Dundee Set To Sign Winger.

Dundee are poised to add Stirling Albion winger David O’Brien to their squad. The move is believed to have been agreed and O’Brien should make the switch to Dens in the summer.The left-sided 23-year-old has made over 180 appearances for the Forthbank club since coming through their youth system in season 2001-02.While not commenting directly on the O’Brien interest, Dens manager Alex Rae did reiterate he is desperate to add to his squad in preparation for the 2007-08 campaign.“We need a few new bodies—there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

St.Johnstone 2 Dundee 0, McDiarmid Park, 25/03/07

Dundee played some football in the first half, but the midfield just laid too deep.St Johnstone closed the gap on First Division leaders Gretna to four points with victory over Dundee.The hosts came to life after a lacklustre first half and Jason Scotland fired the opener after a neat turn inside the box. Martin Hardie extended the lead in the 61st minute, latching on to Peter MacDonald's flick-on, blasting his shot into the roof of the net. Despite losing Kevin James to a head injury, Saints held on for the win.Dundee got Paul Dixon sent off in the second half, we were very poor in the second half and it was a good job Ludovic Roy was in good form in the goals.

Latest News From Dens Park

Dundee's board has won control of the Scottish First Division football club after agreeing a deal with its receivers and bank. Chairman Bob Brannan said: "We have control of the shares.
"The financial restructuring agreed with the Bank of Scotland will be concluded in the next few weeks. "And we will then be looking to attract new investors into the club to return Dundee FC to its rightful place in Scottish football." Dundee went into administration in November 2003 and have been in Division One since their relegation in 2005. Directors Peter and Jimmy Marr announced this month that they were to leave the club after nine years of control at Dens Park.
Six of Peter Marr's companies had gone into receivership. A number of offers were received after he and his brother put their majority shareholding up for sale. But Fraser Gray and David Whitehouse, joint receivers of P&J Taverns Ltd, which owns the majority shareholding, accepted the current board's offer. Bidders needed to provide proof of funding and their ability to service the club's financial obligations.
Team news.
Dundee expect top scorer Derek Lyle to be fit to lead the attack. Alex Rae might return with long-term absentee Scott Robertson out, but he will not require surgery and should be fit before the end of the season.

Queen of the South 2 Dundee 2, Palmerstone, 17/March/07

Andy Barrowman's last-minute goal rescued a point for the Doonhamers against Dundee.
Stevie Murray put the home side in front after 13 minutes when he fired home from 15 yards.
Dundee equalised after 31 minutes when Paul Dixon pushed the ball through for on-loan striker Dryon Daal to score. The visitors took the lead after 55 minutes through Bob Davidson, before Barroman's late leveller secured a point for Ian McCall's side. So a point dropped by the dark blues, it is a hard place lately to pick up points.

Late News..........Dundee sign striker.

Dundee this evening signed striker Dyron Daal from Aberdeen on a loan deal until the end of the current season. Formerly with Utrecht, Volendam and Ajax, The 6' 4" Dutchman joins up at Dens after scoring twice in seven appearances for the Dons. Darren did well in his early days at Pittodrie, but broke a hand and struggled to get back into the Aberdeen side. He should make his debut on Saturday at Queen of the South.

English pair want Dixon

English pair Bolton Wanderers and Southampton are set to go head-to-head this summer in a battle to capture Dundee full-back Paul Dixon.The Premiership and Coca-Cola Championship outfits are among a cluster of clubs from down south who have been in regular attendance at Dark Blues games this term. When scouts have turned up, it has been generally accepted the player under the microscope was teenage midfielder Kevin McDonald, but Dixon’s displays at left-back have drawn increasing attention.In particular, he has caught the eye of promotion-chasing Southampton, who are set to lose teenage wonderkid Gareth Bale to Manchester United, Arsenal or Spurs.That would leave a vacancy on the left of their defence and, right now, Dixon is top candidate to fill the void.Former Hearts boss George Burley will have to fight to get his man, however, and Bolton have been putting together their own dossier on Dixon’s strengths and weaknesses. Any bid from St Mary’s is likely to prompt a counter offer from Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium.Today, Dens boss Alex Rae was stressing there have, so far, been no offers and, while he would not be surprised if that situation changes in the summer, he has reiterated he will be fighting to keep his talent.“As I keep saying, we are building here and I do not want to sell any of my best players. It would take an exceptional offer for us to allow any of them to go,” Of more concern to Alex today was an attempt to bring a player in for Saturday’s visit to Queen of the South using the emergency loan system.With top scorer Derek Lyle still a big doubt and Bryan Deasley out for the rest of the season, the manager would like another striker in and has been making moves to that end. Midfielder Scott Robertson will be fit for selection, despite breaking his nose against Gretna on Sunday.

Marrs to end Dundee involment

Marr has been in charge during a turbulent era for DundeeDundee directors Peter and Jimmy Marr are to leave the club after nine years at Dens Park.
In a statement, Dundee confirmed that the brothers have tendered their resignations to the club's board.
"Dundee FC can confirm that Peter and Jimmy Marr have notified the board of their decision to resign as directors of Dundee FC," it read.
"The board would like to put on record their appreciation of the positive contribution they have made."
The Dundee businessmen has witnessed turbulent times at Dens during their time on Tayside, with the club going into administration in November 2003.
Rumours say that an agreement with the club's bankers is due to be finalised which will secure Dundee's future.
The arrangement with the bank will also ensure that the club remains full-time.
Marr, who along with brother Jimmy, bought the club from Canadian businesman Ron Dixon nine years ago, has recently seen six of his companies go into receivership.
Despite the period of administration the Marr brothers are attributed with saving the club from closure

Dundee 0 Gretna 1, Dens Park, 11/March/07

"It's hard following the Dees as you don't which team will turn up. One game it's 11 footballers the next it looks like Billy Smart's circus has turned up. Today it was like watching a clown's car with all the bits falling off. The Gretna goal was a comedy of errors between MacKenzie and Roy. Dundee's penalty was such a poor effort by Davidson, this was a crucial time just before halftime. We had chances in the second half but simply couldn't hit the target. Gretna are no great shakes, but Dundee contrived through schoolboy errors to lose this game.Tell you one thing the centre-back partnership between MacKenzie and Smith doesn't inspire confidence when the rest of the team are playing poorly. They simply cannot cope with the added pressure. Last comments came from the crowd. As I left the ground everyone was saying how this was their last game this season. The news seconds later that MacKenzie won Man of the Match simply brought an ironic cheer. All round a very depressing day as there seems to be nothing left to cheer for the rest of the season." Post by Super Mac.( dundee supporter)
Well that sums up todays game at Dens, we missed Derek Lyle and in one of our few good moves Kevin McDonald should have burst the net, but he missed the goal altogether. We must improve on certain area's of the team.

Late News

It is understood former chief executive and majority share holder Peter Marr is to stand down from the Dens board in the coming weeks. Several companies owned by Marr and his brother Jimmy went into receivership last month.

Livingston 1 Dundee 3, Almondvale, 03/March/07

Dundee scored three times in the second half as they came from behind to stun Livingston at Almondvale. Livingston took the lead thanks to a 50-yard run from Graham Dorrans, who left two defenders in his wake, before slotting the ball past Ludovic Roy.Bob Davidson levelled from the penalty spot after the striker had been foolishly felled by Stuart Golabek. Davidson then volleyed in from a McHale cross, before Kevin McDonald rounded off the scoring with a 20 yard effort. It was a lot better than the last few weeks and we played well in the second half. It's also good that Bob Davidson got his first goals for the club, and my m.o.m was Kevin McDonald who had a great game capped with a fine goal. The only sour bit was the injury to Derek Lyle, but hopefully he will be fit for Sundays home game against Gretna.

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.