Latest From Dens Park..........

DUNDEE have invited applications for the vacant manager's position at Dens Park following the departure of Alex Rae and will have a board meeting tomorrow to discuss likely candidates. Former Dens Park captain Barry Smith is a front-runner and could be handed the job alongside a more experienced figure like Ray Farningham. Smith is back in Scotland following a spell in Icelandic football with FC Valur and is known to want a move into coaching. The 34-year-old, who made over 300 appearances for the club, is viewed by fans as a club legend and, given the massive turnover in playing personnel since he left two years ago – only Bryan Deasley remains – he could walk into the job fresh. Smith was handed the reigns for two games in the wake of Alan Kernaghan's sacking in 2006 and remains a popular figure in the Dens boardroom. Farningham is highly regarded for overseeing a youth development programme which brought through the likes of Lee Wilkie, Gavin Rae, Steven Milne, Derek Soutar, Scott Robertson, Paul Dixon and Kevin McDonald. The ex-Forfar manager would add experience to a Smith ticket and the pair would be a popular choice among supporters. Queen of the South manager Gordon Chisholm is another who is strongly fancied. Airdrie United's Kenny Black and Steven Frail are also likely to be under consideration at Dens Park.

Dundee Sack Alex Rae

Alex Rae has been sacked as manager of Dundee after a disappointing start to their First Division promotion bid. The former Rangers, Sunderland and Wolves midfielder was relieved of his duties after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to struggling Ross County. Rae, 39, had lost support in the boardroom but was unhappy at the summer sale of top players like Kevin McDonald, who was sold to Burnley. Dundee are third bottom of Division One but remain just six points off the top. Assistant manager David Farrell will take charge of the first-team for Saturday's match against Morton in Greenock as Dundee aim to resurrect their pursuit of leaders Queen of the South.

Dundee 1 Ross County 2, Dens Park, First Division, 18/October/08

DUNDEE'S dismal form continued with a home reversal to rejuvenated Ross County. While Derek Adams' side were recording their fourth consecutive victory, Dundee have garnered three points once in their last nine matches and have slid down the table. The scoreline did not reflect the visitors' dominance, especially in the first-half. County set about commanding the opening exchanges. The front pairing of Dyron Daal and Steven Craig performed with menace but it was a more unlikely source, defender Andy Dowie, who scored the opening goal. A corner from Richard Brittain should not have caused Dundee much consternation but a failure to attack the ball let it slip through to the back post, where Dowie was lurking to nod the ball home. Then Craig produced a stunning finish to send his side two up. Richie Hart's quick break left Dundee lagging and he crossed for Craig inside the area, who, with his back to goal, managed to spin and squeeze a shot over Douglas from only a few yards. Dundee boss Alex Rae brought on Mickael Antoine-Curier and Freddy Daquin at the break and this move worked. Antoine-Curier found a goal after only 13 minutes of coming on when Davidson back-heeled the ball into his path. He broke through on Bullock and slashed a low shot into the corner. Dundee then began to come more into the game but could not gain enough momentum to find the equaliser.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale (Mearns 72), McKeown, Williams (Daquin 46), Dodds, Posniak, Deasley (Antoine-Curier 46), Davidson, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: O'Brien, Roy.
Booked: Dodds.
Att: 3,228

This has to be the worse team I have seen in 27 years, no fight and I do fear for our future in this Division, and it's only October.

Partick Th 0 Dundee 0, Firhill, First Division, 04/October/08

Dundee only capable of fielding four substitutes on the bench because of an injury crisis, almost snatched a dramatic early lead when Freddy Daquin swung over a corner from the right which was met perfectly by the head of Craig McKeown. However, Jags defender Paul Paton was well placed on the near post to clear.The injury-ravaged Dark Blues, with manager Alex Rae forced to name himself as a trialist substitute, showed a positive approach and almost capitalised on a mistake by David Rowson. Chris Pozniak put Mark Gilhaney away on the left, his cutback picking out Daquin, but the Frenchman blasted over from 16 yards.Ian McCall's Partick side gradually claimed the ascendancy and Simon Donnelly took a pass from Gary Harkins before shooting narrowly wide of Rab Douglas' right-hand post.Dundee almost broke the deadlock on the hour amidst a blaze of controversy after referee Eddie Smith allowed Mikael Antoine-Curier to break free on the right after the Dens man had clearly handled the ball.The striker found Bob Davidson in excellent position on the edge of the area but his shot was cleared off the line by Simon Storey.It was as close as either side got as the match petered out in a drab stalemate.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, Dodds, McKeown, Cowan, Daquin, Posniak, Antoine-Curier (Deasley 63), Davidson, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Mearns, O'Brien, A Trialist.
Att: 2,556
Ref: E Smith

St.Johnstone 2 Dundee 0, McDiarmid Park, First Division, 27/September/08

Dundee started with one striker upfront, a formation I don't like personally.St Johnstone enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half but were largely toothless, while Dundee did not see as much of the ball but had slightly more menace in the final third. Mickael Antoine-Curier should have put them ahead on 20 minutes when he met Freddy Daquin's free-kick inside the area but his header slipped wide. Then, on 29 minutes, referee Iain Brines made his howler. Dundee's Gary MacKenzie mis-judged a headed clearance and sent the ball spinning past Rab Douglas, his goalkeeper. To the amazement of everyone, Brines chalked the goal off for an alleged push by Martin Hardie. But St Johnstone were a team rejuvenated in the second half and a stunning goal from Sheerin split the sides on 53 minutes. With two defenders around him on the edge of Dundee's box, he spun back and forth looking for an opening before lofting a stunning shot over Douglas from 18 yards. With Dundee floundering, Milne secured the win with four minutes left, thrashing a shot beyond Douglas from 18 yards.
Dundee: Douglas, Cowan, Malone, Dodds, MacKenzie, McKeown, Daquin (McMenamin 63), Paton, Antoine-Curier, Posniak (Davidson 82), Gilhaney, McMenamin (O'Brien 90). Subs Not Used: Mearns, Roy.
Att: 4,307
Ref: I Brines
A poor result for Dundee, playing with just one striker is just too negative for me, as today St.Johnstone were not great shakes. I just hope that Dundee can get a win at Firhill on Saturday, we badly need one now before the gap at the top gets even bigger..

Dundee Sign Rhian Dodds....

Dundee have signed Rhian Dodds on loan from Kilmarnock, he should go straight into the midfield for this Saturday's vital game at Perth. He has played 31 times for Killie, but has not played since last December.

More Injury Woe For Dark Blues

Dundee midfielder Colin Cameron won’t play again this year after it was confirmed he needs surgery to repair damaged knee ligaments. Cameron was carried off during a closed-door game at East Fife on Monday night — just as he battled back to full fitness after straining a medial ligament at the end of the pre-season programme. A visit to a specialist last night confirmed this time surgery would be needed to repair the damage and there was a chance the 35-year-old would undergo his operation today. Exactly how long he’ll be out for will become clear only when he is able to start rehab work in the next few weeks, but there is no chance of him being seen in a Dark Blue shirt before the New Year. Cameron is the second summer signing to go under the knife over the past few days — Jim Lauchlan had an abductor operation in Leeds last Friday. That op. was completed successfully, but it will be up to six weeks before Lauchlan is ready to play. When he does, he may be put out on a short-term loan to get his match fitness up to scratch.

Dundee 0 Livingston 3, Dens Park, First Division, 20/Sept/08

Mickael Antoine-Curier should have put Dundee ahead after a mere nine minutes but wasted Bob Davidson's clever through-ball by smacking a half-hearted effort off the legs off Pierre Martini, Livingston's goalkeeper, when it seemed certain that he would simply curl a shot around him. Livingston, without injured top scorer Leigh Griffiths, proved they still have plenty to offer in an attacking sense and caused Dundee's goalkeeper Rab Douglas a moment of consternation on 21 minutes. Rocco Quinn, on loan from Celtic, switched the play with team-mate Joe Hamill on the edge of the area before collecting the ball again and sending a powerful drive towards goal. Douglas scampered along his line in an attempt to block and was relieved when the shot slipped just past the post. Livingston took the lead on 40 minutes, following some shocking defending. Dundee simply failed to mark up at Fernando Giarrizzo's corner kick, allowing Innes far too much space inside the penalty area to head the ball on target from 12 yards. His effort should have been routine for Douglas but the angled run of Murray Davidson through his eye line clearly distracted him and before he could reach it the ball had nestled in the back of the net. Alex Rae was unhappy with his players' efforts so made two alterations at the interval. Antoine-Curier, who was again ineffective, was sacrificed along with defensive midfielder Chris Pozniak, allowing Colin McMenamin and Colin Cameron an opportunity. Dundee went close on 76 minutes when Livingston failed to defend Paul McHale's corner kick but despite Gary MacKenzie appearing to have the beating of goalkeeper Martini, the defender could not turn the ball home. As Dundee stretched themselves in an attempt to find an equaliser, they were exposed at the back and paid a heavy price with five minutes remaining when Elliot flicked a shot beyond Douglas to make the points safe. The on-loan Hearts striker then compounded Dundee's misery in the final seconds by breaking free of the defence before slotting another low shot beyond Douglas. The Dundee fans reacted badly to events in the final minutes, with the team and manager loudly booed from the park at the end. A poor result and the next 2 games will see where our season is going. My fear is the squad is not deep enough and we have signed players who are not fit yet , and it's nearly October...
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, McKeown, O'Brien, Posniak (Cameron 46), Davidson, Antoine-Curier (McMenamin 46), Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Williams, Cowan, Roy.
Att: 3,631
Ref: A Muir

Dundee 0 Dunfermline Ath 0, Dens Park, First Division, 13/September/08.

Dundee started brightly and Curier twice missed the target early on before the Pars suffered a blow when Stephen Glass limped off with a groin strain. Sub Steven Bell replaced in the middle of the park. David O'Brien and Eric Paton tested Gallacher then Dunfermline survived a major scare seven minutes from the break as Dundee came close to ending the deadlock four times in an amazing 10-second spell in front of goal. O'Brien's shot was palmed away by Gallacher straight to Bob Davidson who saw his low drive blocked by Scott Wilson. The ball then fell to Dens defender Craig McKeown whose mis-hit shot struck the face of a post, rebounding to Mark Gilhaney who drove high and wide. Then Woods and Malone clashed after a meaty but fair challenge, although arguably Dundee suffered more from the decision as Dunfermline defended like men possessed from that minute on. Soon after the restart Gilhaney's cross was volleyed goalwards by Malone but Curier contrived to divert the ball away from goal with his head rather than towards it. Bell and Andy Kirk were off target for Dunfermline in rare ventures forward. However, Gallacher was the standout, making yet another fine stop from Davidson's rising effort and wisely opting to push the ball wide to safety in wet conditions. Paton then delivered a perfect cross to pick out the unmarked Curier but the striker headed well wide with the goal gaping. The Pars survived one final fright when Gallacher spilled a Malone free-kick but his defenders came to his rescue with a series of blocks that epitomised the spirit they had shown all afternoon. Thats the best we have played for a while, and I liked the look of McKeown who looked to be a very good defender. Next game is Livingston at Dens next Saturday which will prove to be vital.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, McKeown, O'Brien (McMenamin 82), Pozniak (Cameron 70), Davidson, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Williams, Cowan, Roy.
Booked: McHale.
Att: 4,259
Ref: E Norris

Queen of the South 3 Dundee 1, Palmerstone, First Division, 30/August/08.

Dundee travelled to Dunfries hoping that Queen of the South were suffering from a UEFA Cup hangover, but that was dispelled over the 90 minutes that followed. Dundee scored first after 14 minutes. Mickael Antoine-Curier layed the ball off to Chris Pozniak, who took one touch before slotting home from seven yards.Queens came back into it in the 26th minute when a Stephen Dobbie shot from close range was well beaten away by Rab Douglas. From the resulting corner the Dundee defence failed to clear and Craig Barr was on hand to fire home from ten yards, levelling the match. The imperial Queens captain Jim Thompson was leading by example as the home team began to dominate. He came close to putting his side in front but his header in the 37th minute was saved by Douglas. A minute before half-time Queens went in front when clever work by Sean O'Connor set up Stephen Dobbie who fired low past Douglas. Dobbie came close to increasing his side's lead early in the second half, but Douglas kept the hosts at bay. Dobbie managed to get his second and his sides third in the 68th minute. A surging run by new boy David Weatherston created a great chance for the Queens hitman who made no mistake from six yards. At the other end, Dundee strikers Colin McMenamin and Curier had opportunities to haul their side back into it, but Queens held firm and were worthy winners.
Dundee: Douglas, Cowan, Malone, MacKenzie, Williams (McKeown 61), McHale, Paton, Pozniak (Gilhaney 71), O'Brien, McMenamin (Davidson 71), Antoine-Curier. Subs Not Used: Roy, Daquin. Att: 2,646 A poor result again for Dundee, who must pick themselves up. Hopefully Colin Cameron and Darren Young can get fit..cause it's the midfield area where we are struggling at the moment. At least Partick, Dunfermline and St.Johnstone all lost. Livingston go top after winning.

Vintage Dundee And Not Against The Arabs....

Dundee 1 Partick Th 2, Dens Park, Cis Cup 2nd Rd, 26/August/08

Dundee could have put themselves in the box seat with only four minutes gone as the ball broke to Freddie Daquin after Jon Tuffey blocked from Mickael Antoine-Curier. But Daquin completely miscued and Chris Pozniak’s attempt to spare the Frenchman’s blushes from the edge of the area flew inches over.However, although Dundee did most of the first-half pressing, it was by no means one-way traffic with the home side needing a piece of quality goalkeeping from Robert Douglas to avoid slipping behind—the former Scotland keeper thwarting Damon Gray after he’d been put through by Scott Chaplain. Tuffey came to Thistle’s rescue early in the second period without knowing much about it, blocking Antoine-Curier’s point blank header from Colin McMenamin’s cross.And as Dundee stepped up the pace Thistle had a further let off as McStay appeared to whip the pins from McMenamin just inside the box only for referee Willie Collum to wave play on.Partick stunned the Dens Park outfit and their fans on 76 minutes when Maxwell’s mishit’s cross sailed over the stranded Douglas and into the far corner of the net. Dundee showed their character with a rapid response, McHale lashing the ball home, just two minutes later, after finding himself with time and space 12 yards out. But with four minutes remaining Malone lunged in on Lennon leaving Collum with no option but point to the spot from where Harkins sent Douglas the wrong way and Rae’s side out of the competition.

Dundee—Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Gilhaney 62), Pozniak (Cowan 74), McMenamin, Antoine-Curier (Deasley 68), O’Brien. Subs not used—Davidson, Roy.

Dundee 1 Morton 0, Dens Park, First Division, 23/August/08.

Dundee maintained their position at the top of the First Division with a narrow victory over Morton. Defender Eric Paton's 28th-minute header was enough to seal all three points and extend the club's unbeaten start to the season. French forward Mickael Antoine-Curier impressed for the hosts and proved to be a thorn in the visitors' side throughout the game. The defeat leaves Morton struggling in ninth place in the league table. Another 3 points for The Dark Blues, but we did not play that well.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Gilhaney 63), Pozniak, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier (Deasley 81), O'Brien. Subs Not Used: Cowan, Davidson, Roy.

Airdrie 0 Dundee 0, Excelsior Stadium, 16/August/08

Airdrie goalkeeper Stephen Robertson earned his side a valuable draw against Dundee with a string of vital saves. Colin McMenamin, twice, and Mickael Antoine-Curier were both denied by Robertson as Dundee piled on early pressure against the hosts. Scott McLaughlin replaced the struggling David Nixon after 24 minutes and solidified the Airdrie backline. But Antoine-Curier came close to opening the scoring again with a low effort that Robertson turned away.
Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, MacKenzie, Williams, Daquin (Davidson 83), Pozniak, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 70). Subs Not Used: Roy, Deasley, McKeown.
In a game which Dundee lacked the killer touch, maybe cause the Airdrie keeper played well, but St.Johnstone got beat 3-0 at home to Dunfermline. Let's hope Partick get beat tomorrow..

Airdrie Next...............

Dundee Manager Alex Rae has been told to expect a tough time against Airdrie United tomorrow. Assistant boss Davie Farrell watched the Diamonds win at East Fife in the Challenge Cup in midweek and his report contained plenty of praise for Kenny Black’s men. Defender David Cowan trained for the first time yesterday after suffering a head knock against Clyde, while Craig McKeown continues to make progress and is a couple of weeks away from a return. It will be another 3 massive points for Dundee..let's hope so as St.Johnstone play Dunfermline this weekend.

Dundee 1 Clyde 0, Dens Park, First Division, 09/August/08.

Dundee leapfrogged St Johnstone to move to the summit of the First Division following this hard-fought victory over Clyde. Mickael Antoine-Curier's excellent first-half strike made the difference, following a spirited performance from John Brown's side. Rab Douglas, Dundee's goalkeeper, produced excellent saves to deny Pat Clark, Alan Trouten and Billy Gibson. Both teams lost players to injury after a quarter-hour, Dundee having to replace David Cowan with Gary MacKenzie while Clyde saw Willie McLaren limp off so had to bring on Roddy MacLennan. MacKenzie missed two great chances to score by heading wide of the target but as the game looked to be heading to half-time goalless Antoine-Curier produced a spark of magic to split the sides. The Frenchman simply spun and blasted a fantastic shot high past David Hutton, Clyde's goalkeeper, after gathering a long ball 25 yards from goal. Clyde flew out of the traps in the second half, with Trouten going close before Gibson looked to have equalised with a header at the back post – only for Douglas to get in front of the ball.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, Cowan (Mackenzie 16), Williams, Daquin, Pozniak, McMenamin (Davidson 73), Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 78).
Subs Not Used: Roy, Deasley.
Att: 4042
Ref: Steve Conroy

Dundee Sign Darren Williams

Dundee have signed versatile defender Darren Williams on a one-year deal. Williams, 31, impressed when partnering David Cowan in the centre of defence as Dundee kicked off the new season with a 2-1 victory at Ross County last week. And the former Sunderland and Bradford City player starred again as Dundee went top of the First Division with another single goal win, over Clyde. Williams made over 250 appearances for Sunderland from 1996-2004 and was a team mate of Dundee boss Alex Rae. He spent last season at Bradford City where he played 28 times before being released by Stuart McCall in April of this year. He will play in today's game v Clyde at Dens Park, kick-off 3pm.

Dundee Sign Up Pozniak and maybe more?....

Dundee have signed Canada international Chris Pozniak on a one-year deal. The Polish-born 27-year-old impressed as a trialist during last weekend's 2-1 win at Ross County. Pozniak, who has had spells in Sweden and Norway as well as the MLS in the United States, operates in central midfield but can also play in defence. Capped 21 times for his adopted country, Pozniak featured in the 3-1 defeat to Scotland at Easter Road in 2002. Meanwhile Darren Williams, the former Sunderland man, is also wanted by Dundee. They have agreed terms just remain what other options he has. Spanish midfielder Kiko Torres, though, has been told he can leave. He did play in the 4-0 win over junior side Violet on Tuesday night. Craig McKeown played for 45 minutes so that will do him good. 

Ross County 1 Dundee 2, Victoria Park, Division One, 02/August/08.

Dundee set out their title credentials with a hard-earned opening-day victory in Dingwall. In 90 minutes that crackled with energy, County troubled Alex Rae's depleted side but couldn't find a killer touch. The Dens men could – with Antoine-Curier netting from the spot and Eric Paton thundering home a header. But County, as well as being stung by a dubiously-denied penalty, struck the woodwork twice.Dundee were ravaged by injuries on day one, with new captures Colin Cameron, Jim Lauchlan and Darren Young among six absentees. That forced manager Alex Rae to lean on two trialists, 31 year-old ex-Sunderland defender Darren Williams and 27-year-old Canadian international Chris Pozniak.

The hosts were screaming for a penalty after 18 minutes when Richie Hart's driven free-kick deflected and David Winters was tugged down by Eddie Malone. The claim was waved away, but the visitors got a crucial decision after 34 minutes.Mickael Antoine-Curier was caught late by Andy Dowie and took the kick himself.Just before half-time, Adam Strachan struck the corner of the Dundee bar and post with a swirling 25-yard attempt.County fell two behind after 50 minutes,Eric Paton rising at the far post to thump a header high past Bullock.County's Scott Boyd saw a snapshot turned for a corner and Steven Craig also brushed the bar. Golabek's cross from the left was stabbed home by Daal on full-time, but it was just too late.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, Malone, McHale, Cowan, A Trialist, Daquin, B Trialist, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney (O'Brien 70). Subs Not Used: Roy, Forsyth, Deasley, Mearns.
Booked: McHale, Cowan, Malone.
Att: 3,444
Ref: M Tumilty

A great result for Dundee, and I thought Rab Douglas will be a big signing for us..with his crucial saves will yield more vital points in the games ahead..The whole team done well..next up is Clyde at Home next Saturday.

Latest from Dens Park...Dingwall Next.....

Dundee's Craig McKeown has revealed how he is on the verge of returning to full training and eager to repay the Dark Blues for their treatment of him since he signed from Clyde earlier in the summer. Two years of injury misery for McKeown has been compounded by his missing the bulk of this pre-season after suffering a set-back in his recovery from a hernia operation.
But thanks to the medical support he’s had from the Dark Blues he’s hopeful those fitness woes are behind him. He will miss the visit to Ross County, in fact the dark blues have all three centre halfs out for the trip. Gary MacKenzie had no chance of making it, and now the experienced Jim Lauchlan has been ruled out because of a groin problem. And possible stand-in Eddie Malone is also struggling, Bob Davidson is also out this weekend. Spaniard Kiko Torres, who arrived on Tuesday on trial is not expected to feature at the weekend.

Alloa Ath 2 Dundee 1, Challenge Cup 1st Rd, Recreation Park, 26/July/08

Dundee failed to perform and they must be better next Saturday at Ross County. Jamie Stevenson made a fine return to Alloa Athletic by scoring one and setting up the other as they upset Dundee in the Challenge Cup. Stevenson, back at Recreation Park for the third time, this time on loan from Morton, sent in a fine cross that was headed home by Derek Townsley. The returning hero lobbed home the second after defensive hesitancy. Mickael Antoine-Curier stabbed home a reply after 88 minutes, but the Second Division side held on for victory.

Dundee: Roy, Paton, Malone, Mearns, MacKenzie (Forsyth 40), Cowan, Daquin (Deasley 72), McHale, McMenamin, Antoine-Curier, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Milne, Benedictus, Spence.
Goals: Antoine-Curier 88.
Att: 793
Ref: C Boyle