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
Thursday, June 28, 2007
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.
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.
Not So Bonny Banks!
Eagles welcomed Bonny Banks on league business minus inspirational midfieder Malcolm who missed out due to work commitments. Bonny Banks settled better in the early stages and took a deserved lead before Beachope equalised for the Eagles. Syme was having a excellent game with some precise tackling to keep Eagles level in the match. Bonny Banks took the lead once again despite the heroic efforts from Mullen in goal. Halley spurned a great chance to draw level but made up for it when he wheeled away from his marker for the equaliser. Bonny Banks got their noses in front just before the break.
Marshall played a 1-2 with Beauchope and the all time record goalscorer finished off a great move reminiscent of Dutch total football from the seventies to level the match for the third time. However tiredness seemed to creep in to the Eagles play and Bonny Banks exploited poor defensive marking to score another five goals without reply to leave the management team scratching their heads once again. Eagles supporters are reminded that the new date for the annual Ceres five a-sides have been rescheduled to July 15 as Sunday past was cancelled due to the waterlogged pitch.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 3 Bonny Banks 8
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Roy McGregor
3. Ally Syme
4. Gregg McLuckie
5. Craig Halley
6. Andrew Beauchope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde
Marshall played a 1-2 with Beauchope and the all time record goalscorer finished off a great move reminiscent of Dutch total football from the seventies to level the match for the third time. However tiredness seemed to creep in to the Eagles play and Bonny Banks exploited poor defensive marking to score another five goals without reply to leave the management team scratching their heads once again. Eagles supporters are reminded that the new date for the annual Ceres five a-sides have been rescheduled to July 15 as Sunday past was cancelled due to the waterlogged pitch.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 3 Bonny Banks 8
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Roy McGregor
3. Ally Syme
4. Gregg McLuckie
5. Craig Halley
6. Andrew Beauchope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Ceres Next For Cupar Eagles..................
Eagles played host to Elevado in a bottom of the league clash minus inspirational playmaker Beauchope. McGregor returned from injury to take a position at right back. Eagles made a crisp start and went on the offensive straight away and only some great saves from the opposing keeper kept the scoreline blank. Mullen in goal made his first mistake of the night when he allowed the ball to beat him at his front post. Malcolm restored parity when he beat three players before unleashing a thunderbolt into the bottom right hand corner. Chances were then missed by both teams as the interval arrived.
Syme was caught out of position to allow a Elevado marksman to drill home early in the second half and worse was to follow as the Eagles rearguard went to sleep and another two were conceded. Syme wasted a good opportunity when he screwed the ball well wide in a promising position. Mullen uncharacteristically allowed the ball to dribble through his hands for a fifth goal and a sixth was soon lost as Elevado cruised to victory. McGregor played a lofted ball to put Marshall through on goal with seconds remaining but the midfield powerhouse blasted the ball well over the top to complete another miserable night for the Eagles. Eagles will be playing in the Ceres fives on Sunday but will need to improve dramatically on this performance to win the tournament.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 1 Elevado 6
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Roy McGregor
4. Mark Malcolm
5. Greg McLuckie
6. Craig Halley
subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Man of the match: Mullen
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Syme was caught out of position to allow a Elevado marksman to drill home early in the second half and worse was to follow as the Eagles rearguard went to sleep and another two were conceded. Syme wasted a good opportunity when he screwed the ball well wide in a promising position. Mullen uncharacteristically allowed the ball to dribble through his hands for a fifth goal and a sixth was soon lost as Elevado cruised to victory. McGregor played a lofted ball to put Marshall through on goal with seconds remaining but the midfield powerhouse blasted the ball well over the top to complete another miserable night for the Eagles. Eagles will be playing in the Ceres fives on Sunday but will need to improve dramatically on this performance to win the tournament.
Final score: Cupar Eagles 1 Elevado 6
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Roy McGregor
4. Mark Malcolm
5. Greg McLuckie
6. Craig Halley
subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Man of the match: Mullen
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Eagles Go Down Fighting...............
Sorry For The Delay Busy With Work And A Weekend Away: Eagles hosted Petrol Heads in a league fixure hoping to gain revenge for a Quarter-final Cup exit when the teams last met. Eagles made a whirlwind start opening the scoring in the first thirty seconds when Halley latched onto a ball played in by Mcluckie to slot home. Mullen was playing a blinder in goals to maintain the Eagles lead but was eventually beaten when a defensive error by Syme let their attacker clear through on goal to equalise. Eagles pressed forward and took the game to the Petrol Heads and only some inspired saves and woeful finishing from the Eagles front line kept the game level. Petrol Heads punished the Eagles with two goals before half-time.
Marshall was unlucky not to reduce the deficit when a fierce shot looked goalbound only for a Petrol Head defender to block the effort. Pryde also went close as Eagles upped the tempo but Petrol Heads scored their fourth to create a bit of daylight between the teams. Malcolm scored a beauty with a screamer into the bottom left corner after being set up by Beauchope. Clive entered the arena to a rousing reception from the Eagles faithfull late in the game and nearly made an instant impact with a dazzling run down the wing but his cross was blocked and the danger cleared. Petrol Heads wrapped up victory with a sweet finish as their striker rounded Syme before despatching the ball past the despairing Mullen to seal the three points.
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Craig Halley
4. Greg McLuckie
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Andrew Beachope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde
Final score: Cupar Eagles 2 Petrol Heads 5
Man of the match: Mark Malcolm
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Marshall was unlucky not to reduce the deficit when a fierce shot looked goalbound only for a Petrol Head defender to block the effort. Pryde also went close as Eagles upped the tempo but Petrol Heads scored their fourth to create a bit of daylight between the teams. Malcolm scored a beauty with a screamer into the bottom left corner after being set up by Beauchope. Clive entered the arena to a rousing reception from the Eagles faithfull late in the game and nearly made an instant impact with a dazzling run down the wing but his cross was blocked and the danger cleared. Petrol Heads wrapped up victory with a sweet finish as their striker rounded Syme before despatching the ball past the despairing Mullen to seal the three points.
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Craig Halley
4. Greg McLuckie
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Andrew Beachope
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
9. Gary Pryde
Final score: Cupar Eagles 2 Petrol Heads 5
Man of the match: Mark Malcolm
Match sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Bad Start For Cupar Eagles..........................
Eagles kicked of their new season against old foes Drunken Masters without the services of number one goalkeeper McGregor. Captain Mullen took his place in goal as a torn achilles ruled him out for an outside position.
Both teams had chances in the early exchanges and Malcolm was unlucky when his shot hit the crossbar. Mullen made some good saves but Masters slowly began to gain a stranglehold on the game and eventually opened the scoring when the ball was put through Mullen's legs. Number two followed and Eagles lost their way for a bit as five were conceded before half time with no response.
Eagles re-grouped for the second period and after a defence splitting pass by Halley which found Clive in space up front, saw his delicate chip over the advancing keeper going narrowly wide. Masters scored again soon after when the ball took a wicked deflection of Marshall which gave Mullen no chance and another two were lost before Halley went on a mazy run past four defenders to slot home. Masters scored again as the Eagles defence went A.W.O.L before Beauchope finished a fine sweeping move off in the dying seconds involving Marshall and Clive to restore a modicum of pride to an otherwise disappointing start to the Eagles league campaign.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 2 Drunken Masters 9
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Gregg McLuckie
4. Andrew Beachope
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Match Sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Man of the Match: Clive
Both teams had chances in the early exchanges and Malcolm was unlucky when his shot hit the crossbar. Mullen made some good saves but Masters slowly began to gain a stranglehold on the game and eventually opened the scoring when the ball was put through Mullen's legs. Number two followed and Eagles lost their way for a bit as five were conceded before half time with no response.
Eagles re-grouped for the second period and after a defence splitting pass by Halley which found Clive in space up front, saw his delicate chip over the advancing keeper going narrowly wide. Masters scored again soon after when the ball took a wicked deflection of Marshall which gave Mullen no chance and another two were lost before Halley went on a mazy run past four defenders to slot home. Masters scored again as the Eagles defence went A.W.O.L before Beauchope finished a fine sweeping move off in the dying seconds involving Marshall and Clive to restore a modicum of pride to an otherwise disappointing start to the Eagles league campaign.
Final Score: Cupar Eagles 2 Drunken Masters 9
Eagles line-up:
1. John Mullen
2. Ally Syme
3. Gregg McLuckie
4. Andrew Beachope
5. Mark Malcolm
6. Craig Halley
Subs:
7. Tommy Marshall
8. Colin Clive
Match Sponsors: Ali's Discount Store
Man of the Match: Clive
Friday, June 01, 2007
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.
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