Motherwell 2, Dundee 3, Fir Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 29-April-17

In Neil McCann's first game in charge he made  three changes Wighton, Gomis and Ross coming in for Kerr, Higgins and El Bahktaoui. Dundee started with a 4-4-2 system with Paul McGowan upfront with Marcus Haber.

Motherwell started the better team and earned a few corner's but the Dundee defence done well and Scott Bain was active and came for crosses which was good to see. Dundee did have a couple of corners but they came to nothing.

But as half time was approaching Dundee scored again the run of play. Kevin Holt fired in a cross into the Motherwell box and Haber and Samson went up for it at the back post. Luckily for Dundee Samson parried it straight to Mark O'Hara who smashed it into the net from six yards to give the Dark Blues the lead. Motherwell would have felt if they were mugged but the big Dundee supporters enjoyed the vital opening goal.

With news at half-time that Hamilton were getting beat 2-0 it was good to hear.

Dundee went 2-0 up four minutes into the second half with a well worked goal,
Kevin Holt ran into the Motherwell box along the by line and when he cut the ball back to O’Hara who shot was blocked before it fell to Marcus Haber who stabbed it into the net.

Motherwell pulled one back minutes later after Bain had done well to tip a Frear cross from the right over the bar. When the corner came over it fell to Moult at the back post and he fired the ball into the roof of then net from a tight angle.

Dundee were quick to restore their two goal when on 56 minutes Craig Wighton chipped a lovely ball in from the left and Mark O’Hara stooped to head it home but with Samson looking like he might save it, the ball hit Marcus Haber on the knee and deflected into the net.

Motherwell scored again with 10 minutes to go when Cadden scored from close range to make it 3-2, just before it Hateley had knocked one off the line when it looked over but the linesman kept his flag down.

Dundee put on subs to run down the clock to the delight of the big Dundee support. With 4 games to go it's a vital win but we need to keep it going with all roads leading to Kilmarnock next week.

Dundee: Bain, Holt, Vincent, O’Dea, Hateley, O’Hara (Higgins 81’),  Ross (El Bahktaoui 84’), McGowan, Haber, Wighton (Williams 63’), Gomis. Subs:  Mitchell, El Bahktaoui, Ojamaa, Gadzhalov, Smith

Ref: Steven McLean

Att: 4,919

Some Photos From The Hamilton Game....

Neil McCann

Well that was a shock never seen this happening, a brave decision by the board. I seen Neil's interview last night and liked what he said. One thing for sure he knows what the club means to the fans. He was a good player and had a good career winning all the major cups in Scotland also winning 26 caps for Scotland.  Below is the statement from Dundee FC... 

Dundee Football Club is delighted to announce that Neil McCann has been appointed Interim Manager until the end of the 2016/17 season.

Neil enjoyed a successful playing career which both started and ended at Dens Park. He played North and South of the border winning all the major domestic trophies in Scotland.

The new Interim boss holds his UEFA Pro Licence and has coaching experience from his time at Dunfermline, he has also has obtained a great knowledge and experience of the game and the current Dens squad through his work with Sky Sports.

We’ll have more from Neil after this evening’s press conference.

My View

On Paul Hartley I think with the run of results the board had little choice but to make a change. It's a pity because we had some good times. Likely losing Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings did not help , but the management team had time to plan for it.

Also too many players came in and did very little either not good enough or they were given little chance to shine. Also with games I seen the tactics were not spot on and we were not able to change games when we went behind.

Anyway time to move on and I wish Paul Hartley all the best for the future I think he was a hard working  guy and some club will get a good manager in time.

Paul Hartley

Below is the statement from Dundee FC regarding Paul Hartley:

Dundee Football Club have this afternoon relieved manager Paul Hartley of his duties. 

Paul took charge of the club in February 2014. He took the club to the SPFL Championship title before clinching a top six finish in our first season back in the top flight.

Last season after missing out on the top six on the final day, the club went on to finish 8th in the top division.

The club currently sit 11th in the Premiership table and the Board of Directors feel a change is needed ahead of five vital matches between now and the end of the season.

Managing Director John Nelms is currently addressing the players and staff and the club will release a further update shortly.

John Nelms said, “I want to thank Paul for his time with the club. Unfortunately, the business we are in, sometimes change is necessary to achieve the goals we have set. I think somebody in the near future is going to get a good hard working manager.”

Below is Paul Hartley's statement :

Dundee 0, Hamilton Accies 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 15-April-17

Dundee's poor home record continued at home against bottom six rivals Hamilton where the visitors ran out 2-0 winners in a pretty poor game. Dundee made two changes. Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Craig Wighton started, with Henrik Ojamaa and Mark O’Hara moving onto the bench.

They started okay and were unlucky in a couple of attacks with Haber and Bakhtaoui going close, as most teams this season Hamilton looked dangerous on the break and took the lead after 31 minutes with a penalty when a clumsy challenge from Hateley gave the Referee a easy decision,  D’Acol  scored with ease to give Accies the vital first goal. Dundee did play okay in the first half but lack the cutting edge in the final third. 

Second half was pretty poor and the loss of Cammy Kerr due to a shocking tackle on the young player which in my view should have been a red card. It did not help the team as they struggled to keep and pass the ball.  

Hamilton sealed the points when a cross into the Dundee six yard box was totally not defended well  enough and Devlin headed home with ease. Poor goal to lose and it has happened so often this season.

Dundee have 5 games to save our League Status and at the moment it does not look good.

Dundee: Bain,  Higgins, O’Dea, Holt,  Hateley, Vincent (O’Hara 66), McGowan, Kerr (Ojamaa 69)
El Bakhtaoui, Haber, Wighton. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Ross, Gadzhalov, Gomis, Smith.

Att: 6,489.

Ref: John Beaton.

Marc Klok leaves Dens....

Dundee Football Club can confirm that Marc Klok has left the club by mutual consent. Marc signed in January and made two appearances for the club against Inverness Caley Thistle and Kilmarnock.

The club would like to thank Marc for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.

My view is he was either not good enough  or was not fit enough to play more games than he done. Another strange signing for the club.

Hearts 1, Dundee 0, Tynecastle Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 08-April-17

Dundee fell to their seventh defeat in a row as Hearts ran out winners by 1 goal to nil in what was a scrappy game. Dundee made two changes Daniel Higgins made his first team debut, with Tom Hateley coming in for the suspended Danny Williams who had been sent off at Dingwall in the final minute. Kevin Gomis dropped to the bench.

Hearts took the lead after 13 minutes when sloppy play from Dundee allowed Cowie to find  Goncalves who skipped past McGowan and slot the ball home despite the best efforts of O'Dea on the line to keep it out.

Dundee came close when a Hateley freekick was touched onto the post by the Hearts keeper, and down the other end Scott Bain had a couple of decent stops to keep Hearts from extending their lead.

Much the same vein in  the second half and Dundee had a great chance when slack play from the Hearts defence let Craig Wighton through on goal but the young striker scuffed his shot wide and the chance was going.

Hearts likely deserved the win in what was a scrappy game with few chances for both sides.

Dundee now have six Cup Finals where they need  to get points if they are going to stay in the league. Starting with Hamilton at Dens next Saturday.

Dundee: Bain,  Higgins, O’Dea, Holt,  Hateley, O’Hara, Vincent, McGowan, Kerr,  Ojamaa (Wighton 58), Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Ross, Dryden, Ian Smith, Kevin Gomis.

Att: 16,304

Ref: C Allan

Ross County 2, Dundee 1, Gobal Energy Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 04-April-17

Dundee lost 2-1 to Ross County on Tuesday after coming back from the set back of being a goal down after 6 minutes when Tim Chow put the home side ahead. Manager Paul Hartley made three  changes to the side that lost to Aberdeen. In Marcus Haber, Danny Williams and Henrik Ojamaa.  Tom Hateley and Nick Ross dropped onto the bench and Faissal El Bakhtaoui was injured.

Going by reports County were slightly the better side , but Dundee drew level just on half-time when Ojamaa was pushed in the box and Darren O'Dea scored from the spot.

Second half and both team struggled to play any decent football, but it was County who grabbed the points when they got a last minute penalty it looked a bit soft but sadly for the dark blues Boyce scored from the kick.

Dundee: Bain, Gomis, O’Dea, Holt,  Kerr, O’Hara, Vincent, McGowan, Williams,  Ojamaa (Wighton 61), Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Hateley, Ross, Klok, Higgins.

Att: 2,819

Ref: J Beaton

Dundee 0, Aberdeen 7, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 31-March-17

Dundee were hammered by Aberdeen on Friday night going down by a score line of 7 goals to nil. Manager Paul Hartley went with one forward upfront, Marcus Haber was injured and Henrik Ojamaa was left on the bench after returning from international duty with Estonia. Nick Ross and Faissal El Bakhtaoui started in their place.

Dundee did start alright but as soon as The Dons scored their first goal on 16 minutes the whole team struggled to get to grips with a fast flowing Aberdeen side who went on to score three more goals before halftime, many Dundee fans were gone at half-time.

Just five minutes into the second half and it was 5-0 another poor goal to lose and at least Dundee had a shot at goals with efforts from El Bakhtaoui and Ojamaa who had come on at half-time. Sadly for the Dark Blues the dons went on to score twice more before the final whistle.

I stayed to the end and was totally shell shocked to have seen this big defeat, the team have been poor for a lot of games this season , so I can only hope that they find the fighting spirit needed to stay in the league. It will come down to what Dundee do and it will be a massive game at Dingwall this coming midweek.

I will miss the game due to work but will be able to see eight out of the last nine games. I will back my team during this and the players must step up to the challenge ahead.

Dundee: Bain, Kerr, O’Dea (c), Gomis, Holt,  Hateley (Ojamaa at half time), McGowan,  O’Hara, Vincent, Ross (Wighton at half time),  El Bakhtaoui. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Williams, Klok, Higgins.

Att: 7,314

Ref: A Muir

More Photos

Andrew watching the game.

Alexander is too young to go to Dens Park yet but he likes wearing the colours

Dundee 1, Celtic 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-March-17

Dundee entertained league leaders at Dens Park on Sunday where the Glasgow side ran out winners by a score line of 2-1. The Dark Blues made two changes to the team that lost in Perth; Kevin Gomis and Tom Hateley came in for Kosta Gadzhalov and Craig Wighton, who were on the bench.

Celtic started well and pushed Dundee back and only good defending kept them from scoring, Dundee did little attacking wise but Haber was just offside in a flowing move.

As the first half came to a close Celtic won three corners in quick succession. From the second Paul McGowan stopped  Boyata’s header on the goal-line. But when the third corner was cleared, Stuart Armstrong found James Forrest, wide on the right. Forrest recovered from Cammy Kerr’s challenge to cross for  SIMUNOVIC, whose slightly mishit half volley from 12 yards deflected off Kevin Gomis and Scott Bain just couldn’t keep the ball out.

It was tough on Dundee as the players all worked hard to try and get to half-time still level.

Early in the second half Kevin Holt had a free kick saved by Gordon in the Celtic goal. But then Celtic went 2-0 up with a well worked goal, Forrest got to the byline and his cross was headed home by Armstrong to likely seal the three points.

Celtic was a bit slack n midfield and moments later Tierney gifted possession to Paul McGowan who raced forward and set up Marcus Haber, who had only Gordon to beat. From 16 yards the Canadian international sent his shot narrowly wide. It was a really good chance which we need to take.

After 74 minutes Faissal El Bakhtaoui replaced Henrik Ojamaa, and within a minute he scored a goal of stunning quality. Mark O’Hara took a quick free kick on the half way line. He played it short to EL BAKHTAOUI, who spun away from Boyata and raced for goal. Before the Celtic defence had the chance to close him down he hit an unstoppable shot over Gordon and into the top corner from 25 yards.

Dundee battled away to try and get a draw but Celtic played the ball into the corners to run down the clock.

The whole team battled well today and gave their best, best again for me was Cammy Kerr.

Dundee: Bain, Kerr, O’Dea, Gomis, Holt,  O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent (Wighton 59), Hateley (Ross 68), Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 74).  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Williams, Klok, Gadzhalov.

Att: 8,968

Ref: W Collum

More Photos

St Johnstone 2, Dundee 0, McDiarmid Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 11-March-17

Dundee made the short trip to Perth for this very important games to see if Dundee could mount a challenge for a top six place. But sadly for the Dark Blue fans who turned up in good numbers as the team lost 2-0 to a well organised St Johnstone side.

Team wise only one forced change Gadzhalov for the injured  Etxabeguren , the Saints started well and Dundee struggled to get going with plenty pressure on the defence. The midfield looked slow and gave the ball away too much.

The after 11 minutes a long ball found Cummins wide in the penalty area, and he headed back into a gaping space in the centre of the penalty area for  PATON to run in and head past Bain. Seven minutes later another long ball was headed on by MacLean for ALSTON to run on and score with a fierce, low shot from 18 yards.

Dundee had plenty of the ball but no cutting edge and were lucky just to be 2-0 down at half-time.

Dundee did attack at the start of the second half but the only chance they had was a good effort for Vincent which forced Saints keeper to parry the ball away to safety. Saints did have a few chances to totally kill the game but messed them up.

El Bakhatoui came on for Ojamaa 10 minutes after the interval, and  Williams replaced Wighton for the last 20 minutes. El Bakhtaoui connected cleanly with a Williams’ free kick but his goalbound volley spun off a defender and wide. That was with around 10 minutes to go, Perth Saints held on comfortably to claim all three points.

Best for Dundee today was Cammy Kerr and James Vincent. For me as a fan it was a good day out round the pubs before the game  with my Brother Dougie and we met up with David King and his two sons Stuart and Callum.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gadzhalov, O’Dea , Holt,  O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent, Wighton (Williams 72),  Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 55), Haber. Unused Subs: Ferrie , Hateley, Ross, Klok, Gomis.

Att: 4,195

Ref: Andrew Dallas.

Dundee 0, Partick Thistle 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 01-March-17

Dundee missed a big chance to move further away from the bottom sides in the league, when a poor performance led to home defeat to Partick Thistle.

Dundee were able to name the same side as from the last two games and they started brightly moving the ball about well. Thistle always looked dangerous on the break and they took the lead when Darren O'Dea was challenged by  Doolan's from behind landed him on the turf. The Thistle striker then took possession and hit a fierce low cross to the near post where the ball cannoned off Julen Etxabeguren and into the net. It did settle Thistle and they never gave Dundee time to settle on the ball.

Second half and Dundee did play better but did not force the Thistle keeper into many saves apart late on when he saved well from a James Vincent shot.  Julen Etxabeguren had to go off after suffering a bad injury and had to leave on a stretcher and Kosta Gadzhalov came on to replace the Spanish defender.

Dundee sent on Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Danny Williams to replace Henrik Ojamaa and Craig Wighton, who had struggled to get into the game. El Bakhtaoui had a shot which was just wide of the post as time ran out.

Dundee did struggled tonight against a strong Partick Thistle side who deserved the win on the night, The Jags have beaten Dundee on all three games this season and have played well at the two games I have seen. No game this week so next game is a week on Saturday when we play St Johnstone away.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren (Gadzhalov 68), O’Dea, Holt,  O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent, Wighton (Williams 68),  Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 64), Haber. Unused Subs: Gourlay , Hateley, Ross, Gomis.

Att: 5,328

Ref: John Beaton

More Photos..............

Motherwell 1, Dundee 5, Fir Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 25-February-17

Dundee produced a first half display at Fir Park you can only dream about, scoring 5 goals to sweep Motherwell out of sight. Manager Paul Hartley was able to name the same side that beat Rangers last Sunday.

They started well and put Motherwell under pressure and they got a wee break when a high ball was knocked back in the box, it was headed into his own net by defender Zak Jules with keeper Samson in no mans land. Motherwell did level when Moult fired home after his first attempt was blocked.

Dundee just kept playing one touch football and were rewarded when Marcus Haber turned neatly in the box to fire Dundee back into the lead, Mark O'Hara scored soon after great build up to put Dundee 3-1 up and well in command of the game.

The fourth goal came soon after good play by Ojamma and cut back found Craig Wighton smashed the ball home to send the Dundee fans wild with delight. Then right on half-time a great cross from Wighton to back post was headed home by Marcus Haber to totally stun Fir Park.

Happy Andrew at Half-time

Second half was always going to a bit tight with Motherwell digging in a wee bit with Dundee making sure they don't concede any goals. They did have a few efforts on goals on the break but could not add to the goal tally. Motherwell did force Scott Bain into two good saves and O'Dea cleared one off his own post. Dundee did give all the available  subs a wee run out as we finished the game comfy with the points safely in the bag.

A great three points for the club and it sets us for the game against Partick Thistle at Dens on Wednesday.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea, Holt,  O’Hara (Williams 62), McGowan, Vincent, Wighton (El Bakhtaoui 87),  Ojamaa (Hateley 82), Haber. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Ross, Gadzhalov, Gomis.

Att: 4,002

Ref: Stephen Finnie.

More photos....

Dundee 2, Rangers 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-February-17

Manager Paul Hartley made three changes to the line up which faced Kilmarnock last week. In came Julen Etxabeguren, James Vincent and Craig Wighton, replacing Kevin Gomis, Kosta Gadzhalov and Tom Hateley, who were all on the bench. It was a more attacking formation 4-4-2 one I'm more happy watching.

Dundee started well and O'Hara could have headed the dee ahead in the firs few minutes his header just going wide after a fast flowing move. Dundee seemed well up for the game giving the Rangers players little time on the ball.

On 12 minutes Dundee took the lead with a well taken goal, a sweeping move involving Wighton and Ojamaa and Henrik's  cross was smashed home by Mark O'Hara for a tremendous  goal to sent dens park wild with delight.

Rangers struggled as Dundee kept pressing them and the only effort was from Kenny Miller but Bain saved easily at his post. Five minutes from half-time and it was 2-0 Kevin Holt fired home a free kick after O'Hara had been fouled. Minutes later Haber almost made it 3-0 shooting wide from 10 yards.

Just after the second goal

My son Andrew happy with the half-time score 

 Second half and Dundee started well again with the midfielders strong in the tackle and helping the defence out when needed. But against the run of play Garner pulled one back for the visitors when he shot home from the edge of the box. But it made little difference to the flow of the game.

O’Hara burst past Hodson on the right and ran along the byline, but he couldn’t find Haber with his cutback. O’Hara was then unfortunate not to win a penalty when he seemed to be tripped as he went past Wilson. I0 minutes from time and Danny Williams came on for Herik Ojamaa as Dundee  put on fresh legs to see the game out.

Wighton and Vicent had good efforts saved by the Rangers keeper as Dundee finished the game strongly. At the final whistle the happy Dundee fans applauded the players off the pitch they fully deserved this today with the performance of the season so far.

Dundee: Bain, Kerr, Etxabeguren, O’Dea, Holt,  O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent, Wighton,  Ojamaa (Williams 80), Haber. Unused Subs: Gourlay, Hateley, Ross, El Bakhtaoui, Gadzhalov, Gomis.

Att: 9,017

Ref: Craig Thomson.

Dundee 1, Kilmarnock 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 11-February-17

Dundee earned a point with a 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock at Dens, Kosta Gadzhalov came in for Julen Etxabeguren as the only change to the Dundee line-up. 

Kilmarnock took the lead after just 9 minutes when a long ball played in Kris Boyd and he knocked the ball past Scott Bain and despite the efforts of Kevin Gomis the ball ended in the net. Dundee had struggled to get going with too many passes going astray.

Mark O'Hara had a good chance after breaking forward but his shot was too close to the keeper. But on 27 minutes Kevin Holt levelled matters when the Killie keeper got caught in no mans land and the defender slotted home for a fine goal.

Dundee had a few chances before half-time, a low drive from 20 yards by Henrik Ojamaa was heading inside the keepers post, until he made a fine save to tip the ball wide. Another break ended with Paul McGowan shooting wide after Marcus Haber’s header had struck a defender.

Second half and both sides had chances but not clear cut, Marcus Haber headed over and Henrik Ojamaa had a shot cleared. Scott Bain had a couple of good saves to keep Dundee in the game. Last 20 minutes Dundee changed to 4-4-2 with Wighton coming on for Gomis.

The closest they came to was a Kosta Gadzhalov header at the back post was blocked by the Kilmarnock keeper's legs.

So in the end a draw was a fair result as Dundee did not play well enough to win the game.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis (Wighton 72), Gadzhalov, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley (Klok 66), O’Hara, McGowan, Holt,  Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 85), Haber. Unused Subs: Ferrie, Vincent, Williams, Ross.

Att: 4,708.

Ref: Alan Muir.


I was very lucky on winning the second prize on the half-time draw, the winnings have been put towards this years holiday. Cheers DFC

Inverness Photos...

Not great photos but it was good for my son Andrew to keep his unbeaten run going at Inverness CT, it was also wonderful of Inverness Caley Thistle to give Andrew a free ticket for the game as they asked how old he was. Andrew is 4 years old so well done ICT. We as a family my wife Carmie, my  other son Alexander enjoyed our over night stay in Inverness.

Inverness Caley Thistle 2, Dundee 2, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 04-February-17

Dundee travelled up to the Highlands with a fit squad looking to end their dreadful record at ICT. Paul Hartley made three changes with Darren O’Dea returned from suspension, Kevin Holt was available after being injured last week and Henrik Ojamaa came in for his debut.

Dundee started well and they knocked the ball about well and looked dangerous on the break. But the did have a scare when a header from Carl Tremarco hit the post. Scott Bain then made a great save to foil ICT again, but Dundee began to settled and opened the scoring on 36 minutes.

Kevin Holt burst infield from the left wing, pulling home players out of position. He found  Hateley in space and he swept the ball out to Kerr, who had time to swing over a perfect cross for Marcus Haber to score with a close range header at the far post. Then right on half-time Dundee got their second goal when Darren O'Dea headed home a Hateley corner.

So 2-0 up at the break it was looking good for the dark blues at half-time.

Dundee started the second half pressing the home defence, but  Caley Thistle broke and put Dundee under pressure from one of the corners the referee spotted  Etxabeguren pushing McKay and pointed to the spot. McKay took the penalty himself and rolled the ball home with Bain going the wrong way.

Dundee responded well and almost scored immediately. Henrik Ojamaa played the ball across goal and Paul McGowan fired against the post from eight yards. Just after the hour Caley Thistle had a controversial escape when Mark O’Hara showed neat skill to beat Tremarco on the right and run along the byline. His cross was met on the volley by Ojamaa, but Gary Warren managed to scoop the ball away, with the Dundee players claiming it had already crossed the goalline. Tom Hateley sent his follow up shot past the post.

As play swept from end to end only a fine double save by Scott Bain kept the Dee in the lead after Billy King’s cut back. First he blocked Ross Draper’s shot and then Iain Vigurs’ follow up. Within a minute Dundee should have put the game out of Caley Thistle’s reach when Ojamaa sent McGowan clear, but with only the keeper to beat the Dee midfielder sent his shot over the bar.

Dundee were looking dangerous on the break, but gave away a soft penalty when there seemed no real danger. Etxabeguren misjudged a high ball and clumsily came over the top of Henri Anier as they jumped. McKay sent his second spot kick exactly the same way as his first, but this time Scott Bain pulled off a great low save.

With 12 minutes left were again caught out in the wind when a long ball allowed Billy McKay ran clear. Bain saved his shot, but  Tansey followed up to equalise.

Both teams tried to win it in the final minutes with a Klok free kick being blocked by the Caley Thistle wall. Soon after the final whistle blew to end the game. It was 2 points dropped today and it felt like a defeat, but at least they created chances to seal the game in the second half.

Next week it the Kilmarnock game at Dens we need a win that is very vital in the dogfight at the bottom six at the moment.

Dundee: Bain,  Etxabeguren, Gomis, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley (Klok 83), O’Hara, McGowan, Holt
Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 85), Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Vincent, Williams, Ross, Wighton.

Att: 2,606.

Ref: Nick Walsh.

Loan Deal Update............

Dundee completed the signings of Henrik Ojamaa on loan from Go Ahead Eagles until the end of the season. He started his career at Derby County at the age of 16, he later played in Germany and Finland  before joining Motherwell in 2012. His form earned a move to Polish champions Legia Warsaw.
He had a spell back on loan with Motherwell before joining Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 also on loan. In 2015, he joined Swindon Town and spent time in Austria before signing for Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles in the summer. He has earned 25 caps for his country Estonia

Also joining Dundee is Midfielder  Marc Klok. The Dutch midfielder Marc has impressed during a trial with the club. He has experience of Scottish football already having spent the 2013/14 season with Ross County.
After leaving the highland club he signed for Cherno More in Bulgaria and was with them for two years before joining Oldham Athletic in League One in the summer. Marc has joined up until the end of the season.

Michael Duffy has went back to Celtic after his loan deal ran out, and Yordi Teijsse has joined German side Wuppertaler SV on loan until the end of the season. Wuppertaler SV play in German Regionalliga West.

Young player Matty Smyth has joined Arbroath on a development loan until the end of the season.

Aberdeen 3, Dundee 0, Pittodrie, Ladbrokes Premiership, 27-January-17

Dundee lost 3-0 in what seemed to be a one sided game which the hosts were much better in all departments. Dundee did hit the bar early on when a cheeky lob from McGowan rattled the bar, but that was about Dundee could muster chance wise.

Aberdeen took the when Jack scored with a six yard header, then right on half time McGinn scored the second with a well taken volley from 25 yards off the post and in. Scott Bain kept Dundee in it with a string of fine saves.

McGinn scored again with a header to totally seal the game for the Dons. So again Dundee struggle to get going. I just hope we manage to get some players in before the deadline.

Dundee: Bain,  Etxabeguren (El Bakhtaoui 68), Gomis, Gadzhalov,  O’Hara, Hateley, Ross, McGowan (c), Kerr,  Wighton, Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Duffy, Williams, Waddell.

Att: 10,512.

Ref: Kevin Clancy.

Dundee 0, St Mirren 2, Dens Park, Scottish Cup 4th Round, 21-January-17

Dundee sadly kept up their woeful record in The Scottish Cup losing to struggling St Mirren at Dens Park on Saturday. Manager Paul Hartley started with same team which beat St Johnstone 3-0 before the winter break.

Marcus Haber could have put Dundee 1 nil up after just a few minutes but the striker hit the post from a tight angle. After that Dundee seemed to struggle to get going with their moves lacking pace and any cutting edge. St Mirren took the lead when John Sutton fired home after the ball broke kindly. Dundee did force the Buddies keeper into a couple of saves and Haber should have scored with a header.

Second half and only a couple minutes gone a slip from Wighton let St Mirren get into the box and Jack Baird scored with a fine finish to leave Dundee with a mountain to climb, and sadly it was one which was too high for the Dens Park Club. Hartley put on two subs which made them worse instead of improving the team.

After this defeat The Players and Manager have to have a long look at themselves as this kind of form will only lead us into a Relegation Dogfight which this current team does not have much fight about them.😠

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Holt,  Hateley (Williams 57), McGowan (c),  El Bakhtaoui (Duffy 57), O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Vincent, Ross, Curran, Gomis

Ref: B Madden

Att: 3,622

News From Dens....

Striker Marcus Haber has signed for two more years at DFC. It's very good news as Marcus has done really well in his short time at the club.

As Expected Rory Loy has joined St Mirren on loan until the end of the season.

Rumour has it that striker Rory Loy is set to go out on loan to St Mirren, also Michael Duffy is expected to return to Celtic when  his loan deal runs out.

Arbroath 0 Dundee 2, Gayfield, Friendly, 10-January-17

Dundee beat Arbroath 2-0 at Gayfield last night in a friendly, manager Paul Hartley used most of his squad and field nearly two different teams for each half. It was the second half until the visitor finally scored when Marcus Haber headed home after good wing play from El Bakhtaoui.

Dundee scored the second with 6 minutes remaining when a quick throw in from Hateley found Haber and his pass let Craig  Wighton score at the back post. Arbroath made Dundee work for this win. It will be a good work out for the players.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis, O’Dea (c), Holt,  McGowan, Ross, Vincent, Williams,  Duffy, Teijsse

Second Half: Mitchell,  Kerr, Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Williams (Curran 56),  Hateley, Low
El Bakhtaoui, O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber

Dundee 3 St Johnstone 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 31-December-16

Dundee finished the year with a fine 3-0 win over Tayside rivals St Johnstone, they got off to the perfect start when good play from Etxabegerun, O’Hara and  McGowan quickly switched play forward to Haber wide on the right. The striker's cross was hit home by El Bakhtaoui to the delight of the home fans. The second goal came when  Hateley’s free kick was cleared only as far as  McGowan who knocked it back into the penalty area. Haber played a delightful pass with his chest to Gadzhalov who smashed the ball home for a wonderful goal.

St Johnstone did hit the bar and missed a couple of chance, but at half-time the Dundee fans will be happy.

Then on 56 minutes great tackle from O’Hara he got on his feet and played Hateley into space who drove a cross into the box and Anderson knocked the ball into his own net under pressure from Haber to put the Dee 3-0 up and seal the three points.

Afterwards both sides had chances but both keepers were up to form and saved well.

I missed the game due to work and was really happy when I got the score at 5pm.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Holt,  Hateley, McGowan,  El Bakhtaoui, O’Hara, Wighton,  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, Williams, Ross, Curran, Waddell.

Att: 6,492

Ref: Don Robertson.

Partick Th 2 Dundee 0, Firhill, Ladbrokes Premiership, 28-December-16

Dundee lost 2-0 to Partick Thistle from the highlights that I have seen the team fought well enough but failed to create anything and The jags well deserved the victory two first half goals from Booth and Doolan right on half time.

It was a disappointing result and the team need to pick themselves up for the home game next against local  Tayside rivals St Johnstone.

Dundee: Bain, Etxabeguren (Loy 78), Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, Vincent (El Bakhtaouji 57), McGowan, Holt,  Haber, Wighton. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Williams, Ross, Curran, Gomis.

Att: 3,758.

Ref: Alan Muir.

Dundee 3 Hearts 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 23-December-16

More to follow

Celtic 2 Dundee 1, Parkhead, Ladbrokes Premiership, 17-December-16

Dundee lost 2-1 at Parkhead in a game wher they might have snatched a draw after a late fight back.
Griffith put Celtic ahead right on half time with a well taken free kick it looked a bit soft free kick and O'Dea looked to have won the ball. Dundee had chances in the first half with Hateley and Holt going close with efforts.

The home side doubled their lead early in the second half. when Bitton scored after Holt had cleared off the line the Celtic player scored from 20 yards. Dundee managed to pull one back with 20 minutes to go. Marcus Haber was played in by O'Hara and the striker's shot was deflected into the net to give the visitors hope.

Dundee kept attacking and should have scored when El Bahktaoui was clean through but somehow put his shot over the bar to the anquist of the Dundee fans.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis, Gadzhalov, O'Dea, Holt,  Wighton, Hateley (El Bakhtaoui 86), Vincent, Williams (O’Hara 63),  Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Etxabeguren, Ross, Curran.

Dundee 0, Ross County 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 10-December-16

More to follow

Kilmarnock 2 Dundee 0, Rugby Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 03-December-16

More to follow

Scottish Cup Update............

Dundee will play St Mirren at Dens after the Paisley side beat Spartans 5-1 at New St Mirren Park last night. The game will be played on the 21st Of January 2017

Dundee 2, Inverness CT 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-November-16

Dundee ended a long hodoo over highland outfit Inverness Caley Thistle with a fine 2-1 victory. Before this Dundee only managed one win in the last 20 games, with ten draws and nine defeats. Not a good record at all.

Dundee stared brightly and played some good link up play, ICT looked dangerous as well going forward but found the Dundee rear guard in good form. Dundee took the lead in the 25th minute when Craig Wighton took a pass from Hateley drifted into the box and curled a beauty past the ICT keeper to send Dens Park wild. A truly wonderful goal from the young striker it settled Dundee down and they should have had a penalty when Wighton was tripped in the box but Dallas failed to give it.

With My Brother Before Kick-Off

Second half and again Dundee looked good when attacking and forced the ICT keeper into a couple of good saves, but on 57 minutes he was finally beaten when Kosta Gadzhalov headed home a Hateley cross. Dundee were on top now and McGowan forced the keeper into making a couple of great blocks to keep the score down.

But with 9 minutes to go ICT scored when Tremarco  headed home, a poor goal to lose and Scott Bain looked a bit slow in trying to stop it. The main thing is that managed to hang on to claim the three points.

It moved the club into seventh place so much better than being bottom, it's a very tight league with any club going on a run of wins will climb the table.

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent (williams 63), Holt,  Haber (Etxabeguren 89), Wighton. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, El Bakhtaoui, Curran.
Att: 5,094

Ref: A Dallas.

Rangers 1, Dundee 0, Ibrox Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-November-16

Dundee came close to earning a point at Ibrox, but Rangers scored in the third minute of injury time to seal the three points. Going by reports the home side had a lot of the ball. But Dundee had a few chance and Hateley was unlucky with two free kicks in either half. Vincent went close as well.

Scott Bain had a few saves but nothing serious, until the winner when a hopeful punt into the box ended with Forrester directing his header home.

So with Inverness CT next up at Dens next Saturday the signs are that the team are playing well enough for us to take the three points.

Dundee: Bain, Gomis, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent, Holt,  Haber , (Williams 90), Wighton (El Bakhtaoui 78). Unused subs: Mitchell, Loy, Duffy, Etxabeguren, Ross.

Att: 48,733

Ref: W Collum.

Motherwell Photos

From Left to Right: Dougie, Paul, George, Ben and Myself

Dundee 2, Motherwell 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 05-November-16

Dundee played hosts to the steel men of Motherwell who had a good result last week beating Ross County. Manager Paul Hartley make only one change to Dundee’s starting line up was Kevin Gomis replacing Julen Etxabeguren.

Dundee started well and striker  Wighton created an early chance when he took Haber’s flick, held possession superbly and found Cammy Kerr who hammered a low, angled shot just past the far post. It was close as Dundee continued to dominate play. But Motherwell sprung to life and Mitchell pushed a coner against his bar.

Then the Dundee keeper had a massive let off after 20 minutes a simple cross but Mitchell seemed to stumble and his feet landed behind the line the far side lines man never flagged to the horror of the Well fans behind the goal. To be fair it looked in from where l was sitting, and l sent a text to my Motherwell mate George at half-time to say it looked over the line.

The Dark Blues took the lead six minutes before the interval with a goal that summed up their performance. Scott McDonald had the ball on the half way line, but Cammy Kerr brushed him aside and galloped forward. On the edge of the penalty area he slipped Craig Wighton in to shoot, but Craig Samson stuck out a foot to save. The ball fell kindly for Cammy Kerr to hammer the ball home for his first goal for the club in the league.

Dundee started the second half very well and the Motherwell keeper had to make good saves from a Haber header which he tipped onto the bar then Holt and Wighton went close with good efforts. But Dundee sealed the three points when great wing play from Wighton and as burst into the box he passed to Marcus Haber to blast home from 10 yards.

Motherwell did have a wee spell of play but could not take their chances, so it a happy Dundee support heading home after the game. The whole team played well and a special performance from Craig Wighton who was the sponsors MOM well deserved from what l had seen.

Dundee: Mitchell,  Gomis (Williams 56 ), Gadzhalov, O’Dea,  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan, Vincent, Holt,  Haber, Wighton. Unused Subs: Bain, Low, Loy, Duffy, Ross, Teijsse.

Att: 5,471

Ref: John Beaton.

Hamilton Accies 0, Dundee 1, The Super Seal Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 29-October-16

Dundee came back from Hamilton with three well earned points thanks to a goal from Paul McGowan after 61 minutes. They were the better side over the ninety minutes and fully deserved the vital win.

Dundee played a 4-4-2 system which worked well, and the midfield really got stuck in and never gave Accies a chance to settle. David Mitchell was in goals after Scott Bain was ruled out with a groin injury. Julen Etxabeguren and Kosta Gadzhalov started at back for the dark blues with Craig Wighton and James Vicent coming in for Danny Williams and Rory Loy.

Hamilton had a spell in the first half but they never troubled the Dundee goalie, Wighton had a great chance but put his effort wide of the goal. The young striker should have done better, Etxabeguren was unlucky with a header which just missed the target.

Second half and Dundee pushed forward at every opportunity and it paid off after 61 minutes when the ball was knocked down to Paul McGowan who hit a low shot up the middle of the goal, it some how ended in the net after Marcus Haber dummied over to leave Woods helpless.

Dundee fought for everything and fully deserved the clean sheet. It was greeted by happy Dundee fans at full time. I though Hateley had his best game for the club, but the whole team played well the defence looked solid and midfield fought for everything with the strikers worked hard for the team.

Dundee: Mitchell,  Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, O’Dea (c),  Kerr, Hateley, McGowan (Ross 77), Vincent, Holt,  Haber (Teijsse 90+1), Wighton. Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Loy, Duffy, Williams, Smyth.

Att: 1,853.

Ref: Stephen Finnie.

Dundee 0, Partick Thistle 2, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-October-16

Dundee lost 2-0 at home to Partick Thistle who fully deserved the win, scoring a goal in each half. New striker Marcus Haber made his debut in which was a tough one to come in to.

During the first half and Dundee struggled with Partick's long ball game and it paid off when they scored after a long ball into the box was headed home by Azeez. It looked a soft goal to lose and it gave the home side a mountain to climb in the second half. Dundee's only effort in the first half was a O'Dea header which was just wide.

It got worse on 61 minutes and it sealed the three points for the Jags,they  were handed a soft goal after 61 minutes. Kevin Holt took a short pass from Bain and was caught in possession by Azeez who rolled the ball across goal to leave Doolan with a simple chance.

That was game over and it leaves Dundee at the bottom of the league adrift now by 4 points and this was defeat no 6 in a row.

They must get their heads up for the tough trip to Hamilton on Saturday.

Dundee: Bain,  Kerr, Gomis (Gadzhalov 34), O’Dea (c), Holt,  Wighton, Hateley, McGowan, Williams (Teijsse 72),  Haber, Loy (Duffy 59). Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Vincent, Etxabeguren, Ross.

Att: 4,783

Ref: Steven McLean

St Johnstone 2, Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 23-October-16

I missed the game due to work, going by reports Dundee played okay in the first half, and had a great chance to take the lead after a great break away move play from Paul McGowan he then passed to Yordi Teijsse shot straight at the goalie from 12 yards out. It was a golden chance.

Second half and St Johnstone were the better side and scored twice, the first was a well taken volley from Anderson. The second one was a rather soft looking penalty scored by Swanson.

Although Rory Loy scored from the spot in the final minute after Teijsse was pushed going up for a header.

So another defeat for the dark blues I think they are missing Mark O'Hara who seems to be the only midfielder who goes forward. Big games follow now and we must start picking up points

Dundee: Bain,  Gomis, O’Dea (c), Holt,  Hateley (Loy 75), McGowan, Vincent, Ross (Wighton 62), Williams,  El Bakhtaoui (Duffy 41), Teijsse. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Etxabeguren, Gadzhalov, Kerr.

Att: 3,646.

Ref: Andrew Dallas.