Hamilton 1 Dundee 0, New Douglas Park, 24/Feb/07

Dundee lost 1-0 at Hamilton on Saturday, in what was another poor performance we just never got going. Alex Rae was back in the team with Kevin Smith upfront, the Accies were the better side for long spells. Hamilton scored in the first half from a free kick and the Hamilton striker scored with a free header. Into the second half and we struggled to string three passes together and the only two efforts on goal were Paul McHale's shot which just went over the bar, and a Derek Lyle header near the end. Hamilton seemed to be able to put our defence under pressure with ease. Another poor result for the Dark Blues and with Gretna losing we have missed a golden chance to close the gap. Only St.Johnstone can catch Gretna now!

Receivers called in to Marrs' businesses

Dundee F.C. owner Peter Marr moved swiftly today to stress the football club’s future remained secure despite six companies owned by him and his brother Jimmy being forced into receivership. Jobs in some of the Marrs’ other businesses are under threat after Glasgow accountants Krolls were appointed receivers for Justice Homes, Camperdown Construction, Demryan, Call-a-Keg, Marbelles Ltd and P & J Taverns.
P & J Taverns own the brothers’ majority shareholding in the football club, but today the Marrs insisted it would not be affected.
“I have already spoken to the receivers and they have said they have not been appointed to become involved in the club,” said Peter.
“I have been assured of that and this will not effect the day-to-day running of Dundee F.C. or the restructuring deal we are working on with the bank.”
While bankers HBOS are continuing to back plans for the football club, it was a withdrawal of their support for the six companies that led to today’s move.
And Peter Marr admitted the problems stemmed from moves to save the Dark Blues after they went into administration in November 2003 with debts of £23 million.
In order to keep the club afloat, the brothers had to provide personal guarantees running well into seven figures and that has put a huge burden on their other interests. Peter declined to put a figure on the debt, but all the companies now in receivership are in the red.
He, though, remains hopeful the threatened jobs will be saved and the businesses will be sold as going concerns.
“We were speaking to the bank and hoped to sort something out. That has not been possible, but I do not want to be critical of the bank. We have had to close Camperdown Construction’s site on the Perth Road, where we are building town houses, but I think something will be sorted out there.
“The other businesses are still operating normally and, while it is a matter for the receivers, I know they are looking to keep them open.”
Peter did express sympathy for those workers whose futures were now in doubt.
“I feel for them, but I really do believe Krolls should be able to save their jobs,” he said.
A spokesman for Krolls said, “The receivership of P & J Taverns does not affect Dundee Football Club as it is an entirely separate legal entity.”

Dundee 1 Clyde 4, Dens Park, 17/February/07

In what was the biggest shock score line in Scotland last Saturday, Dundee got well beaten by 4 goals to 1. We lost a goal after just 73 seconds, when a weak free kick went to the net, with keeper Ludovic Roy looking a bit slow. The whole defence struggled in the first half, and it was not a surprise when Clyde scored the second on 12 minutes, again a bad goal and it was 3-0 soon after when Bryson scored with a header. And the bully wee made it 4-0 seven minutes from halftime.
Into the second half and at least we did get efforts on target and sub Khalid Hamdaoudi scored 8 minutes from time. But we have to remember that Clyde had won the game in the first 40 minutes. And yes I did stay to the end of the game.

Latest From Dens.

Paul Dixon will miss Saturdays game against Clyde at Dens, due to the booking picked up against St.Johnstone. It looks like Bryan Deasley will need a operation to fix his long term ankle injury.
A statement from the club today about the future: “The directors of Dundee FC continue to work with Bank of Scotland on the restructuring of the club’s finances,” it read.
“This process has taken considerably longer than anticipated by either party, but there is commitment and goodwill from both sides to finalise matters in the shortest possible timeframe, although it is not possible at this time to place a date on the completion of the exercise.
“No insurmountable barriers are foreseen by either party — no further statement is anticipated until the exercise is concluded.”
Once the deal has been done it is expected Dundee will retain some debt, which will allow them to retain ownership of their major asset — Dens Park. Hopefully that will done in the next few months and before the start of next season.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed today that Bryan Deasley will require surgery to cure his ankle problem. The wee striker will undergo an operation tomorrow and won’t see action again this season.

Dundee 2 St.Johnstone 1, Dens Park, 10/Feb/07.

Dundee beat St.Johnstone 2-1 on Saturday to close the gap to 1 point, in the race for second place. In what was a dreadful day of weather Dundee played some excellent football on the deck, with the Perth saints using the long ball for most of the game. Saints had a great chance when they won a penalty in the first half, but their player took the kick too quickly and Ludovic Roy made a good save. I'm glad that he had a few saves before he faced the spot kick. 0-0 at halftime Saints scored on 55 minutes when after we hit the post, a big long ball, and for once Scotland got the better of McKenzie to round Roy to score.
At least we did not let our heads go down and got level when Swankie was pulled back in the box, and Derek Lyle scored with ease( well he made it look easy) Then as both teams going for a winner. Gavin Swankie scored a wonder goal, when he cut inside to chip the saints keeper from maybe 25 yards out, and send the home fans wild. We kept the ball well for the last few minutes to win this tayside derby.
I thought that Gavin Swankie had a great game and captain Paul McHale looks like the steal of the season. There was no failures in the home team and things are looking better for next season.

Latest News From Dens Park.

Dundee have a full squad to pick from for the game of the day in Scotland, when we entertain second place St.Johnstone at Dens Park. I think Alex Rae will make few changes to the side which won at Airdrie, but Bob Davidson might keep his place. I thought he played very well when he came on, and his link up play was excellent.

Police seeking missing sponsor

Police in Fife have confirmed they are hunting for a Kirkcaldy-based man who has disappeared allegedly owing Dundee and Raith Rovers football clubs an estimated £200,000. Ben Stevens (34), a Signatures4u.com director, is also alleged to have taken around £100,000 from his business partner, Carnoustie-born Craig Stewart, and £30,000 from an unnamed former Dundee player for a property deal.
Dundee FC has signed a one-year shirt sponsorship deal said to be worth £50,000 with the sports memorabilia firm, with the company having an option to extend that for a second year.

Dundee 3 Airdrie 0, Excelsior Stadium, 03/02/07

Dundee beat Airdrie 3-0 at the New Excelsior Stadium , in what was likely the best all round performance of the season. We took control of the game quickly and in Paul McHale we have a great looking signing. To the goals and the first one on 36 minutes when Derek Lyle scored with a shot on which the Airdrie keeper made a mess of. Letting the ball through his legs.
Into the second half and we scored twice in a four minute spell. first Scott Robertson played a good one two with Bob Davidson to run on and score, and Derek Lyle was put through to wrap up the game at 3-0.
A good days work and the signs are good for next season on this display. It also puts us up to third in the league and sets up Saturday's home game against second place St.Johnstone.

Craig Signs and Jay is Staying.................

Dundee have signed Montrose centre half Craig Higgins, the 21 year old started his career at Aberdeen and played for Stranraer last season. Also good news in Jay Sheilds is staying until the end of the season. Likely to leave tonight is captain Bobby Mann who is set to sign for Peterhead.

New signing Khalid Hamdaoui turned on the style as a Dundee side made up of youngsters bolstered by four trialists came from two down to draw 3-3 with a full strength home side in a closed door match at Stenhousemuir. Hamdaoui scored a brace, and was also involved in Dundee's other goal, scored by Bryan Deasley, the Dutchman also hit the post twice.

Ross County 0 Dundee 0, Victoria Park, 27/Jan/07 and Latest News.

Dundee returned from Dingwall with a hard-won point after a 0-0 draw, in a game which had few chances.Bob Davidson had the best chance for the visitors when he was put through on County keeper Craig Samson but the former Ranger shot wide.Best for Dundee on the day was Gary McKenzie.Dutch trialist Khalid Hamdouia was introduced as a second half substitute.

Dundee have signed Khalid Hamdaoui, the Dutchman having made a good impression in training and during a twenty minute substitute appearance as a trialist at Dingwall on Saturday. 25 year old Hamdaoui has signed until the end of the current season. He'll take part in a closed door match away from Dens on Tuesday evening and hoping to join him in earning a deal at Dens will be three other trialists, Togo international Didier Paass and Ghanaian Akwasi Okyere and another, as yet unnamed player.Ross Harris has joined Bobby Mann in asking for a transfer but although there's been interest in the players there's been no firm movement from other clubs and both players will remain available for selection while on Dundee's books.

Two More Trialists.

Dundee have Didier Paass on trial this week, the winger has been playing in Germany. Also former Ajax youngster Khalid Hamdaoui will arrive later in the week. Meanwhile Bobby Mann has been talking to two clubs, one it Hamilton and maybe SPL club (Dunfermline?)
Dundee are trying to fix up a friendly for the early part of next week so that manager Alex Rae can watch on-trial pair Khalid Hamdaoui and Didier Paass in match action. both have done well in training.Meanwhile, transfer-listed Dark Blues skipper Bobby Mann has turned down Hamilton Accies.
Dundee have a full squad to pick from for Saturday's game at Ross County, manager Alex Rae will have a few decisions to make.

Dundee 1 Queen of the South 0, Dens Park, 20/Jan/07

Dundee made it five wins in a row at Dens after winning 1 nil,the home record is now very good and if the away record was better we would be putting pressure on Gretna. It was also good that the three new signing all done well. Midfielder Paul McHale caught the eye and the two strikers will get better the more games they play. Derek Lyle scored the only goal just after halftime heading home a great Gavin Swankie cross, and he should have got his second but missed a sitter from 6 yards out. It was a good performance and one which we can build on.

Bobby Mann Asks For Tranfer.

Club Captain Bobby Mann has asked for a transfer and the club have granted his wish. He has been in and out of the team since Gary McKenzie regained his fitness. Rumour says he might be on his way to Peterhead, who are about to go fulltime.
Dundee will play Airdrie on Saturday 3rd of February, the game was called off last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch. Meanwhile Dundee have announced that Callum Macdonald and Graham Hay have been released from their contracts. Macdonald, who has recently been on loan at Peterhead, has joined The Blue Toon on a permanent deal.

Queen of the South 3 Dundee 3,aet (qos win 4-2 on pens) 16/Jan/07

Dundee were knocked out of the Scottish Cup last night at Palmerstone , the game ended 3-3 after extra time and The Doomhammers won 4-2 on penalties. Teamwise Bobby Mann was left on the bench along side Kevin McDonald. I missed the game due to my work So to the game: Dundee had fallen behind to a goal from Stephen Dobbie just before half time but rallied to equalise through Derek Lyle, before the same home player hit the target again, Deasley pulled Dundee level in 83 minutes. It looked all over when Sean O'Connor put the home side back in front with four minutes left but Lyle forced the ball home two minutes later to scenes of joy from the travelling fans. Onto the penalties, Paul Burns and Bobby Mann scored before Ludovic Roy saved Eric Paton's spot-kick. Derek Lyle then hit the post to level things up. Jim Thomson put Queens 2-1 ahead in the shoot out before Gary Smith's effort was saved by Corr. The attempts by Willie Gibson and Dundee's Paul Dixon were successful, leaving Neil Scally with the task of scoring to put his side into the 4th Round, where they will play Cowdenbeath at home.What I find strange is only one striker took a penalty, otherwise it was all defenders.

Deasley's New Deal and Cup Replay News.

Good news for Dundee fans the club has signed Bryan Deasley until June 2009, he had 18 month of his current deal left, but has added another year and on a better contract.
Newly fixed up Deasley will be back in the squad for tomorrow night’s Scottish Cup replay at QOS after recovering from hamstring trouble. And he will be joined on the trip to the borders by Kevin McDonald. He is over a groin problem. New signings Paul McHale, Kevin Smith and Rangers kid Bob Davidson are ineligible, but Gary Smith will be back in the squad now he’s free from suspension.

Tommy Coyne

Tommy Coyne's son is set to have a trial with Dundee this week, he played as a trialist for Stirling Albion on saturday. This was on their website:
'Coyne looked a useful player but the rumour is that he is going to Dundee for a trial so his signing for the Binos might be a long shot'
So time will tell if it's a rumour or not?

Warsaw and Krakow November 2006

MONDAY.
I left Cupar at 08:20 to travel down to Prestwick Airport via Edinburgh and Glasgow, all my trains were on time and l had plenty time to check in. The flight left in time and we were in Warsaw in no time. Weather wise it's much the same as Scotland-it's raining! I got a taxi to my hotel, which is in the centre and close to the railway station. I get booked in quickly and my room is a bit basic but does the job as I travel down to Krakow tomorrow morning.I go out for a few pints first in an Irish bar which is pretty empty, but the beer is going down well, and after two pints I move on to another bar, more local this time and I have a meal as well, which is very good. Then I find a student’s bar, which is selling large beers for half price, works out about 30 pence a litre. After a few more I head back to my hotel, got to be up early for the trip down to Krakow.
TUESDAY.
I get up around 07:30 quick shower and head for breakfast, a very good choice but no Porridge! Anyway times goes quickly and I head for the railway station for the 10:05, it's costs 90 zloty for a return journey. The train is on time and it's like the train from a Harry Potter film! But at least it's on time and we set off on a 3-hour journey, ten minutes into the journey and we get free coffee and a choc biscuit, you don't get that with First Rail! As we travel down through the countryside I notice that a lot of small farms are rebuilding their houses and farm outbuildings. A sign that money is coming back into the country, an other thing is between farms there does not seem to be fences. And all the fields are in strips, not what farmers do in this country. Any way time goes quickly and I arrive in Krakow at just after 13:30. Had a wee bit trouble finding my hotel, but got there in the end. It's much a better hotel (newer) than the one in Warsaw, and the room has a double bed and works out cheaper as well. I get my bag unpacked and head off a walk around Krakow, it looks a very nice place with a big main square and plenty shops and bars. I head up to the ticket office to find out how to get a ticket to go and see Auschwitz’s and the Salt mines. I get them okay and head off for a beer and a meal. I end up in a Georgian bar and have a chicken dish, which is very good and very spicy, with a big helping and side salad and potatoes, and very good value for just £9 and that includes tip and two beers. After that I go for a walk around the centre and end up in a bar/disco, which is in a cave. Where I meet some people from Wales who are having a guide show them the best pubs in Krakow, they ask me to join them and it turns out to a great night out, after a few bars we finish up in a pub The Dog in the Fog, where we try different strong polish vodka (very good) but has a good kick to them. The Welsh lads are heading back to Cardiff tomorrow and we all head back to our hotels at 01:20. I did sleep that night!
WEDNESDAY.
I get up for breakfast at 07:45, feeling okay after last night and head for breakfast, which went down very well. The bus for Auschwitz’s leaves at 09:10 and I get there in time, after a few pickups at a few hotels we set off, up over the hillside and it takes about one and a half hour, we get shown a film about the history of this dreadful place. We arrive and we are gathered in groups to get shown round. It seemed a very eerie place with no birds singing ect, and we get shown some of the conditions the prisoners had to live in, then some of the torture chambers (I won't go into detail) but everybody should go and see it for themselves, as it should never be forgotten. After a small break we go up and see the other camp Birkenau, which was more a death camp for most of the poor people who would only survive around 6 months if they were lucky, it's just the sheer size of this camp which struck me, and they had to live in huts which the army used to keep their horses in.It only happened 60 years ago and should never be forgotten, on our bus there was a mixture of young and old. One man said to me it was his third trip here and he said it was not getting easier at each visit. We had a small break before heading back to Krakow, getting back around 17:00. I went for a McDonald's meal and after that head off to a Milk Bar for a few pints! Real milk I had a Banana milk shake and then a Strawberry one. It was a fine change from Lager (I should have had a meal here) they looked good. After that I go back to my hotel and get changed, then go out for a few pints, this time I end up in a English style pub and it's full of workers from Britain. I met a few lads from Glasgow and we have a few beers, then I had a late meal around 21:00. After that I head off to a bar near my hotel, it's one the locals use and it's very old. The beer is going down well and after a few it's time to head to my hotel. Going to see the salt mines tomorrow plus travel back up to Warsaw.
THURSDAY.
Get up early for breakfast and my hotel say they will keep my bag safe until I get back. We leave for the salt mines at the same time as yesterday, it’s only half a day trip and it goes quickly. It’s a long way down to the mine four hundred steps, some the things that they have done is breath taking (I only wish is that I took) my camera with me. At least at the other end you get a lift back up a lot easier. The day goes quickly and after a quick coffee it’s back on the bus to Krakow and back to my hotel. I have some time to spare and manage to get a Wisla Krakow top (149 zloty=£27) in the big shopping centre next to the railway station. Anyway I got the 15:00 train back to Warsaw and it arrives on time, booked into my hotel, which is the same chain as the one in Krakow. After a quick shower I head off to see a bit of Warsaw, the traffic is a bit mad with trams, buses, and cars going in all directions. To cross the road you have to go underground and it’s easy to get lost as there are routes going all over the place. I did get a tram to see a bit, but it’s getting too late and I don’t want to get lost on my last night in Poland! I go for a polish meal just to get a feel of the local dishes. And I start with Pieczarek (soup), then Kurczakiem (Chicken) and finish with Sernik (cheesecake) washed down with two large Zywiec beers. Totally stuffed I head up to a local bar near my hotel and it’s like it’s never changed since the 1920’s, I’m sure the fish in the tank is that old! After a few beers I head back up to my hotel. Going home after breakfast.
FRIDAY.
Up early and I pack my bag before going down for breakfast, it’s the best on this trip and the choice is just first class. After that pay my bill and get a taxi to the airport for my flight home, it all goes quickly and before I know it I’m back in Scotland, I get the train back to Cupar via Glasgow/Edinburgh arriving home at 18:00, a bit tired but I have had a good few days away and must say the Polish people are very friendly and went out of their way to help you.
Footnote for Tommy and Harry.
If you get drunk and get lifted you have to spend the night in the drunk tank (jail) and wear blue pyjamas, and then pay 250 zloty to get out. I never saw anyone totally drunk on this trip (not even) myself!

Dundee game off, and we sign Bob Davidson.

Dundee have signed striker Bob Davidson on a 18 month deal, he has been at Rangers for 3 years. He was on loan to Boston United at the start of the season, but injury cut that short. That's three players in and if we can add two more Then 'the future is looking dark blue' for our football club.

Tomorrow's game at Airdrie United is called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Latest News From Dens.

Dundee have completed the signing of Clyde captain Paul McHale. The Dens Park side had earlier agreed a pre-contract deal to sign the midfielder, 25, in the summer. But the Scottish First Division side have successfully negotiated his early release and he is expected to make his debut against Airdrie on Saturday. Dundee boss Alex Rae said the club have also signed former Aberdeen defender Gary Smith after his successful loan spell from Cowdenbeath. Smith has signed a deal until the end of the season after being released by the Second Division side.

Alex Rae is also trying to sign up on loan Jay Sheilds for the rest of the season. Other new signing Kevin Smith should make his debut as well.

Dundee Sign Kevin Smith.

Dundee have signed Sunderland striker Kevin Smith on loan, until the end of the season. The club tried to sign him at the start of the season, but the move was blocked. With Anthony Stokes signing for Sunderland has helped.He goes into the squad for this weeks game at Airdrie United. Meanwhile Kevin McDonald and Bryan Deasley have a good chance to be back this Saturday. Alex Rae is talking to two other players, believed to Rangers pair Bob Davidson and Brian Gilmore. We also set to offer Clyde's left back Eddie Malone a deal.