Dundee

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee midfielder Joel Cotterill is relishing playing alongside fellow Swansea City loanee Cameron Congreve.

After progressing through the youth ranks at the Welsh club, the pair have ended up at Dens Park where they have become integral parts of Steven Pressley's ever improving Premiership side.

Congreve arrived on a season long loan in the summer and with Cotterill, 21, joined on loan in January after spending the first half of the campaign at Bristol Rovers.

"I can't get away from him," Cotterill joked.

"I know Cam's game and Cam knows mine and I think we have got a really good connection together.

"I have been at Swansea since I was seven and Cam came a year after me so it is about 13 years [playing together].

"I think the club have definitely seen that, hence why maybe they have brought me here, and Cam probably had a big input in that as well.

"Cam is a really good player and a really good lad as well so I am just happy to be playing football with him again."

Goalkeeper Jon McCracken, who has been linked with interest from the Championship in England, is among a number of key men with whom Dundee have opened contract talks, with eight senior players in the final months of their contracts. (The Courier), external

Read all of Friday's Scottish Gossip

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• Dundee are unbeaten in five league games (W2 D3), last going longer without defeat in the Scottish Premiership from January to February 2015 (eight).

• Hearts have won seven of their past nine league meetings with Dundee (L2), keeping a clean sheet in the latest five of those wins, including both this season (4-0 in November, 1-0 in January).

• Dundee have lost four of their past five Scottish Premiership trips to Hearts, winning the other 1-0 in April 2025.

• Each of Hearts' last three home league games have ended in 1-0 wins; they last won four in a row on home soil in the Premiership without conceding in March 2016.

• Since the start of February, Hearts have scored five league goals from 77 shots, a conversion rate of 6.5% - the lowest of any side in the competition in this time. Their xG/shot of 0.076 is also the lowest of any side in the top flight in this period. Meanwhile, Dundee top both of these metrics since 1 February (15.2% conversion, 0.129 xG/shot).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

I have previously highlighted Dundee's propensity to chuck away points from positions of strength.

Last weekend they did the opposite - netting two goals in the last two minutes of added time to snatch a highly unlikely 2-2 draw with neighbours United.

Head coach Steven Pressley will have learned a lot about his side in those moments.

A never-give-up attitude will carry a team a long way and while it was far from Dundee's best performance in recent weeks, that trait was there in abundance as his team fought to the very end.

It also illustrated the steady improvement we have seen from the Dark Blues, particularly over the past few months.

There are different ways to win games and eke out draws and Pressley's team somehow found a way to do the latter when it looked to be mission impossible.

In terms of the bigger picture, eighth-place Dundee are gathering impressive momentum.

It is now just one defeat in seven league games, with Pressley stressing the need to secure survival as quickly as possible to avoid any end-of-season jitters.

Dundee will be hoping their momentum continues in a difficult double-header, away to leaders Hearts on Saturday then at home to Celtic the following week.

It's a tough assignment - but you wouldn't bet against Pressley's team continuing their upward trajectory.

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Former referee Steve Conroy thinks it is "mission creep" with VAR in Scottish football before new changes to the laws for the upcoming World Cup.

VAR was introduced in Scotland almost four years ago but has frequently been criticised by fans, players, managers and former players.

Now there could be more changes to the scope of technology as football's law-making body the International Football Association Board (Ifab) backed plans to increase the powers of VAR.

For this summer's World Cup in America, VAR will be allowed to intervene on second yellow cards and the awarding of corners, provided the process doesn't slow down the flow of play.

Ifab has also expanded the countdown rule around goalkeepers where they have eight seconds to release the ball from their hands to include goal kicks and throw-ins.

But former referee Conroy thinks involving the technology in more decision-making is bad news for the game.

"It's inescapable that there is more and more mission creep with VAR," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The authorities seem hell-bent on using it more and more and relying on it and I think that is to the detriment of football.

"I know Ifab are talking about getting them involved for corners and second yellows and all that sort of stuff. As [Celtic interim manager] Martin O'Neill said, soon enough we'll just referee from a port-a-cabin somewhere.

"And this is all happening at the same time as every football supporter survey tells you that they just want it binned."

Steven Pressley says Fin Robertson "will surprise people in the coming years" as the Dundee boss took delight in the midfielder's impact off the bench recently. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley wants his in-form side to secure survival as quickly as possible to avoid getting embroiled in a nerve-shredding end to the season.

The Dark Blues have lost just one of their past seven league games and gone unbeaten in five, a run that has hoisted them to eighth in the table, eight points clear of the relegation play-off spot.

They face a stern test on Saturday at a table-topping a Hearts side who have yet to lose at Tynecastle this season.

Pressley was asked what becoming the first team to win there would mean for Dundee.

He said: "It would put us three points closer to being safe. Looking at history it will tell you around a point per game will guarantee you safety - we are only on 32, we need to at least reach 38 and again that doesn't guarantee you safety.

"So we know that the minimum we need is another couple of wins and we want to do that as quickly as possible.

"My whole objective has been survival and once we get to that point we can reassess.

"But we still have to get to that point because the one thing we don't want to be doing is facing really challenging games over the last couple of weeks of the season where there is so much at stake. We have to make sure we get the points early."

Dundee extended their unbeaten run with a remarkable comeback against neighbours United last time out, netting twice in added time for a 2-2 draw.

"We came out of the game in high spirits considering the situation and also within that there were also some harsh reminders to ourselves that if we fall below the standards we set then we can quite easily lose games," added Pressley.

"So there was a lot to learn from the game and although we came out of it relatively unscathed there were some good lessons for us."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership trip to leaders Hearts.

Here are the key lines:

• Pressley says the dramatic late comeback for a 2-2 derby draw with United demonstrates "that grit and determination" his side have been showing and continues their "feelgood factor" with a five-game unbeaten run.

• But there was "a lot to learn" and "lessons" to take from the game about what can happen when performance levels dip.

• Pressley says it will take "our best performance of the season" to beat Hearts in Gorgie.

• Asked if they can become the first team to win at Tynecastle this term, he says Dundee "embrace challenges and adversity" but reiterated the level of performance required.

• The former Tynecastle skipper rejects the notion all the pressure is on Hearts in the title race, saying: "Having played at Hearts I understand the club. There's always an expectation there and they've done so well this season but I think a lot of people externally think that probably Rangers or Celtic will just nick it."

• Despite Dundee's improving form their priority remains securing survival. "History tells you around a point per game will guarantee you safety," says Pressley. "We're only on 32, we need to at least reach 38. So we know that minimum we need another couple of wins and we want to do that as quickly as possible."

• The Dark Blues have "virtually a full squad" for Tynecastle. A bounce game against Carlisle allowed game-time for players such as Clark Robertson, Billy Koumetio and Scott Wright as they chase full fitness.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

The performance on Sunday was a massive letdown considering how good Dundee looked in recent weeks.

We were incredibly casual, devoid of ideas and well below the standard of previous performances.

I can't figure out why Dundee looked a lifeless husk of their former selves. If it wasn't for Jon McCracken's superb display we could have had the stuffing knocked out of us early on.

Dundee United to their credit were sharp, up for the battle and the occasion. They pressed well and suffocated Dundee in spells - on any other day they had done enough to claim all three points.

If there is anything worth praising Dundee for, it is their character. Dead and buried with two minutes to go and they remained tenacious to claw back a point.

This sums up Steven Pressley's Dundee. Several times this season we have had to fight from behind to secure results and persevere in adversity.

Several players were off the boil, but the substitutes again made a positive impact. Both goals stemmed from the sublime set-piece deliveries of Finlay Robertson, who used a different foot for each, causing chaos for United to deal with.

The penalty decision is a complete mess. It's such a weak threshold to determine a handball and one the referee and VAR failed to be consistent with, as Sportscene highlighted a missed handball in plain sight in the first half.

We will likely get another derby this season to settle the score in the split. Until then we can't drop our performance levels like that again as we're soon facing better opposition who will not lack killer instinct.

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Dundee striker Ashley Hay says he was "manifesting" scoring in the derby.

The striker came off the bench to help mount an unlikely comeback from two down at Dens Park on Sunday, netting in the 94th minute before Ross Graham's own goal secured a point.

"I'm very grateful for God, I was dreaming and manifesting this thinking exactly how it would go," said 22-year-old Hay.

"It didn't go exactly how I thought it would, but I was very grateful to get a goal and get the point in the end.

"We've got a good mentality at the moment. We're just not giving up no matter what.

"One of the boys said to me at 80 minutes, just keep on going, keep bringing the energy.

"Then once we get the first goal, the momentum is on our side and the fans got behind us. We got a bit fortunate with the second one, but we deserved it."

Steven Pressley's side visit leaders Hearts on Saturday and Hay added: "Anything can happen. I think the gaffer said we're five games unbeaten at the moment, so we're in a good run of form again and the boys are excited for it."

Sportscene pundit Scott Allan says there is no way Dundee United should have dropped points against rivals Dundee on Sunday.

United were cruising - 2-0 up in the 93rd minute, before conceding twice at the death to draw.

Captain Ross Graham scored an own goal with almost the last kick of the game and Allan thinks he was put off by the presence of opposition goalkeeper Jon McCracken.

"Football comes down to moments," Allan said. "These two moments, United just don't defend well enough.

"Ross Graham did well throughout the game, but I think he got spooked by Jon McCracken and it ends up in the top corner.

"That's a game that United should never have lost. It was so dominant, especially in the second half."

We asked for your views on Dundee's dramatic derby comeback against rivals Dundee United.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Gary: What a way to end a derby! We were second best most of the day but they kept going. We hung on and after our first goal went in I wanted more time added on as we could've won it. It keeps us unbeaten and shows the team can really stand up for each other when they're down.

Iain: We've found a determination that we have lacked for quite some time. We weren't really in this game at all, and yet we had the will to get a point. United fans will be fuming, which is always nice to see! Would like to see Fin Robertson start more games.

Martin: Many will say Dundee didn't deserve anything from the game. Yes, Dundee did not play well. However, the boys fought to the end and took advantage of United's apparent complacency. It's a pity so many home supporters chucked the towel in and left early. Probably the most euphoric celebrations at Dens that I can remember for a long time when the own goal hit the back of the net. Jon McCracken was superb, he deserves a Scotland call-up.

Kenny: One attempt on target but two goals, the second a thing of beauty! A joyous travesty.

John: First half was quite even, though they were on top by end of it. Second half we could not string a pass and lost all 50/50s. Keeper saved us. Even our consistent guys were off it. However, what a beautiful Sunday it was.

More than a few Dundee fans will have left the stadium before the dramatic stoppage-time comeback.

It wasn't a great performance from Steven Pressley's side but they snatched a point - and spoiled the day for their derby rivals.

Read the match report.

Have your say on the action.

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Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland: "I can't recall being involved in an end like that as a head coach, certainly not in a game as important as a Dundee derby.

"I'm thrilled that we managed to take something from the game.

"We played reasonably well for the first 35 minutes without being dominant or truly ourselves. Then for 55 minutes we looked a shadow of ourselves.

"But we have scored so many late goals over this period and there's a great determination about this group of players. They deal well with adversity and have that never-say-die attitude.

"Although there were certain aspects I wasn't overly pleased with, the one thing that can never be questioned is that will and that grit.

"It's an amazing result. At 93 minutes, it's a disappointing day for our supporters. A few minutes later, it feels like a win."

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Dundee boss Steven Pressley knows a poor performance in Sunday's derby could undo all of his side's recent good work.

The Dens Park club ended 2025 ninth in the Premiership table, six points above Kilmarnock in 11th and five points behind Falkirk who were the team ahead of them at the time.

After a bright start to 2026, which has seen them lose just three of their 10 league games, Pressley's men are 10 points clear of the relegation play-off place and have the chance to leapfrog rivals Dundee United and move into seventh with a victory on Sunday.

Dundee head into tomorrow's game against United in slightly better form but Pressley is aware just how quickly things can change in football.

"We go into this on the back of some good form," he said.

"But we also know that one disappointing performance can change all that.

"We know how important it is for momentum at this stage of the season. A lot of people seem to think we'll be okay but I've had to remind people that over an eight-day period, we collected nine points.

"Why can't the Kilmarnocks, the St Mirrens, the Livingstons of this world not do that themselves? If they do that, the landscape changes.

"That's why we must keep focusing on that next game and ensuring that come Sunday we get the right outcome."

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Dundee boss Steven Pressley expects to have Callum Jones back in contention while Billy Koumetio has a chance of returning after a knee injury. Clark Robertson (thigh) is still out.

Dundee United pair Amar Fatah and Iurie Iovu are available after suspension, but Craig Sibbald (hamstring), Isaac Pappoe (knee) and Bert Esselink are set to miss out again.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Striker Simon Murray feels he is "in a good place" before Sunday's Dundee derby after rediscovering his scoring touch.

The 33-year-old scored 22 goals for Dundee last term but struggled for much of this season, netting just once in the league until mid-February.

However, since losing his starting place Murray has responded emphatically and has scored four times in his past four appearances.

"Obviously, it's been a difficult season for myself at the start," he said.

"Injuries, not full fitness, not firing, not getting many chances but at the same time just not feeling probably myself.

"The manager said I'd been in these positions before and that I just need to go away, take some time.

"I wasn't in the team for six, seven games and so I just did what I normally do, I got my head down and worked hard. And then with that, you get maybe a bit of luck at times and the balls start falling to where you are.

"I got a deflected goal against Hibs, which maybe when I wasn't feeling a bit more confident, I would have passed it or not taken up the opportunity to shoot.

"I'm feeling good, I'm in a good place. I've been training well since probably the start of January, not feeling any niggles, so my fitness is in a good place and I'm playing well."

Dundee can overtake their city rivals United in seventh when the sides meet at Dens Park on Sunday.

Steven Pressley's men are unbeaten in four matches, including a 2-1 win over high-flying Motherwell last weekend.

"It's been a good run of games for the team," Murray added.

"Since the middle of December, we've been picking up a lot of good results, along with some very good performances.

"It's been a big transition from the start of the season to where we are now, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

"The derby brings its own incentive, as big as the rivalry is and how big the match is, but going into it knowing that we can jump above them with a win is something we need to look at and really take that opportunity."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee have gone from being many people's tips for relegation, to a team that could well finish top of the bottom six.

While it's open to debate whether achieving that feat in a 12-team league is anything to celebrate, it is all about context and Dundee - and head coach Steven Pressley - have proved their doubters wrong as the weeks have ticked by.

Last weekend's 2-1 Premiership win over Motherwell felt important. It was a significant victory over a side flying high and who have been riding a wave of plaudits. Now those plaudits are coming the Dark Blues' way.

It has rightly been noted Dundee's improved performances haven't necessarily been reflected in their results – but that is starting to change.

They have now lost just three of their past 11 league games.

And that success over Motherwell not only lifted them up to eighth in the table – just two points behind neighbours United – it also had the air of being a statement win.

They have the chance to deliver another serious statement when they host United in the derby on Sunday.

I've sensed a feelgood factor on numerous occasions at Dens Park in recent times. A win over their big rivals would make it soar further and help them leapfrog their neighbours in the table.

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• After their 1-0 win in January, Dundee could secure back-to-back top-flight victories over Dundee United for the first time since November 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• The past four Dundee derbies in the Scottish Premiership have been won by the away side (including United in their past two visits); this is as many away wins as the previous 25 top-flight meetings beforehand (10 home wins, 11 draws, 4 away wins).

• Exactly half of United's Premiership goals this season have come from non-penalty set-plays (18/36) – the highest ratio of any side. Conversely, Dundee have only conceded 19.6% of their league goals from non-penalty set-pieces (9/46), a division-low ratio.

• After only losing two of their opening 10 away league matches of the season (W2 D6), United have since lost three of their past four on the road (W1).

• Dundee have only lost one of their past six home games in the Premiership (W3 D2), a 1-0 defeat to leaders Hearts in January.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Steven Pressley is seeking to lead Dundee to back-to-back wins over fierce rivals United - but admits he doesn't "enjoy" derby fixtures.

The Dark Blues, who won 1-0 at Tannadice in January, can replace United in seventh place with a home victory on Sunday.

"I don't enjoy it, to be perfectly honest," Pressley said.

"I think if you asked any manager, unless they lie to you, there's a lot of relief at the end of it.

"It's not a game or a period you particularly enjoy. It's okay if you get the right outcome, as we did at Tannadice, but it's not an enjoyable game.

"It goes without saying that the derby games carry that extra pressure, that extra burden. We're not hiding from that fact."

Opposite number Jim Goodwin is under pressure with inconsistent United set to miss out on the top six, but Pressley is braced for a "difficult challenge".

"That's what goes with the territory when you play at a club where you do play a derby that there's such fierce rivalry around," he added.

"Whether it's Tannadice or whether it's Dens, the importance doesn't change. Your own supporters expect you to get a result, so that doesn't change.

"That's for both sides at the weekend. Dundee United supporters will turn up expecting their team to win, as will Dundee fans, and ultimately that brings a degree of pressure."