Hamilton 1 Dundee 0, New Douglas Park, 24/Feb/07

Dundee lost 1-0 at Hamilton on Saturday, in what was another poor performance we just never got going. Alex Rae was back in the team with Kevin Smith upfront, the Accies were the better side for long spells. Hamilton scored in the first half from a free kick and the Hamilton striker scored with a free header. Into the second half and we struggled to string three passes together and the only two efforts on goal were Paul McHale's shot which just went over the bar, and a Derek Lyle header near the end. Hamilton seemed to be able to put our defence under pressure with ease. Another poor result for the Dark Blues and with Gretna losing we have missed a golden chance to close the gap. Only St.Johnstone can catch Gretna now!

Receivers called in to Marrs' businesses

Dundee F.C. owner Peter Marr moved swiftly today to stress the football club’s future remained secure despite six companies owned by him and his brother Jimmy being forced into receivership. Jobs in some of the Marrs’ other businesses are under threat after Glasgow accountants Krolls were appointed receivers for Justice Homes, Camperdown Construction, Demryan, Call-a-Keg, Marbelles Ltd and P & J Taverns.
P & J Taverns own the brothers’ majority shareholding in the football club, but today the Marrs insisted it would not be affected.
“I have already spoken to the receivers and they have said they have not been appointed to become involved in the club,” said Peter.
“I have been assured of that and this will not effect the day-to-day running of Dundee F.C. or the restructuring deal we are working on with the bank.”
While bankers HBOS are continuing to back plans for the football club, it was a withdrawal of their support for the six companies that led to today’s move.
And Peter Marr admitted the problems stemmed from moves to save the Dark Blues after they went into administration in November 2003 with debts of £23 million.
In order to keep the club afloat, the brothers had to provide personal guarantees running well into seven figures and that has put a huge burden on their other interests. Peter declined to put a figure on the debt, but all the companies now in receivership are in the red.
He, though, remains hopeful the threatened jobs will be saved and the businesses will be sold as going concerns.
“We were speaking to the bank and hoped to sort something out. That has not been possible, but I do not want to be critical of the bank. We have had to close Camperdown Construction’s site on the Perth Road, where we are building town houses, but I think something will be sorted out there.
“The other businesses are still operating normally and, while it is a matter for the receivers, I know they are looking to keep them open.”
Peter did express sympathy for those workers whose futures were now in doubt.
“I feel for them, but I really do believe Krolls should be able to save their jobs,” he said.
A spokesman for Krolls said, “The receivership of P & J Taverns does not affect Dundee Football Club as it is an entirely separate legal entity.”

Dundee 1 Clyde 4, Dens Park, 17/February/07

In what was the biggest shock score line in Scotland last Saturday, Dundee got well beaten by 4 goals to 1. We lost a goal after just 73 seconds, when a weak free kick went to the net, with keeper Ludovic Roy looking a bit slow. The whole defence struggled in the first half, and it was not a surprise when Clyde scored the second on 12 minutes, again a bad goal and it was 3-0 soon after when Bryson scored with a header. And the bully wee made it 4-0 seven minutes from halftime.
Into the second half and at least we did get efforts on target and sub Khalid Hamdaoudi scored 8 minutes from time. But we have to remember that Clyde had won the game in the first 40 minutes. And yes I did stay to the end of the game.

Latest From Dens.

Paul Dixon will miss Saturdays game against Clyde at Dens, due to the booking picked up against St.Johnstone. It looks like Bryan Deasley will need a operation to fix his long term ankle injury.
A statement from the club today about the future: “The directors of Dundee FC continue to work with Bank of Scotland on the restructuring of the club’s finances,” it read.
“This process has taken considerably longer than anticipated by either party, but there is commitment and goodwill from both sides to finalise matters in the shortest possible timeframe, although it is not possible at this time to place a date on the completion of the exercise.
“No insurmountable barriers are foreseen by either party — no further statement is anticipated until the exercise is concluded.”
Once the deal has been done it is expected Dundee will retain some debt, which will allow them to retain ownership of their major asset — Dens Park. Hopefully that will done in the next few months and before the start of next season.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed today that Bryan Deasley will require surgery to cure his ankle problem. The wee striker will undergo an operation tomorrow and won’t see action again this season.

Dundee 2 St.Johnstone 1, Dens Park, 10/Feb/07.

Dundee beat St.Johnstone 2-1 on Saturday to close the gap to 1 point, in the race for second place. In what was a dreadful day of weather Dundee played some excellent football on the deck, with the Perth saints using the long ball for most of the game. Saints had a great chance when they won a penalty in the first half, but their player took the kick too quickly and Ludovic Roy made a good save. I'm glad that he had a few saves before he faced the spot kick. 0-0 at halftime Saints scored on 55 minutes when after we hit the post, a big long ball, and for once Scotland got the better of McKenzie to round Roy to score.
At least we did not let our heads go down and got level when Swankie was pulled back in the box, and Derek Lyle scored with ease( well he made it look easy) Then as both teams going for a winner. Gavin Swankie scored a wonder goal, when he cut inside to chip the saints keeper from maybe 25 yards out, and send the home fans wild. We kept the ball well for the last few minutes to win this tayside derby.
I thought that Gavin Swankie had a great game and captain Paul McHale looks like the steal of the season. There was no failures in the home team and things are looking better for next season.

Latest News From Dens Park.

Dundee have a full squad to pick from for the game of the day in Scotland, when we entertain second place St.Johnstone at Dens Park. I think Alex Rae will make few changes to the side which won at Airdrie, but Bob Davidson might keep his place. I thought he played very well when he came on, and his link up play was excellent.

Police seeking missing sponsor

Police in Fife have confirmed they are hunting for a Kirkcaldy-based man who has disappeared allegedly owing Dundee and Raith Rovers football clubs an estimated £200,000. Ben Stevens (34), a Signatures4u.com director, is also alleged to have taken around £100,000 from his business partner, Carnoustie-born Craig Stewart, and £30,000 from an unnamed former Dundee player for a property deal.
Dundee FC has signed a one-year shirt sponsorship deal said to be worth £50,000 with the sports memorabilia firm, with the company having an option to extend that for a second year.

Dundee 3 Airdrie 0, Excelsior Stadium, 03/02/07

Dundee beat Airdrie 3-0 at the New Excelsior Stadium , in what was likely the best all round performance of the season. We took control of the game quickly and in Paul McHale we have a great looking signing. To the goals and the first one on 36 minutes when Derek Lyle scored with a shot on which the Airdrie keeper made a mess of. Letting the ball through his legs.
Into the second half and we scored twice in a four minute spell. first Scott Robertson played a good one two with Bob Davidson to run on and score, and Derek Lyle was put through to wrap up the game at 3-0.
A good days work and the signs are good for next season on this display. It also puts us up to third in the league and sets up Saturday's home game against second place St.Johnstone.