Tough Watch..

Hopefully Dundee can bounce back on Wednesday when they play Hibs at Dens Park. One thing for sure they really need to if they have any chance of staying in the top league. From my point of view they were too slow and never looked up for the challenge. 

Maybe tough on the young players but they need to step up. Livingston fully deserved the win but it was so easy for them after the first 20 minutes.

At least now new Manager Mark McGhee will see it's a big job ahead and it will take a lot of effort to make the play-off as l can't see any better in the final league position. 

It was a very tough watch on Saturday and l have seen a few in the last 41 years, it was the lack of fight which was bad. I will back the team and can only hope for the best until the end of the season.

Dundee 0, Livingston 4, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 26-February-22

Dundee's only change from Parkhead was Zak Rudden replaced Paul McMullen. Dundee were looking to get points in their fight to stay up this season. 

Dundee started on the attack but failed to create anything clear and it Livingston who struck first on six minutes. Poor defending let a strong cross which Lawlor parried and Anderson had a easy tap in to score. Dundee did attack in the next ten minutes with Rossi having a shot blocked after being set up by Cammy Kerr.

When Livingston attacked and put crosses in Dundee were struggling to cope and on 18 minutes it was 2-0. More poor marking and Pittman scored from a few yards out. Two minutes later and it 3-0 another poor goal to lose a long free kick and a low cross fell to Anderson in the box and he scored with ease.

Dundee sent on Paul McMullen for Zeno Ibsen Rossi as Dundee changed to 4-4-2 to try and get back into the game before half-time. Sadly they failed and were still struggling to attack that would lead to a fightback.

Second half and Dundee made two changes Charlie Adam and Niall McGinn came on for Shaun Byrne and Josh Mulligan. But Livingston looked like they would score again. They did but it was ruled offside. Dundee had a few attacks but never tested the Livi goalkeeper.

Again Livingston came close with two efforts just going wide, but on 65 minutes it 4-0 a simple low cross found Fitzwater scored with a well placed shot across Lawlor. As the game went on it looked like Livingston would score more, Dundee were second to best all over the pitch and fully deserved to lose this game. 

The final whistle went with sadly a lot of Dundee fans had left due to the game they had just watched.

Dundee: Lawlor, Daley-Campbell, Sweeney, McGhee (c), Ibsen Rossi (McMullan 23), Kerr,Mulligan (McGinn at half time), Byrne (Adam at half time), Anderson (McGowan 80), Rudden (Marshall 59), Mullen. Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Fontaine, Elliott, McCowan. 

Referee: Bobby Madden

Attendance: 4,679.

Celtic 3, Dundee 2, Parkhead, cinch Premiership, 20-February-22

Dundee Manager Mark McGhee made two changes from the team that started at Peterhead. Vontae Daley-Campbell returned from suspension and Josh Mulligan retained his place after being a substitute on Monday. They replaced the injured Charlie Adam, and Niall McGinn, who was on the bench.

As usual at Parkhead Dundee were under pressure as Celtic had a lot of the ball, Dundee were playing a 5-3-2 formation so likely would hit on the break. Dundee were working hard to stop Celtic and they only went close once.

Dundee pushed forward and won two corners, the second one was successful when Danny Mullen peeled away to the back post and when McMullen's corner fell to the striker he kept his cool and side footed the ball home for the lead.

Celtic came back and within 8 minutes they were 2-1 up and this was the score at half time, it's a pity about the second goal and going in level at the break would have been better.

Second half and Dundee made  two changes when Niall McGinn and Luke McCowan replaced  Paul McMullan and Josh Mulligan.

Again it was more pressure from Celtic, but on 60 minutes it was 2-2 from a Niall McGinn provided a fine cross from the right and Ryan Sweeney headed powerfully inside Joe Hart’s right hand post from 15 yards.

Soon after and after great play and pass from Max Anderson Danny Mullen just put the ball over the bar, it was a good spell for Dundee.

Celtic scored what proved to be the winner with four minutes to go, it was a hat trick for the home striker. Zak Rudden replaced Zeno Ibsen Rossi for the three minutes injury time.

Dundee did push forward and had shouts for a penalty when the ball came off a Celtic player, but the referee waved play on and blew the full time whistle.

Dundee will feel a bit unlucky today, at the least the effort was there and if they will face the next two games in the same manner points should come their way.

Dundee: Lawlor, Daley-Campbell, McGhee (c), Sweeney, Ibsen Rossi (Rudden 90), Kerr, Anderson (Fontaine 83), Byrne, Mulligan (McCowan 53), McMullan (McGinn 53), Mullen. Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), McGowan, Chapman, Elliott, Robertson.

Referee: Gavin Duncan

Att: 

Mark McGhee

A bit of a shock for me as Mark McGhee takes over as Manager, being honest likely would not be my choice. His record is not the best , but the main thing for me is  What he does now. I always back new Managers and in forty odd years watching Dundee FC l have seen a few.

Next up is Celtic away so hope we get a result when least expected, Dundee fans are not too happy on social media but that's the way it is now a days.

Good luck to Mark and the players for the rest of the season.

James McPake

Dundee have parted company with Manager James McPake as they now look out for a new manager. James has been with the club for eight years as a player before being current Manager.

The timing is a bit strange as Dundee have won their last two game, tough for James but the job is a results business these days. My feeling is not enough attacking football has not helped this squad.

I really hope the board gets it right as we really need to stay up for the future of the club. Time will tell Good luck to James on what he does as his heart was in the right position in his time as Manager. 

Scottish Cup Draw

Dundee will play Rangers at Dens Park in the 1/4 Final of the Scottish Cup. 

Full Draw

Heart of Midlothian v St Mirren

Dundee United v Celtic

Dundee v Rangers

Motherwell v Hibernian

Ties to be played on weekend of 12 March.

Peterhead v Dundee, Balmoor Stadium, Scottish Cup 5th Round, 14-February-22

Dundee made three changes Zeno Ibsen Rossi came in for his debut in central defence. Max Anderson and Nial McGinn. Liam Fontaine and Josh Mulligan were on the bench, and Zak Rudden was cup tied.

Peterhead started well and had two decent efforts on goal, Dundee looked a wee bit slow and moving the ball quickly was hard as Peterhead had five in their midfield. 

Dundee had a couple of efforts  but nothing to worry Peterhead, again Ian Lawlor had to save well. Against the run of play Dundee took the lead, a great ball from Anderson set free McMullan and he was fouled in the box by the keeper. A penalty to Dundee and it was easy for Charlie Adam to score sending the keeper the wrong way.

After this Peterhead came back and hit the post with a shot most times it would have went in, soon after and sloppy play from the defence put Lawlor in trouble and he was very lucky to get away with the foul on the Peterhead striker. It was a stonewall penalty which the referee played on.

Second half and again Peterhead came back and Lawlor made a good diving save, but minutes later it was two nil. A great pass from Adam foul Niall McGinn and his first touch was class and he set up to drive the ball home.

It put Dundee in a better place and although Peterhead kept going Dundee played better and used the ball better. They managed to get a third goal which was a first for youngster Josh Mulligan who took the ball well and curled the ball home. 

Dundee played the time out and were into the 1/4 Final stage of the Scottish Cup. Hosts Peterhead made it very hard for Dundee and they will feel  hard done by the penalty which should have been given.

Dundee: Lawlor, McGhee, Sweeney, Rossi, Kerr, Adam (c) (McGowan 74), Byrne (Mulligan 56), Anderson, McMullan (McCowan 56), Mullen (Elliott 85), McGinn. Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), Fontaine, McDaid, Chapman, Robertson.

Att: 1,598

Referee: David Munro

Hearts 1, Dundee 2, Tynecastle, cinch Premiership, 9th February 2022

Dundee made four changes Ian Lawlor replaced the injured Adam Legzdins in goal. Charlie Adam and Danny Mullen returned to the starting eleven, and Josh Mulligan made his first league start for the Dark Blues. They replaced Max Anderson and Niall McGinn, who were on the bench, and the suspended Vontae Daley-Campbell.

Dundee started under some pressure but it came to nothing, Ian Lawlor dropped a cross ball but recovered quickly. Hearts did score on 18 minutes when Simms got into the box and his shot went through the legs of Lawlor, it looked a soft goal to lose. 

Soon after and Ryan Sweeney done well to clear one off the line it looked a certain goal. Ryan Sweeney had a header which went too high over the bar

Dundee did have half chances but all their efforts failed to hit the target. At least they got to half time only 1-0 down.

Second half and after six minutes it was 1-1, a good run by Danny Mullen and his cross came off Sibbick and it went into the net to level the game. A bit of luck but nobody from Dundee will complain.

Dundee had to weather some pressure but Lawlor made some vital saves. Dundee claimed for a penalty for hand ball but it did look soft. Dundee looked a lot better and played some nice football.

Hearts lacked the final ball to trouble Dundee and their fans were not happy. Dundee then took the lead when a good run by Anderson and the ball fell to McGinn whose cross was put in the net via the cross bar by  Danny Mullen. A well taken goal and one that they fully deserved.

Dundee saw the last 12 minutes out and Lawlor saved well in the last minute the closest Hearts came to saving a point. 

I watched the game on Alba at 10pm and it was good to see a vital win which the players gave 100% each. The score line never surprised me as it's what Dundee have done in the last 40 years.

Dundee : Lawlor, McGhee, Sweeney, Fontaine, Kerr, McMullan, Byrne, Adam (c), Mulligan (Anderson 64), Rudden (McGinn 71), Mullen. Unused Subs: Sharp (gk), McDaid, Chapman, McCowan, Robertson, Rossi.

Att: 15,527

Referee: Colin Steven

Dundee Sign Zeno

Dundee have signed Zeno Ibsen Rossi on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season. Zeno made his professional debut on loan at Kilmarnock last season. He played 20 time during his loan time.

He will be in the squad for tonight's game at Tynecastle, and will wear Number 35.

Billy Pirie

 

Tough Season

Tough time watching Dundee FC at the moment with only four league wins all season. The defeat from Ross County was poor for the club as they haven only won six games....Three against Dundee all games six pointers and it has cost the club.

Looking back on the games against Ross County I have seen is poor reading to me. 19 homes games with just 4 wins, 6 draws 9 defeats at Dens Park. Away I have seen 6 games with 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat.

I'm glad l have missed a lot of games as my first game was a Pre Season game away in 1986 Dundee won 7-1. The last win at Dens was the 5-2 game season 2015-16. Seen 5 games since with 2 draws and the last three has been defeats. I'm glad I missed the 5-0 this season.

Dundee has had problems against Ross County far more than just this season. Dundee have struggled a lot against teams who they play in the bottom six for the most of the 42 years l have followed them.

I will keep watching them as they are my team and always will be.

Just hope for wins in the next two games against Hearts and Celtic in the league 

Ross County Photos

 

Dundee 1, Ross County 2, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 05-February-22

Dundee made two team changes Zak Rudden came in for his first start and Jordan McGhee started in midfield. Danny Mullen and Charlie Adam were both on the bench for the visit of Ross County. 

Dundee just about took the lead in the first minute when McMullen hit the ball with a good effort. Soon after a Anderson shot was deflected just wide, County did attack as well and Legzdins  done well to save. 

Dundee looked good going forward and they scored a well worked goal when McMullen found McGhee and his chip pass was smashed into the net by Zak Rudden for his first goal for the club.

In the last five minutes off the half it should have been 2-0 great play from Rudden and McMullen and his cross found Anderson who's shot went straight to the keeper, it came of his thigh so very unlucky.

In injury time County levelled with a good worked goal, but terrible from Dundee's point of view. The second half will be interesting now to say the least.

Dundee had a few early chances but failed to take them, but soon after the referee gave County a penalty after the ball hit Cammy Kerr in the box. Adam Legzdins guessed well and made a fine diving save.

After Sweeney and Kerr went for the same ball they clashed and the County striker went on and score the vital second goal. 

Dundee made changes but it still failed to produce anything clear and the closest was Danny Mullen shot which was saved on the line. 

Time ran out and that puts Dundee in a difficult place at the bottom of the league, three defeats to Ross County this season has done a lot of damage to them. 

Hearts and Celtic next both away from home so it does not get any easier, we can only hope for points.

Dundee: Legzdins, Daley-Campbell, Sweeney, Fontaine, Kerr, McGhee (c), Anderson (McCowan 63), Byrne, McMullan, Rudden (Mullen 73), McGinn (Adam 77). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), McDaid, Chapman, Mulligan, Elliott, Robertson.

Att: 4,621

Referee: Don Robertson

More News From Dens

 Leigh Griffths has left the club at the end of the loan deal. Leigh scored 3 goals in 17 games for the club. All the best for the future and thanks for the effort put in this season.

Dundee will play St Mirren on the 23rd of February with a 19:45pm kick-off, the game was called off last Saturday due to very high winds. 

Dundee 0, Dundee United 0, Dens Park, cinch Premiership, 01-February-22

Dundee made four changes Vontae Daley-Campbell came straight in for his debut. Niall McGinn was given his first start, while Charlie Adam and Danny Mullen returned. They replaced Christie Elliott and Luke McCowan, who were on the bench, and Paul McGowan and Leigh Griffiths.

Both teams started well and Max Anderson had a couple of strong runs, and just about played in McMullen who just failed to get a clean shot in. Ryan Sweeney just missed the goals with a decent header. 

Paul McMullen had a fine header saved by the  United keeper to keep it 0-0 at half-time was soon after. 

Second half and Dundee started well and pushed United back, good play from McGinn got him into the box but he failed to find a team mate. McMullen had a good effort saved as Dundee looked for the vital first goal.

Soon after Dundee made  twin substitutions after 61 minutes gave the Dark Blues an additional burst of energy. Zak Rudden and Luke McCowan came on for McGinn and Adam. Jordan McGhee had replaced Daley-Campbell a couple of minutes previously.

Dundee came close in the last 20 minutes, when twice the ball was cleared off the line. First a Zak Rudden deflected shot was headed off the line, from the corner a Fontaine shot was cleared off the line.

In the last few minutes United had a great chance but Clarke somehow missed the goals from a few yards out. 

Dundee: Legzdins, Daley-Campbell (McGhee 57), Sweeney, Fontaine, Kerr, Adam (c) (Rudden 61), Byrne, McMullan, Anderson, McGinn (McCowan 61), Mullen (Chapman 87). Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), McDaid, Mulligan, Elliott, Robertson.

Att: 11,273

Referee: John Beaton

Transfer Window Update and Other News

Dundee have signed Vontae Daley-Campbell on loan from Leicester City. Right back Vontae started his career in the youth set up with Arsenal before moving to Leicester in 2019.

Highly rated, he has represented England from under 16s level through to under 19s. He signs on loan until the end of the 2021/22 season and will wear squad number 22.

Zak Rudden has joined the club as  early after Dundee done a deal with Partick Thistle. Alex Jakubiak has today signed a contract extension with the club and joined Partick Thistle on a loan deal until the end of the season.