Gary Irvine Leaves Dens Park.

Defender Gary Irvine has today left the club by mutual consent. Gary has been with the club for 5 and a half years and has enjoyed some wonderful times at Dens. He was a member of the famous Dee-Fiant playing squad, who broke the club record for run of unbeaten games as they overcame the odds to keep Dundee in the 1st Division.

Three years later Gary was also part of the Championship winning side of 2014 and the following season helped the club to a top six finish back in the top flight. Rumours from the west are saying Gary is set to sign for St Mirren.

Dundee 3, Falkirk 1, Dens Park, Scottish Cup 5th Rd, 26-January-16

Dundee beat high flying Falkirk in the Scottish Cup winning the game 3-1, Kane Hemmings scored after 38 minutes with a great strike from 20 yards. But just before half-time the Bairns levelled when Baird was found all by himself and the striker crossed for Watson to score.

Second half and two quick goals put Dundee in control, first Kane Hemming scored from close range after good play and cross from McGinn. Then good play from Hemmings and his pass into space found Gary Harkins who smashed the ball home for a fine worked goal.

Dundee were never in any danger tonight and Greg Stewart nearly made it 4-1 when his powerfull shot hit the post.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Gadazhalov (Etxabeguren 70), Konrad, Holt
Stewart, McGowan, Ross, Low (Loy 70), Harkins, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Irvine, Curran, Kerr, Wighton

Ref: W. Collum.

Att: 4,279

Partick Th And Aberdeen And News Catch Up

 

Aberdeen 1, Dundee 0, Pittodrie Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 22-January-16

Dundee lost 1-0, l missed it due to work after the game got moved to the Friday Night for live TV. Adam Rooney scored after 13 minutes. Given the highlights I have seen Dundee were pretty poor and were lucky it was just 1-0. Scott Bain made some great saves which is the normal for our young keeper. Gary Harkins could have snatched a draw near the end, but his effort went over the bar.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, O'Dea, Konrad, Holt (Kerr 51), Stewart, McGowan, Ross, Low (Loy 73)
Harkins, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Dryden, Gadzhalov, Curran, Wighton

Ref: A Muir.

Att: 11,805

Dundee have signed striker Arturo Juan Rodríguez Pérez-Reverte on loan from Córdoba until the end of the season subject to international clearance.
Spanish striker Arturo impressed during a short trial period with the Club last week and following a return to Spain the clubs have agreed a deal which will see him at Dens Park until the summer.
26 year old Arturo had an impressive season with La Roda in the Spanish third division in 2013/14 an earned a move to Córdoba who currently are on course to promotion to La Liga in 2nd place of the Spanish second tier. Arturo flew into Scotland today to complete the deal.

Partick Thistle 2, Dundee 4, Firhill Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 16-January-16

Dundee beat Partick Th 4-2 with a fine first half performance sealed the three points for the Dark Blues. They took the lead from the penalty spot after Gary Harkins was fouled in the box. Kane Hemmings stepped up to score with ease. It was 2 nil a couple of minutes later when a high ball was dropped by the Jags keeper and Gary Harkins knocked the ball into the empty net. Minutes later and it was 3-0 good play from Harkins played in Greg Stewart who curled the ball home with a trademark finish from the young striker. Thistle did pull a goal back to make it 3-1, but Gary Harkins scored likely the best goal of the day when he curled the ball home for a truly wonderful goal.

4-1 at half-time the game was over and second half Dundee were in total control Thistle did score in the last minute to make the final score 4-2 to the visitors.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, O'Dea (Gadzhalov 86), Konrad, Holt, Stewart, McGowan, Ross, Low (Kerr 81), Harkins, Hemmings (Loy 87). Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Andrew Black, Wighton, Colquhoun

Ref: Euan Anderson.

Att: 3,262

Captain Kevin Thomson has left the club by mutual consent Rumours say he will rejoin Hibernian in a player/coach role. Youngster Josh Skelly has joined Arbroath on loan for the rest of the season.

Dundee Sign Darren O'Dea and other News

Dundee have signed former Celtic defender Darren O'Dea until the end of the season, he will provide good cover for the injured James McPake.

Ricardo Calder has returned to Aston Villa after his loan spell, and young striker Craig Wighton has retured to Dens after his loan spell at Raith Rovers.

Dundee 2, Dundee United 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 02-January-16

Dundee gave all Dundee fans a Happy New Year and a great way to start 2016 with a fine 2-1 win over city rivals Dundee United, the only bad news was a bad injury to James McPake which has ruled the defender out for the rest of the season.

United took the lead after just 15 minutes after James McPake went off injured Spittal scoring with a well taken free kick. Scott Bain got close but it was right in the corner. Dundee were up against it and Bain had a couple of good saves and Holt had to knock one off the line to keep the score at 0-1.

Dundee levelled just before half-time when a high cross into the box forced the United keeper to punch the ball weakly and Kane Hemmings was on hand to smash the ball home to send Dens wild with delight.

Into the second half and Dundee looked more solid at the back and took the game to United and they took the lead after 61 minutes. Harkins' free kick was cleared only as far as Nick Ross, on the edge of the penalty area. His shot flicked off Sean Dillon to leave Kawashima helpless.

After this Dundee did not look in any danger of not winning the game, a third goal nearly came when great play from Cammy Kerr put Paul McGowan clear but Kawashima puled off a good save  to touch his shot round the post.

So a great three points to start he year and puts the club 16 points ahead of Dundee United. Best wishes for James McPake hope his recovery is a successful one.


Dundee: Bain, McGinn, McPake (Gadazhalov 14), Konrad, Holt, Kerr (Irvine 76), McGowan, Ross, Low, Harkins (Thomson 70), Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Loy, Calder, Skelly

Ref: Kevin Clancy.

Att: 11,025

Ross County 5, Dundee 2, Victoria Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 26-December-15

Dundee lost 5-2 at Dingwall on Boxing Day, they got off to the perfect start when Kane Hemmings fired home after good play from Greg Stewart, County drew level a long ball caught out the dee defence and Boyce scored. 10 minutes into the second half and Kane Hemmings scored again with a good finish. But The Staggies went straight up the park and made it 2-2 when Gardyne scored from a tight angle. Then County made it 3-2 soon after, worse was to follow when Boyce scored twice to complete his hat-trick. Going by reports Dundee were lucky not to get six or seven in what was a total collapse in the last 30 minutes.

Dundee: Bain, Irvine (capt), Konrad, McPake, Holt, McGowan, Ross (Loy 73’), Stewart, Harkins, Low (Calder 83’), Hemmings. Dundee Subs: Mitchell, Gadzhalov, Loy, Skelly, McGinn, Kerr

Referee: Crawford Allan

Att: 3,687

Dundee 4, Hamilton Accies 0, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 19-December-15

Dundee swept Hamilton Accies away with a four goal blast in a 20 minute spell, first Kane Hemmings scored after a mix up in the Accies defence,  next goal was set up by Harkins who made a great run and his pass set up Greg Stewart to make it 2-0, soon after and it was 3-0 Hemmings again made the most of another mix up in the Accies defence. Then 5 minutes later Kane Hemmings made it 4-0 with a good run and fired home from 20 yards to complete a fine hat-trick.

It's a pity they could not add to the goal tally but 4-0 is a fine result, on the down side they lost Gary Irvine to injury with Kevin Thomson going off again.

Dundee: Bain, Irvine (McGinn 52), McPake, Konrad, Holt, Thomson (Ross 39), McGowan, Low, Harkins, Stewart. Hemmings (Loy 78). Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Calder, Gadzhalov, Skelly


Referee: Don Robertson.
Att: 4,568

Motherwell 3, Dundee 1, Fir Park, SPFL Premiership, 12-December-15

More to follow.....

Dundee 0, Aberdeen 2, Dens Park, SPFL Premiership, 05-December-15

Dundee were well beaten by reports two early goals for the Dons gave them the three points, team wise is was the same line up that drew at Perth. Watching the highlights it looked like Dundee done better in the second half. They have done this before just playing for 45 minutes and dropped too many points in the process. Next up is a tricky trip to Motherwell next Saturday.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, McPake, Etxabeguren, Holt, Low, Ross (Harkins 61), McGowan, Stewart
Loy (Calder 66), Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Irvine, Konrad, Skelly, Gadzhalov

St Johnstone 1, Dundee 1, McDiarmid Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 27-Nov-15

I had planned to go to this one away back in July, but due to the game getting moved to the Friday night I missed out due to my work. Going by reports Dundee started well and Kane Hemming scored after 3 minutes with a fine goal. The move was set up by Greg Stewart who looks back to his usual form from last season.  St Johnstone did level the game after when Wotherspoon fired home from 10 yards out via the bar which gave Scott Bain no chance. I have only seen the goals so can't say too much on the game.

Reports said it was a good first half with both sides doing well, with the second half not so good and the weather was pretty bad with the rain and sleet. A good away point which keeps our unbeaten run extend to eight game. The downside it only one win in these games, next week we welcome Aberdeen to Dens a game which l will miss due to work.


Dundee: Bain, McGinn, McPake, Etxabeguren (Konrad 74), Holt, Low (Calder 77), Ross (Harkins 65), McGowan, Stewart, Loy, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Irvine, Meggatt, Gadzhalov

Ref: A Muir

Att: 4,578

Hearts 1, Dundee 1, Tynecastle Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 21-Nov-15

Dundee earned a well deserved point at Tynecastle with a fine 1-1 draw with the high flying Hearts. Manager Paul Hartley made four changes from the home draw against Partick Thistle. James McPake, Julen Etxabeguren and Kevin Thomson all returned from injury. Kane Hemmings started in the place of the injured Rhys Healey. It was good to see our two centre backs returning from injury.

Hearts started well and pushed Dundee back and Scott Bain made a couple of good saves, the Dundee defence doing well and soon after Dundee did settle and knocked the ball about well. Hearts took the lead after 23 minutes with a well worked move down the right. Buaben switched play into space on the wing where full back Callum Paterson fired over a perfect cross for the inrushing  Djoum to head powerfully past Scott Bain from 10 yards.

Dundee did have one effort on goal a Hemmings effort which was well saved by Alexander, at least it ended 1-0 at half time and it gave Dundee time to regroup for the second half.

Dundee started the second half well and McPake was unlucky not to connect from a decent Stewart free kick, the visitors were now finding more space and winning more balls in the midfield and slowly pushing Hearts back. It was no surprise when Dundee levelled a neat move involving McGinn, Thomson who found Stewart who fed Rory Loy in and the striker ran on to cut inside and curl a beauty home to send the 744 Dundee fans wild with delight.

Dundee were now back in the game Hearts did push forward but the defence were not troubled,  Thomas Konrad came on for  James McPake, and soon after Julen Etxabeguren was replaced by  Kosta Gadzhalov. Dundee did go for the winner, and were unlucky nobody could get onto the end of some fine balls into the Jambos box.

A draw was fair in the end and the team played really well in the second half after digging in well in the first half. 

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, McPake (Konrad 70), Etxabeguren (Gadzhalov 81), Holt, Ross, Thomson, McGowan, Stewart, Loy, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Irvine, Low, Calder, Harkins

Ref: K Clancy

Att: 16,736

I enjoyed my day out in Edinburgh and it was good to see some well known Hearts and Dundee fans enjoying a few beers before and after the game. 

Dundee 1, Partick Thistle 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 07-Nov-15

This was my last home game until likely the Celtic game in December, so l was looking for a home win to set up my away trips to Tynecastle and Fir Park. Manager Paul Hartley played the same team as last week with Kevin Thomson finding a place on the bench.

The visitors took a early lead when Lindsay headed home after only 4 minutes, it was a poor goal to lose as he had space a time to score. Dundee struggled to find any rhyme in their play and only a good effort from Loy in the first 30 minutes. Rhys Healey had to go off injured on a stretcher after a bad tackle from behind. Kane Hemmings came on to replace the young striker.

The first half ended with The Jags leading 1-0 well deserved with Dundee struggling with the manager having some work to do to shake them up.

Second half and again Dundee struggled gave the ball away too easily, Gallagher in the Thistle goal had some work to do with efforts from Stewart, McGowan but nothing that a decent keeper would save. Ricardo Calder was put on with 20 minutes to go replacing Nicky Low to try and put some pressure on the Thistle goal, and with 4 minutes remaining it did pay off a slick more involving Calder, McGowan and Ross found Kane Hemmings clear on goal and the striker smashed the ball home to the relief of the home support.

In the final 4 minutes and injury time Dundee did push forward but it was too little too late from a poor overall performance. My own view is I would have started with Calder who had done really well at Inverness last week. Anyway at least we got a point from the game.


Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Konrad, Gadzhalov, Holt, Stewart, Ross, McGowan, Low (Calder 62)
Loy, Healey (Hemmings 30). Unused Subs: Mitchell, Thomson, Harkins, Skelly, Irvine

Ref: W Collum

Att: 5,067

Inverness Caley Thistle 1, Dundee1, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 31-October-15

Dundee had to settle for a 1-1 draw last Saturday at Inverness, a very poor first half with both teams struggling to find any form. Konrad, Low and McGowan came in for Harkins, Meggatt and Hemmings. Dundee failed to cause the Caley keeper into any saves , with Scott Bain having just a couple of easy saves.

Second half and Dundee were awarded a soft looking penalty when Raven fouled Greg Stewart and Rory Loy scored from the spot to the delight of the Dundee fans. Dundee did push forward a wee bit after but could not find a way through a stubborn Caley Thistle defence. Then the home side was given a soft looking penalty, it looked a blatant dive from where l was sitting. Tansey scored with ease to give Scott Bain no chance. It looked like the game would end 1-1 and that's how it went. Calder came on and made a difference straight away but nobody could find the finish from his good wing play.

Dundee were poor today and need to buck up a bit, the midfield was very weak, and the strikers need to shoot more when they are in good positions.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Konrad, Gadzhalov, Holt, Ross, McGowan, Low (Calder 70), Stewart, Loy (Hemmings 70), Healey. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Irvine, Meggatt, Harkins, Skelly

Referee: B Colvin

Att: 2,940

Andrew at his First Dundee FC game

Tickets Sorted For Inverness

I will travel up on Friday with my wife Carmie and our two sons Andrew and Alexander, it will be Andrew's first live game watching Dundee. I just hope he is our lucky mascot for the day as our record up there is absolutely terrible.

Dundee 1, Kilmarnock 2, Ladbrokes Premiership, Dens Park, 24-October-15

Dundee lost 2-1 at home to Kilmarnock, the defeat means that they slip down to 7th place in the table. Paul Hartley make a few changes due to injury, and boldly played with 4 strikers. Killie scored early when Magennis headed home and by reports Dundee struggled to pass the ball in the first half with the midfield being over run.

Killie increased their lead early in the second half when Smith made it 2-0, changes were made and Dundee improved and they looked to get back into the game. They finally scored after good play from Stewart and McGinn and his cross was headed home superbly by Rhys Healey. Dundee pushed forward in the last ten minutes, the closest the came was when a McGinn header was were saved by the Killie keeper. Kilmarnock held out to claim the three points.

Dundee need to start game in a more positive manner if not it will be a long season ahead and a possible dogfight at the the bottom of the league.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, McPake, Meggatt (Gadzhalov), Holt, Harkins (McGowan), Ross, Stewart
Hemmings (Low), Loy, Healey. Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Irvine, Konrad, Calder.

Att: 4,970

Hamilton Accies 1, Dundee 1, New Douglas Park, SPFL Premiership, 17-October-15

Dundee 2, Motherwell 0, Dens Park, SPFL Premiership, 3-October-15

More to follow..........

Dens Park Round Up

Dundee 3, Ross County 3, Dens Park, SPFL Premiership, 26-September-15

Dundee came back to earn a well deserved point against high flying Ross County, Boyce scored after 19 minutes to put the visitors ahead totally against the run of play. But Dundee took only one minute to draw level when Greg Stewart scored a delightful goal. Just before half-time County hit Dundee with two goals, the first was a own goal from McPake, and just before Gardyne made the half-time score 3-1. Second half and Dundee started positively and got their rewards when Rory Loy scored from the spot after McPake had been pulled in the box. Dundee pushed forward and drew level when a great run from McGinn who passed to Rory Loy to finish well to send Dens wild. They could have won the game late on as Stewart was tripped in the box but the ref waved on.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Konrad, McPake (Konrad 72), Holt, Stewart, Thomson (Harkins 67), Ross, Calder, Hemmings (Healey 78), Loy. Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Meggatt, Dryden, Curran
 
Celtic 6, Dundee 0, Celtic Park, SPFL Premiership, 20-September -15

As the score line suggests Dundee were not at the races, my way of thinking is to have a good go when playing in Glasgow, and play with at least two strikers upfront. The likelihood  is that you will still get beat but have a go, and not looking like the game is over after 15 minutes. I was off for this one but l saved my money for the trip to Inverness at the end of October. I'm glad that l did. Going by reports Dundee were lucky not to concede 7 or 8 goals on the day.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Konrad, McPake, Irvine, Thomson (Loy 59), Ross, Harkins (Calder 59)
Low, Stewart, Hemmings (Healey 66). Unused Subs: Gourlay (gk), Holt, Carreiro, Meggatt

Partick Thistle 0, Dundee 1, Firhil, Ladbrokes Premiership, 12-September-15

Nicky Low some how misses the target

Dundee came away from Firhill with a very good three points after beating hosts Partick Thistle 1-0, from the highlights I have seen they maybe rode their luck at times with The jags hitting the woodwork three times during the 90 minutes. But it's goals that count and star striker Greg Stewart came up with goods when he made a good run from deep and curled the ball home for a superb goal.

Also pleasing to see Rory Loy back and Riccardo Calder came on as a second half and done well by reports. Next up is a trip to Parkhead next Sunday which will be a tough game as usual. I just hope Manager Paul Hartley play a attacking team and have a right go at them.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, Konrad, McPake (Etxabeguren 22), Irvine, Thomson, Harkins (Loy 68)
Low (Calder 62), Ross, Stewart, Hemmings. Unused Subs: Mitchell (gk), Gadzhalov, Healey, Holt