have been out for extended periods.

George: Mo Sylla has been outstanding. Biggest failure is Ethan Ingram.

Roberto: Top dog status has to be between Sylla and Murray. Both have been consistently effective. Can't really point the finger at any player for outright floppery. Luke Graham wasn't ready for his Tannadice debut back in August but is definitely one for the future. Scott Fraser had a great debut but lasted only 77 minutes in the 1-0 win at Motherwell and has remained injured since.

Dundee midfielder Scott Tiffoney, who has been offered a contract extension, has insisted the club's bid to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership is more important than his own future. (Daily Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

With just eight Premiership games left, we're down to the business end of the season.

Player reputations have been enhanced - or sullied - with their performances throughout the campaign.

As thoughts begin to turn to end-of-term awards, we want to know your Dundee player of the season so far - and the biggest flop.

Share your views

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

If Dundee are to stay in the Premiership this year, they may well have Simon Murray to thank.

In fact, you can make a strong case that Murray has been one of the most important players in the top division over the past couple of years.

At 33, the Dundonian – like a fine wine – has just been getting better with age.

He has long been known as an enthusiastic, high-energy pest of a striker - I mean that as a compliment - but in recent seasons he has been able to add 'goal machine' to his CV.

The season before last he netted 21 times for Queen's Park and Ross County.

And his goals last term (23 in all competitions and 14 in the league) were the decisive factor in preserving Ross County's Premiership status.

The good news for Dundee is he appears to be on course to eclipse that goals total in this campaign.

Murray has scored 18 times so far across all competitions. Twelve of them have come in the league - making him the Premiership's third top scorer, a fine achievement when you consider the team has been struggling.

Every team wants a striker that can deliver those sort of numbers.

And that is what could make the difference for the second-bottom Dark Blues as they look to build on the derby win at Dundee United and propel themselves away from relegation bother.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Dundee have blown hot and cold this season, but saved their best for a divine display at Tannadice.

The players and manager were under immense pressure and facing heavy criticism in recent weeks - including from me.

But there isn't a single player who can be faulted for their efforts or for what they produced on the park on Sunday. Had it not been for VAR intervention we'd have slapped United for six.

Dundee were lively, dangerous in attack and fiercely stubborn in every duel - meeting the demands and expectations that derby games press on to them.

Lyall Cameron threw himself at everything, that was a player giving his all for the badge. And we saw the real Mo Sylla - clever, combative and composed.

But Joe Shaughnessy won us that match. Forget ability, forget experience, that was a presentation on leadership. Taking command of situations, timing his runs and jumps to perfection and setting the standards. He had the league's top scorer, Sam Dalby, locked in the phantom zone!

Jordan McGhee will depart the club in the summer, but this is a beautiful chapter to add at the end as he creeps near 200 appearances.

He holds a strong legacy at the club through his longevity, scoring goals in big games – particularly in the play-off final to secure promotion back to the Premiership in 2021 – and his overall consistency, not just in performances but also in attitude.

He'll play anywhere, makes no fuss if ever dropped from the starting line-up and gives his all every match. Some past fan favourites - Peter MacDonald, Gary Harkins, Leigh Griffiths - never quite had that defining derby moment, so I'm delighted for McGhee that he bagged the decisive brace to secure our first win at Tannadice in 21 years.

Simon Murray's penalty was the icing on a mouthwatering masterpiece. 10/10 – no notes. An iconic celebration for an iconic Dundee derby.

This derby was a chance to create cult heroes - and they delivered. If this fight, grit and desire continue, survival in the Premiership will not be an issue.

Credit to Tony Docherty, Dundee were the best team on the park in every department. That was a result earned by merit, no fortune, no deflections and no refereeing disasters. Just drive, quality and class... everything United didn't have on the day.

Former referee Keith Hackett has suggested the penalty and red card conceded by Dundee United defender Emmanuel Adeboyega in the city derby would not have been given in England and any appeal would fail. (Football Insider), external

Ross Graham insists United have the character to recover from Sunday's derby loss to Dundee. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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• Dundee have won at Tannadice for the first time since August 2004.

• Dundee have beaten Dundee United for the first time in the Premiership since 2 May 2016, a run of five games without a win.

• Dundee United have conceded six penalties in the league this season, only St Mirren (eight) have conceded more.

• Nick Walsh has given five red cards in 19 Premiership games this season, no referee has given more.

Joe Shaughnessy: A real leader for Dundee at the back. His return to fitness could prove crucial.

Jordan McGhee: Two completely different but superbly taken goals from another leader in a pumped Dundee derby display.

Ziyad Larkeche: Two assists in Sunday's historic win. Brings real quality to the left hand side.

Watch highlights as Dundee score four to win a thrilling derby at Tannadice. (UK only)

We asked you for your views after Dundee's seismic derby win at Tannadice... The first down the road in 21 years.

Here's what some of you said:

Martin: That's an absolutely massive result. We were a joy to watch on the counter. But it helps we were more solid at the back. I thought Shaughnessy was immense today. Was worried about Sylla but he also did a lot of great battling and winning fouls - much better game management from us.

Play like that in the remaining eight games and we can be safe.

Steven: One of the best derbies I've watched, and I've seen many. The effort and ability on display from the Dundee players was phenomenal. Can't deny Docherty still has the players backing. They only downside for me was the lack of subs. Adewumi was a liability for the whole of the second half and should have been replaced far earlier.

Rod: Great win, easy! If only we could play United every week, we'd have a chance of winning the league! It's been a strange season because we have a quality squad and we should not be second bottom but we are. Defensively, Doc has not managed to play the players he wanted due to injury and we've leaked goals. Please keep working on defence in training, boys!

Mark: Best performance of the season by a long way. Could have been six or seven. Shaughnessy being back should see us to safety. And for that lot down the road, we look forward to seeing you at Dens after the split.

Jim: What a performance. We could have had a few more just in the first half. Absolutely blew United away. Stood firm when required which is what we have been looking for. And Simon Murray's sprint to the away end was brilliant. Now let's take that into our last games.

Dundee midfielder Scott Fraser is poised for more time on the sidelines after breaking down in training. (The Courier, print edition)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.