DEES 'DOON' QUEENS AT PALMERSTON

Paul Hartley's second game in charge of the Dees saw a second win for the new gaffer as Dundee took all three points back to Dens from Palmerston and saw Dundee's grip at the top of the table strengthened to a 4 point lead. Falkirk lost to Dumbarton and Hamilton beat Raith Rovers which saw them leapfrog Falkirk into 2nd.

It was a 45th minute penalty, converted by Ryan Conroy which saw Dundee win on a ground that has been less happy for Dundee in the past.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

•  Atkinson Dismissed
•  Mitchell
•  Holt
•  Kerr
•  Durnan
•  Dowie Booked
•  McKenna
•  Paton
•  McHugh (Antell - 45' )
•  Reilly (Russell - 52' Booked )
•  McShane (Lyle - 52' )

DUNDEE

• Letheren
• 02 Irvine Booked
• 05 Dyer
• 08 McBride
• 18 Gallagher
• 17 Benedictus
• 23 Boyle
• 10 Rae
• 09 MacDonald (Nade - 67' )
• 20 McAlister
• 11 Conroy (Monti - 65' )

HARTLEY EMBRACES NEW CHALLENGE AS DEE BOSS

Hartley looks forward to the challenge ahead.

Paul Hartley has admitted that it's a new challenge that he faces at Dens and that he has put himself under pressure to get Dundee promoted.

Speaking at the press conference to unveil his appointment, he said to The Courier:

"“I see it as a challenge. I’m quite fortunate to have been in the same league as Dundee this season, so I know they’ve got a good group of players — and they’re in a great position.

“But it’s going to be a lot of hard work — the players have taken a lot of criticism over the past few months. Hopefully we can give them that confidence and belief. They’ve got a great opportunity to win the league.”

"The expectation is to win the league. That’s why I’m here. I felt it was the right opportunity. I feel I can do well here. And, of course, you want to get back in. There are a lot of good managers out of work."

“Dundee identified me as the man they wanted. When you are out of the game, it’s harder to get back in."

Speaking about the potential that Dundee FC has he said:

 "It’s a great opportunity at a good club. Talking about the potential, the fans are already there. We just need to play in a 
certain way that will excite them."

Paul was keen to add that he wants to see the team play an attractive brand of football.

"I want to build an attacking team who play positive football, get the fans excited by a team who will entertain."

Paul donned his training kit and was present at Dundee's training session on Thursday, in which he introduced himself to the players and allow assistant Ray Farningham to take training.

Paul has also admitted that he is looking to bring in his own fitness coach and revolutionise the way preparation is done pre matches at Dundee.

His first game in charge comes this weekend in the re-arranged game against third placed Hamilton Accies. 

Photo (c) www.bbc.co.uk 

HARTLEY IS 'DEE' NEW MANAGER

New Dark Blues boss poses for the camera.

Dundee have moved quickly to fill the vacant manager's position by appointing former Alloa boss, Paul Hartley on a two and a half year deal. Paul replaces John Brown who parted with the company on Monday and will take charge of the team and will take charge of training and preparation for the massive game on Saturday against Hamilton at Dens.

Hartley takes charge of a Dundee side that sits second in the league, only trailing Falkirk on goal difference and a point ahead of Hamilton. He was in charge of Alloa Athletic for the past two and a half years until he resigned last month, citing that he had taken the part-timers as far as he could. In his reign at Alloa, he led them to back to back promotions and is regarded by many as one of the best young managers in Scotland.

Dundee unveiled the new manager at a press conference at Dens Park this evening. a Statement on the  club website read:

"Paul joins us with immediate effect on a deal to run to the end of Season 2015/16.

Director of Football Operations John Nelms said “I’m delighted that we have managed to attract one of Scotland’s brightest up and coming Manager’s to Dens Park and his dynamism and forward thinking fits perfectly into our plans for the club”.

Chairman Bill Colvin also expressed his warmest welcome top Paul. “It is a great tribute to the work we are doing at Dens Park that one of the most sought after young Managers in Scotland has pledged his immediate future to us and we look forward to see him apply his talents to our squad”.

Chief Executive Officer Scot Gardiner was happy and relieved to get the deal sealed in time for Paul to take over advance of Saturday’s crunch game against Hamilton. Scot said “I have been working round the clock since I first met with Paul in Edinburgh on Monday night. With John Nelms being in Texas most of our e-mails and phone calls were flying back and forth at 3am in the morning but knowing Paul as I do, I had the feeling all along that we would have the right man to take us into the run in to the end of the season”.

We'd like to wish Paul a very warm welcome to the club and would like to wish him all the best and lets hope is successful in the quest for promotion.

Photo: (c) Dundee FC 

BROWN LEAVES DUNDEE FC

John Brown leaves the club after less than a year in charge.

Dundee FC and John Brown parted company on Monday 3rd February 2014, after nearly a year in charge. Recent results and unrest from the fans resulted in Brown and the Dundee board agreeing that it was best to part company. Dundee FC issued a statement on their website:

"Dundee FC and Manager John Brown have today announced they are to part company by mutual agreement. The Club agreed with John's expressed view that after recent results, this is the best way forward.

John stated that he has loved his time at Dundee FC as a player and as a Manager. He still passionately wants Dundee FC to win the league this season and would share in our pride if we go on to do so.

The Board of Directors would like to put on record their thanks not only for his valiant efforts in attempting to keep us in the Premier League last season when no-one gave us a chance, but also for his hard work and diligence in achieving the current points total which sees the Club joint top of the league with 14 games of the season to go. His work with the youth teams has also seen a dramatic turn-around in the Club's fortunes with the Reserves team also 2nd place and a number of our youths in the running for National honours.

The Club expects to move quickly to appoint a new Manager, to continue the good work by the management and players to date and to and get us over the line as Champions in May.

We urge the fans to continue to support the Club in the superb numbers they have done so far this season."

We'd like to wish John all the very best for the future and would like to thank him for his time, work and efforts. 

Photo (c) www.bbc.co.uk 

RAITH 0-0 DUNDEE. SPFL CHAMPIONSHIP

It was a case of another two points dropped for the Dark Blues as they continued to struggle for form in the first three games of the new campaign. 

See full match report @ www.dundeefc.co.uk 

JOHN BROWN WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL

Dundee boss, John Brown has won the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month Award for April. John replaced Barry Smith as interim boss in February and has led Dundee to a rich vein of form. He has guided the team to only one loss in 7 in the SPL, with 4 victories and two draws. John was given the job on a permanent
 basis last week and was handed a two year contract.


Photo (c) The Courier.

SERVICE RESUMED.

Apologies for not updating this blog for quite a while, normal service has been resumed and updates will be made available ASAP.

DEE-LIGHTFUL PERFORMANCE AS HEARTS ARE BROKEN YET AGAIN!

Dundee 1-0 Hearts

Dundee finally won their first home game of the season, courtesy of a deserved 1-0 win over Hearts. It's the second time Dundee have beaten the Edinburgh outfit after beating them at Tynecastle earlier this season. A Matt Lockwood free kick was enough to seal all three points for the Dark Blues and it now means the club are only 5 points behind St Mirren at the foot of the SPL.

WELL VANQUISH BRAVE DUNDEE

Dundee 1-2 Motherwell.

Dundee scored their first goal at home this season in the SPL courtesy of a 6th minute headed goal from Colin Nish but it wasn't enough to stop the Dees slump to defeat, despite a brave and spirited fight against the Steelmen.

EX-DEE CORNER: JULIAN SPERONI

Julian in his days as Dundee number 1.

A firm fans favourite, Julian Speroni must surely go down as one of Dundee's greatest keepers. The Argentinian joined the Dark Blues from Platense in Argentina in June 2001. He was signed by Ivano Bonetti and was fielded into a Dundee side with an international flavour.
Speroni made 92 appearances for the Dens Park club and became very popular amongst the fans for his charisma and sometimes sheer audacity by trying to beat outfield players with his skills. The highlight for the Argentinian at Dundee was the 2003 Scottish Cup Final but unfortunately he was beaten by a Lorenzo Amoruso header which clinched the cup for Rangers. He was at Dundee in 2003 when they went into administration for the first time and survived the cull. Under the stewardship of Jim Duffy, who replaced the sacked Bonetti in 2002/3, he excelled for the Dark Blues and in the summer of 2004, Dundee were enticed by a £500k offer from English side Crystal Palace to take him to Selhurst Park. He remains to this day a Crystal Palace player and he has made over 240 appearances for the Championship club. We all have very fond memories of the days he graced the turf at Dens and maybe just maybe, it would be great to see him back in the colours of Dundee FC once again.


photo (c) www.bbc.co.uk

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Match

DUNDEE V MOTHERWELL
Dens Park Stadium, 

Saturday 15th September 2012
3pm kickoff


After a fantastic win away to Hearts a fortnight ago, Dundee are back in league business this weekend as they entertain Motherwell at Dens Park.
Dundee could field new boys Brian Easton and Mark Kerr as the injury crisis at Dens doesn't seem to be easing. Nicky Riley, Stephen O'Donnell, Carl Finnigan, Kevin McBride, Mark Stewart and Jamie McCluskey are all out for the Dark Blues.

Motherwell are boosted by the return of Stevie Hammell and Simon Ramsden from injuries whilst Shaun Hutchinson returns from suspension. Steven Saunders is the only player out for the "Steel Men"


Speaking to the BBC, both managers were looking forward to the return of the SPL this weekend.

Barry Smith:

"It's always nice to get your first league win of the season and now we have to look to try and build on that.

"The boys have been in good form in training all week and that tells you the difference a victory can make.

"It's still early days but we have to take encouragement from how we played at Hearts and try to do the same thing against Motherwell.

"We showed great concentration, effort and application at Tynecastle which we'll need to do again for this game.

"Not many people outwith ourselves expected us to get a win at Hearts and it will probably be the same against Motherwell.

"But we have to believe in ourselves and try to take the game to them as much as possible."

Stuart McCall.

"They [Dundee] are off the back of a terrific result at Tynecastle so they'll be buoyed.

"In between, the international break, they've brought a couple of experienced players in.

"They'll be looking for their first home victory.

"We've trained with a full compliment of players, other than Saunders. They've had a good break, a lot of the boys. They've looked sharp.

"I've got a lot of selection dilemmas."

Source for quotes: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19528224

KERR IS A DEE

Mark Kerr had a trial with Hibs earlier this summer (above)

Former Falkirk and Dundee United midfielder, Mark Kerr has joined Dundee on a deal until the end of the season. It was anticipated that the 30 year old was going to join St Johnstone but that failed to materialise and so Barry Smith has taken the chance to sign the former United man.

Speaking to official Dundee website, Barry expressed his delighted in capturing his latest recruit.

"Once again we are delighted to have a player with Mark's experience and ability join us. He has proven himself as a quality footballer at the highest level in the past and we are sure he will do so once more at Dundee FC"

Mark's had spells with Falkirk, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Greek side, Asteras Tripolis.

Forever Dark Blue would like to welcome Mark to the club.


photo (c) www.bbc.co.uk/sport 

EASTON JOINS THE DARK BLUE REVOLUTION!

Brian Easton has signed for the Dees!

Former Burnley and Hamilton Accies left back, Brian Easton has joined the club on a one year deal. The 24 year old joins the Dark Blues after leaving Turfmoor in the Summer and has decided to come back to Scotland to help Dundee's SPL challenge.

Speaking to Dundee FC online, Barry Smith was delighted to secure his services:
"He's a big lad but he's also a very good footballer, he's comfortable on the ball and he'll be an asset to us."

CEO Scot Gardiner also added his delight on securing Brian.

"I'm very happy we have secured the services of a quality player like Brian who is the 7th player we have signed in the last few weeks since being notified of our inclusion into the SPL. Along with Barry and the Board we are confident that once the injury list clears up and the boys have the time to gel as a team we will be able to push on and make our mark in the SPL this season. I also wouldn't rule out further additions but these will be within our budget as a fan owned Club."

We at Dark Blue Forever would like to welcome Brian to the club.

Source:

photo (c) http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com

CONROY BREAKS 'HEARTS' AS DEES CLAIM FIRST WIN BACK IN SPL

Hearts 0-1 Dundee (Conroy 3, pen)


Courage, bravery and determination were three qualities Dundee possessed last Sunday as they battled their way to an away win over Hearts at Tynecastle. It was a third minute penalty from Conroy that sealed all three points for the Dark Blues and an excellent performance from keeper Rab Douglas also helped the Dees claim all the points and head back to Dens happy after claiming their first win of the SPL season.

HEARTS V DUNDEE PREVIEW

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Match 

HEARTS V DUNDEE
Tynecastle Stadium

Sunday 2nd September 2012
3pm kick off



Dundee travel to Tynecastle in search of their first goal and first win of the SPL season. After defeats to Ross County and Queens Park in the last week, Dundee look to try and revive their season with a win at Tynecastle against a Hearts side full of confidence after a decent start to the season and a hearty draw at Anfield against Liverpool in the Europa League during the week.

Dundee's injury worries continue with further additions to the injury list including Stephen O'Donnell, Neil McGregor, Lewis Toshney, along with Kevin McBride, Carl Finnigan, Mark Stewart, Kyle Bennedictus and Nicky Riley.

Hearts have new signing Ryan Stevenson in the squad but have lost David Templeton who elected to join Third Division side, Rangers before the transfer window closed on Friday night.


Speaking to the BBC, Barry Smith was determined that his side will turn around their misfortunes sooner rather than later and spoke of how they were disappointed to lose to lower division opposition in the cup during the week.

"We were all very disappointed with what happened the other night, but it's in the past now as far as we're concerned.

"We just have to move on and try to make amends with the Hearts game being out first chance to bounce back.

"It's been a pretty tough start to the season, which we knew would always be the case, but we'll still go to Tynecastle to try and get a result

"The boys are hurting, so in football you always look to the next game to try and take our your frustration.

"Hearts are next up for us and, although, they're a good side with lots of quality players, we'll be focusing on ourselves and what we hope to do.

Quotes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19384138

MISERABLE WEEK FOR DEES WITH DEFEATS TO COUNTY AND QUEENS PARK

Dundee suffered a dreadful week in which they suffered a league defeat at home to Ross County, courtesy of a Richard Brittain penalty and then midweek an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Queens Park in the League Cup at Hampden.

PREVIEW: DUNDEE V ROSS COUNTY

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match
Dens Park Stadium, Saturday 25th August 2012

DUNDEE V ROSS COUNTY
Kick Off. 3pm

Dundee tomorrow will entertain First Division champions, Ross County at Dens Park as they search for their first goals and win of the SPL season. Derek Adams side will prove a stern test for Barry Smith's troops as last week they held SPL champions Celtic to a 1-1 draw up at Dingwall. Dundee meanwhile will try to put to bed the bad memories from last Sunday's defeat in the Dundee derby against United.

Dundee should have new signings Lewis Toshney and Colin Nish in the squad. Stephen O'Donnell will also be available to play after his red card in the derby was reduced to yellow on appeal. Nicky Riley looks doubtful for the game as he struggles to overcome hamstring injury that he picked up at Tannadice and Kevin McBride and Carl Finnigan are still both out.

Ross County have second choice keeper Joe Malin out and so youngster, Connor Hall could be on the bench.

Speaking to the BBC website, Dundee manager Barry Smith and County player, Ross Tokely they both shared their views on the game ahead.

Dundee manager Barry Smith: "If we had the chance to play earlier this week we would have much preferred that.

"The lads were obviously still hurting after losing the way we did to Dundee United and want to make up for it.

"We've had to be patient this week waiting for this game to come round but now that it's nearly here we'll definitely be ready for it.

"It's never nice losing any derby but the thing is the players are just wanting to get back out the game can't quick enough.

"We just want to get our first three points of the season.

"There have been some positive aspects to our play but unfortunately we haven't taken our chances.

"At this level you are usually made to pay for that which is something we've learned."

Ross County defender Ross Tokely: "We'll need to play to the levels we did last Saturday.

"A clean sheet would be nice and we certainly worked hard as a back four and as a team to limit chances.

"We played against three very good attacking sides - Motherwell, Aberdeen and Celtic - so Saturday will be just as hard. We'll need to be at the races."

Source: Quotes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19304576

logo (c) Clydesdale Bank.

DOUBLE DEE-LIGHT FOR CLUB AS NISH AND TOSHNEY SIGN UP!

Colin Nish.

Lewis Toshney.

Dundee this week bolstered their squad by signing Colin Nish and Lewis Toshney on loan deals. Nish, 31, joins on a loan deal until January 2013 whilst Toshney, 20, has agreed a season long loan deal.

Colin, who is a striker, has had previous spells with Kilmarnock and Hibernian joins the Dees from his parent club, Hartlepool United, whilst fullback Lewis Toshney has joined from Celtic.

We would like to welcome both Colin and Lewis to the club.


Photos: (c) www.dundeefc.co.uk (Dave Young)
www.bbc.co.uk

DERBY DAY GONE FLAT AS DEES SUFFER DEFEAT

Sunday 19th August 2012.......... Dundee United 3-0 DUNDEE


In front of the Sky camera's at Tannadice, Dundee suffered a 3-0 defeat to the hands of their fierciest rivals, Dundee United. Courtesy of goals from Gunning and two from Johnny Russell. Both sides also saw red cards with Johnny Russell for United and Stephen O'Donnell for Dundee seing red.


Full match report on Dundee FC website.

DUNDEE OFFICIALLY AN SPL MEMBER NOW

The share required for Dundee to be an SPL member was transferred from demoted Rangers this morning allowing Dundee to be officially recognised as an SPL club.