Dundee After Paul Ritchie

Dundee will know in the next few days whether or not they are to add another former Dundee United man to their squad for next season. Former Tangerines Danny Griffin, David Worrell and Craig Samson are already on the books and could be joined by experienced defender Paul Ritchie before the week is out. The 31-year-old, whose other clubs have included Hearts, Rangers and Manchester City, has been in discussions with boss Alex Rae about a player-coaching role with the Dark Blues. He is also considering other offers from this country and abroad, but Dundee hope the lure of getting his first formal coaching position could persuade him to head for Dens.
Gary Smith Leaves
A Ritchie arrival would fill the gap left by the departure of veteran centre-half Gary Smith, who last night secured his release from the Dark Blues. The 36-year-old has been linked with a player-coaching role under former Scotland star Colin Hendry at Clyde, though, even if he moves to Broadwood, there is a chance he will hang up his boots

Pre-Season For Dundee Starts Now.....................

There were plenty of fresh faces on view as Dundee kicked off pre-season training today with a tough double session. Goalkeeper Craig Samson was with the squad as he signed the one-year deal agreed with boss Alex Rae at the end of last week, and also meeting their team-mates for the first time were summer signings David Worrell and David O’Brien.
And, as expected, a midfielder and a centre forward from the Czech Republic began trial spells with the Dark Blues. That, and the fact his entire squad were free of injury as they reported back after the summer break, made the manager a happy man.

Dundee Sign Craig Samson.

Dundee are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Craig Samson in time for him to report for pre-season training with the rest of the squad at Dens Park on Monday. The former Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Ross County man has agreed a one-year deal and should put pen to paper over the weekend. Boss Alex Rae had several options to consider and has opted for the 23-year-old because, he believes, he will provide a strong challenge to Ludovic Roy for the No. 1 jersey next term. “As I’ve said all along, Ludo had a great first year with us and he will start pre-season as No. 1, but I want competition for as many places as possible and Samson should provide that,” said Rae. “He’s still young, but he has good experience and is ambitious. He won’t be coming here thinking he’ll be sitting on the bench, he’ll be fighting for his place and that’s what I want.” Samson joins full-back David Worrell and wide man David O’Brien as new summer arrivals and they are likely to be joined by at least another two signings in the next few weeks.

Norwich Bid For Dixon Turned Down...........

Dundee have rejected an offer from Norwich City for Paul Dixon — but the Dark Blues face a battle to keep their highly-rated full-back this summer. The 20-year-old is well known to Carrow Road assistant boss Jim Duffy, who handed him his debut during his second spell as manager at Dens Park. He and Canaries gaffer Peter Grant are among those who have been monitoring Dixon’s progress and that has led to a bid to take him to the Championship.

That move was confirmed by Dundee chief executive Dave MacKinnon and, while he was quick to stress it had been dismissed, there is no question the club face a struggle to hang on to the defender. For their part, Norwich admitted it was unlikely there would be an immediate upping of the bid, believed to be in the region of £100,000 — less than half his employers’ valuation.

A string of other English clubs are also interested and there have even been suggestions that, here in Scotland, Rangers are also admirers. More attempts to lure him away from the City of Discovery are set to follow. Dixon has only a year of his current Dens deal to run and has stalled on signing an extension. Which might push Dundee towards selling him if offers come in now, rather than face losing him a reduced fee near to or at the end of his contract.

Dundee Sign Two and Plan For Next Season.........

Dundee have completed the signings of former Rotherham United full-back David Worrell and David O'Brien, the winger having left Stirling Albion. Worrell and O'Brien were out of contract and are the first of six summer signings planned by Dundee. O'Brien, 23, leaves after helping Stirling win promotion to Division One. First Division Dundee have also confirmed that manager Alex Rae will receive an increased budget for next season. But chairman Bob Brannan has stressed to the Tayside business community that further cash will have to be raised to balance the budget. Chief executive Dave MacKinnon pointed out that the club is considering developing land for housing. Dundee are looking at developing the Dens Park side of their stadium "with a new South Stand as part of the development". MacKinnon has held initial discussions with a building developer.