Rangers 4, Dundee 0, Ibrox Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 15-September-18

Dundee lost 4-0 at Ibrox  last Saturday the hosts scored in the first 3 minutes and the second followed on 13 minutes. It was a good start by Rangers who's pace going forward was too much for the Dundee midfield. 

Dundee did have a wee spell but failed to take their chances, they really should have done much better but maybe the players need a confident boost. Rangers sealed the points with a third goal right on half-time when Darren O'Dea gave away a penalty. 

Second half and it was a better performance from Dundee but they failed to attack more with Rangers missing a few chances. They did score with 10 minutes to go to make the final score 4-0.

It was always a tough ask for Dundee to get the points today. I was hoping for maybe a point but losing a goal early killed any chance  of that. Team wise it was good to see Elliot Parish back in the goal he had a good game making some good saves. Darren O'Dea came in but struggled at times he has not got the pace now. Kenny Miller was sent off near the end a straight red following a late mistimed tackle to add to Dundee's woes.

I just hope we can get points in our next three games as it's vital now to kick on. It won't be easy against a good Hibernian side next Saturday at Dens. I will always back my side and it's been a tough start to the season for everyone supporting Dundee this season. It was not a great following that travelled through to Glasgow today. 

Dundee: Parish, O’Dea (Kusunga 50), Boyle, Kerr, Curran, McGowan, Madianga, Ngwatala, Calvin Miller (Nabi 70), Kenny Miller (c), Källman (Moussa 62). Unused Subs: Hamilton, Mendy, Spence, Moore.

Attendance: 50,130.

Referee: Kevin Clancy.

Dundee 1, Motherwell 3, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 01-September-18

Dundee faced Motherwell in the league on Saturday, the dark Blues made four changes. Kenny Miller made his debut with Kusunga replacing Caulker, Kerr and Spence came in for the injured Kamara and Ralph.

Both teams started okay with Dundee trying to attack on the break, Motherwell are a big strong side and had a few chances in the first half. Half-time it ended 0-0.

Ryan Innis came on for the injured Josh Meekings, but a defensive slip let Motherwell take the lead on 57 minutes, Neil McCann replaced Nabi with Calvin Miller. Soon after a sloppy foul an Bigirimana's free kick beat Dee keeper Hamilton at his post to put the steel men 2-0 up. Elton Ngwatala came on for Kharl Madianga. 

Dundee did pull on back on 71 minutes when Benjamin Kallman headed home a great cross from Calvin Miller. For the next 10 minutes Dundee pushed forward but were unlucky not to level things up. But with 5 minutes to go Campbell sealed the game for The Well when after another defensive mistake he smashed the ball home.

Dundee: Hamilton, Curran, Kusunga, Meekings (c) (Inniss 44), Kerr, Madianga (Ngwatala), Spence, McGowan, Kenny Miller, Nabi (Calvin Miller 57), Källman Unused Subs: Parish, Moussa, Mendy, Boyle.

Attendance: 5,137 

Referee: Gavin Duncan. 

New Players and Departures From Dens Park..

Craig Wighton has joined Hearts on a three year deal for a undisclosed fee rumoured to be £250,000. A fresh start for Craig will do him the world of good. Craig will be always remembered for his goal which sealed Dundee United's regulation in 2016. Craig played 100 games for Dundee scoring 8 goals.

Steven Caulker has left the club after he triggered a clause in his contract. Good luck for the future Steven. 

Calvin Miller has signed form Celtic in a season loan deal, the young left back will go straight into the squad for the Motherwell game on Saturday.

Ryan Innis has joined on a season long deal from Crystal Palace, the centre half played for Colchester United last season.

Andy Boyle has joined Dundee from Preston North End until January on a loan deal, he played in Central defence last season for Doncaster Rovers. 

Kenny Miller has joined the club on a two year deal, the striker will go straight into the squad for the Motherwell game.

Youngster Cedwyn Scott has joined Berwick Rangers on loan, also Dan Jefferies has joined Partick Thistle the loan deals will help the players get game time.

St Johnstone 1, Dundee 0, McDiarmid Stadium, Ladbrokes Premiership, 25-August-18

Dundee Manager Neil McCann made four changes Steven Caulker, Glen Kamara, Paul McGowan and Benjamin Kallman replacing Genseric Kusunga, Lewis Spence and Craig Wighton. 

Reports and highlights I've seen and read say that Dundee played some neat football without having too many clear cut chances in the first half. Kallman had a decent effort which went wrong side of the post. The Perth Saints did force Jack Hamilton into a few saves when they broke with pace. 

Early into the second half and St Johnstone took the lead when Dundee lost the ball in midfield and Tony Watt was sent clear to score. Dundee tried to get back into the game but failed, the only real chance was near the end a header from Moussa which was too close to the keeper. 

Sadly time ran out for the Dark Blues and that's three defeat in the league now, we need to pick ourselves up for the vital game at home to Motherwell next Saturday. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Curran, Meekings (c), Caulker, Ralph, Madianga (Moussa 81), Kamara, McGowan, Mendy (Ngwatala 61), Nabi (Wighton 86), Källman. Unused Subs: Parish, Kerr, Jefferies, Spence.

Att: 4,259.

Ref: Steven McLean 

Ayr Photos...

Dundee 0, Ayr United 3, Dens park, Betfred Cup, 18-August-18

Dundee crashed out of the Betfred Cup on Saturday losing 3-0 to Ayr United. In what was a very poor performance it was so disappointing that Dundee's terrible cup runs continue. Make no mistake about this result Ayr fully deserve this win.

Dundee made two changes Craig Wighton and Adil Nabi replacing Sofien Moussa and Paul McGowan. Ayr started the game well and attacked Dundee from the start, Dundee did attack but more on a break away efforts. It was only a Wighton shot and the Ayr keeper done well to save from Nabi and Mendy. Jack Hamilton was more the busy keeper and Shankland looks dangerous and will need watched in the second half.

At the start of the second half and Benjamin Kallman came on for his debut replacing Craig Wighton. Jesse Curran had a good shot which was just wide, but on 51 minutes Ayr took the lead a simple ball over the top and Shankland pounced to smash the ball past Hamilton to break the deadlock in this cup tie.

Soon after Sofien Moussa came on for Adil Nabi and was booked straight away, it did look soft. But sadly after being warned of another foul, the striker was then booked again and send off to make Dundee's comeback much harder. 

Dundee fell out of the game and Ayr scored twice in the final 10 minutes to seal a 3-0 win. Shankland and Moffat got the goals both simple tap in's with the Dundee defence in tatters. To complete a bad day for the dee Genseric Kungsunga was given a straight red for a wild tackle.

Dundee: Hamilton,Curran, Kusunga, Meekings (c), Ralph, Spence (Kamara 78), Madianga, Ngwatala,  Nabi, Wighton (Källman (46), Mendy (Moussa 62). Unused Subs: Parish, Kerr, Caulker, Lambert.

Ref: John Beaton

Att: 3,151

Dundee need to get back on track and quickly, next two games away to St Johnstone and the following week home to Motherwell will test Dundee and I hope we can get 4 points. If we can't then it will be a hard long season ahead.

Dundee Sign Striker Benajimin Kallman

Dundee have signed Finland International Benjamin Kallman on a year loan with the club having a option to buy at the end of the year loan deal. 

20 year old Benjamin has scored 8 goals in 20 appearances this season and comes highly rated with a host of clubs after the young striker. 

He has been a regular with the Finland U21's and made his full debut for Finland in a game against Jordan in a game that Glen Kamara also featured.

Benjamin will be in the squad for the game tomorrow against Ayr United at Dens in the Betfred Cup.

Dundee 0, Aberdeen 1, Dens Park, Ladbrokes Premiership, 11-August-18

Dundee lost 1-0 to struggling Aberdeen at Dens on Saturday, going by reports they held their own for most of the game and had a few chances. Team wise Genseric Kusunga and Nathan Ralph came in for Steven Caulker and Cammy Kerr who were on the bench 

Aberdeen had a lot of corners but failed to test Hamilton in the Dundee goal. Likewise Dundee failed to work the Aberdeen keeper. Nabi made his debut and done well going by the fans on social media.

The Dons got the winner from the penalty spot when Kusunga was adjudged to handle following a corner. McKay-Steven scored for the spot to earn the Dons all three points.

Pretty hard on Dundee going by the highlights I've seen. We really need a goal scorer and hopefully we can get one before the end of the Month when the transfer window shuts.

Dundee: Hamilton, Curran, Kusunga, Meekings (c), Ralph (Kerr 66), Spence (Nabi (46), Madianga, Ngwatala, McGowan,Moussa, Mendy (Wighton 70). Unused Subs: Parish, Caulker, Moore, Henvey. 

Att: 7,581

Ref: Bobby Madden.

News Round Up

Dundee have added full back Grant Rodger, Central defender Sam Fisher and Striker Michael Cunningham to their Under 18 team. The youngsters played last week in the opening game at St Mirren losing 3-2.

Striker Cliff Bironda has today joined Jimmy Boyle’s reserve squad, subject to international clearance. 19 year old Cliff has impressed over the last few weeks on trial with the club in training and also in a bounce game last week. The French striker has signed a 1 year deal with the club.


Central defender Tom Bradbury has signed a professional contract with Dundee, and subject to international clearance will be part of Jimmy Boyle’s reserve squad. As a youngster Tom was part of the MK Dons academy and most recently the 20 year old was with Banbury United down south.

St Mirren Photos....

St Mirren 2, Dundee 1, The Simple Digital Arena, Ladbrokes Premiership, 04-August-18

Dundee played their first league game of the season at The Simple Digital Arena home of St Mirren FC. Dundee made two changes Jack Hamilton and Sofien Moussa replacing Elliot Parish and Craig Wighton. 

Both teams attacked from the kick-off St Mirren forcing two early corners, Dundee had the first chance but Mendy's header was straight at the keeper. But it was St Mirren who scored first when Mullen headed home from a Paul McGinn cross. That was in 4 minutes and soon after Moussa missed a chance putting his shot wide of the target.

Dundee levelled the game on 12 minutes when Moussa challenged for a cross 18 yards from goal and although he couldn't win the ball he stopped the defence clearing. Elton Ngwatala pounced on the loose ball, hitting a sweet curling shot into the net which came off the far post. This gave Dundee a lift and they pushed forward  playing some nice football. But it was St Mirren who nearly went ahead just on half-time when a Mullen shot was well saved by Jack Hamilton.

Second half and Dundee started well and they missed a couple of good chances, then 10 minutes into a clever ball from McGowan played Mendy in and after he was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot. Sofien Moussa stepped up but missed when Samson made a good save to deny the Dundee striker.

Dundee continued to make chances but failed to take them. St Mirren came back into the game and pushed Dundee back, but they never troubled he Dundee keeper. Then with 8 minutes to go a defencive mix up between Jack Hamilton and Cammy Kerr led to St Mirren scoring, and left Mullen had a easy tap in to seal the points for the home club. It was a blow for Dundee who looked comfy to at least a point. 

Dundee will feel they have blown a big chance today to get off to a winning start. Hopefully they will learn quickly, and avoid losing soft goals , and they must take their chance when they get them. Otherwise the team played well enough. 

Dundee: Hamilton, Curran, Caulker, Meekings (c), Kerr, Spence, Madianga, Ngwatala, McGowan (Wighton 86), Moussa, Mendy. Unused Subs: Parish,Ralph, Kusunga, Nabi, Henvey, Moore. 

 Att: 5,470 

 Ref: Alan Muir. 

Ayr United Next in the Betfred Cup

Dundee will play Ayr United at Dens on 18/19th of August after the draw was made on Sunday. A good enough draw and for sure it won't be easy. But it gives the the club a great chance to reach the 1/4 finals stage.


The draw in full: 

Livingston v Motherwell,
Dundee v Ayr United, 
Dunfermline Athletic v Hearts,
Kilmarnock v Rangers,
Aberdeen v St Mirren, 
Partick Thistle v Celtic, 
Hibernian v Ross County, 
Queen of the South v St Johnstone.

Dundee 2, Brechin City 0, Betfred Cup, Dens Park, 28-July-18

Dundee progressed to the next stages of the Betfred Cup with a 2-0 win over Brechin City on Saturday. Only one change to the team which finished the game at Peterhead, Craig Wighton coming in for Sofien Moussa. 

Dundee scored on 10 minutes with a delightful goal from midfielder Lewis Spence who chipped a beauty into the net beating the keeper and two defenders. 

Dundee had most of the game and only some great saves by Conor Brennan in the Brechin goal kept it at 1-0. Early in the second half  Paul McGowan settled the game with a clever finish which left the keeper helpless for once. 

With the other scores tonight Dunfermline win the Group, and Dundee finish second with 9 points. The draw will be on Sunday after the Hearts v Inverness CT game.

Dundee: Parish, Curran, Caulker, Meekings, Kerr (c), Spence, McGowan, Madianga, Ngwatala, (Ralph 72), Mendy, Wighton. Unused Subs: Hamilton, O’Dea, Jefferies, Scott, Henvey, Lambert.

Ref: Kevin Clancy

Att: 2,058

Results of the round go to :  Cove Rangers 2, Raith Rovers 0, Edinburgh City 4, Stranraer 2 and Partick Thistle 0, Ayr United 2.

Peterhead 0, Dundee 1, Betfred Cup, Balmoor Stadium, 25-July-18

Dundee beat Peterhead 2-0 at Balmoor, two second half goals from Kharl Madianga (49 minutes), and Jean Alassane Mendy (92 Minutes) sealed the win. It puts Dundee second in the group, Dunfermline are top with 9 points after they thumped Brechin Cith 7-1 at Glebe Park. 

Dundee: Parish, Curran, Caulker, Meekings (c), Kerr, Spence, McGowan, Madianga, Ngwatala, Mendy, Moussa (Wighton 69). Unused Subs: Hamilton, O’Dea, Haber, Rice, Henvey, Lambert.

Att:

Ref: Euan Anderson

Happy with the three points and we should qualify if we beat Brechin City at Dens on Saturday.

Result of the night goes to Arbroath who beat Ross County 4-1 at Gayfield.

Pars Photos......

Dundee 0, Dunfermline Ath 1, Dens Park, Betfred Cup, 22-July-18

Dundee entertained Dunfermline Ath in their second Betfred Cup game on Sunday, after winning last week at Stirling they looked to get the three points. Dundee made one change Kharl Madianga coming in for the injured Glen Kamara.

Dunfermline Ath got off to the perfect start scoring after only two minutes, a neat passing movement leading to Williams crossing for Longridge to head home from six yard. Sadly it set the tone for the first half, where The Pars looked solid at the back. Dundee struggled to get any passing going and the defence looked very shaky. 

Things were not helped when Moussa had to go off injured he was replaced by Matty Henvey. Soon after Hamilton saved Dundee with a couple of good stops. Nathan Ralph had to go off injured at well being replaced by Jesse Currant, Cammy Kerr moved to left back. The first half ended with Dundee struggling and it was hoped that Neil McCann could change something at half-time. 

Second half and Dundee finally played some football, but missed the cutting edge to trouble the Pars defence, Mendy was unlucky with a header which flew high over the bar, and then after a clever run his chip just failed to find the goal. A minute later Dundee went close when Elton Ngwatala smashed a shot off the bar, from the follow up Curran crossed and Henvey missed his kick right in front of goal. 

Dundee also lost Kusanga to injury after 67 minutes, Stephen Calker came on.Dundee were again unlucky when Mendy's chip was tipped over by the Dundfermline keeper. In the later stages Dundee never created any chances and the Pars ran out comfy winners.

Overall today Dundee were not good enough and the next two games are must wins, Perterhead (A) on Wednesday and Brechin City at Dens next week.

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr , Kusunga (Caulker 67), Meekings, Ralph (Curran 36), McGowan, Madianga, Ngwatala, Mendy, Moussa (c) (Henvey 12), Wighton.  Unused Subs: Parish , Jefferies, Spence, Lambert.

Att: 2,870

Ref: Bobby Madden

Stirling Albion 0, Dundee 4, Forthbank Stadium, Betfred Cup Group D, 14-July-18

Dundee got off to a flying start in the group winning 4-0 at Stirling Albion. Dundee gave debuts to four of the new players; Jack Hamilton, Nathan Ralph, Elton Ngwatala and Jean Alassane Mendy, New Signing Kharl Madianga was on the bench. Genseric Kusunga was captain for the first time.

Dundee going by reports settled well and were played some neat pressing football. Sofien Moussa scored on 38 minutes when he  took a long pass from Kusunga and fired the ball home to give Dundee a vital half time lead.

Dundee had Jack Hamilton to thank after the keeper saved well from a Jason Marr header. In the following 12 minutes Dundee wrapped up the game with three goals. The first from a Sofien Moussa header from six yards after a fine cross from Wighton after good midfield play from McGowan and Kamara.

Moussa then set up Jean Alassane Mendy who scored from 16 yards to put Dundee in total control.

The Fourth goal was scored by Craig Wighton who cooly placed the ball in the corner of the net from 12 yards out, after a fine pass from Kamara. 

Dundee gave Jesse Curran, Kharl Madianga and Matt Henvey all a run out replacing Cammy Kerr, Elton Ngwatala, and Sofien Moussa.

Fine win for the dark blues and in the other game played Saturday Brechin and Peterhead drew 0-0.

Dundee: Hamilton,Kerr, (Curran) , Kusunga (c), Meekings, Ralph, McGowan, Kamara, Ngwatala (Madianga), Mendy, Moussa,(Henvey) Wighton. Unused Subs: Parish , Caulker, Jefferies, Scott. 

Att: 1,373. 

Ref: Gavin Ross.

Randy Heads Home............

Randy Wolters has left the club and has signed for Dutch side N.E.C. The winger/striker made 16 appearances for Dundee. All the best for the future Randy pity it did not work out at dens.

Quick Round-Up

Faissal El Bakhtaoui has joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan. Faissal joined the club in 2016 and played over 50 games for the club, scoring 8 times. The attacker joins the SPFL Championship on loan until the end of the season. 

Dundee lost 3-2  to SC Farense at their training camp in Portugal. Jack Lambert and Trialist got the Dundee goals. 

Sad to hear that Alan Gilzean passed away after a short illness, he was a true Dundee legend and we will likely never see the like  again. Alan scored 169 goals in 190 games. He was part of the title winning side in season 1961-62. He was top European goal scorer with 9 goals, most goals in a game with 7 against Stirling Albion, 17 hat-tricks. Alan scored 52 goals in Season 1963-64. Alan left Dundee in 1964 for £72,000. 

Dundee lost 4-0 to  Portuguese Premeira Liga side Portimonese at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira. 

Dundee beat Sunderland 2-0 in a closed door friendly. 

Dundee have signed goal keeper Sam Jackson from Millwall. He will play for the Under 18's under James McPake. 

Kerr Waddell has joined Morton on loan, and James Vincent has joined Dunfermline on loan. 

Dundee beat Cowdenbeath 1-0 at Central Park, Matty Henvey scored on 72 minutes. Dundee used all 22 players. Dundee drew 1-1 at Brechin City New signing Jean Alassane Mendy scored for the Dee. 

Goalkeepers Kyle Gourlay and Calum Ferrie have today completed deals to go out on 6 month loans.Kyle who spent time on loan with Airdrie and Clyde has joined Elgin City for the first part of the 2018/19 season. Calum who made his debut for the first team last season has joined Stirling Albion until the end of the year. 

Jesse Curran has signed a one year contract which is great news. Matty Henvey has also signed for another year both players will push for first team places next season.

Dundee have signed Striker Jean Alassane Mendy on a two year deal. He has played most of his football in Norway.




Dundee will play St Mirren on the opening game of Season 2018-19. 

Holiday ect

Due to my Holiday in San Francisco I'm a bit behind so will do a quick catch up. It's been a quick summer as the real season starts on Saturday when Dundee travel to Stirling Albion in the Betfred Cup.