Football Season Guide

Dundee had been tipped to fight against relegation last season but ultimately achieved survival by a relatively comfortable margin, chalking up some impressive results along the way, including a victory against eventual champions Celtic. The Dark Blues’ success has meant that they have seen several important figures depart over the course of the summer, with a string of important players departing the club. Included among these were wingers Cameron Congreve and Tony Yogane, which were predictable departures given they were only on loan. Replacing this pair will be a major challenge, with Alan Forrest arriving from Hearts to feature on the left in a solid move. They have looked strong in their opening League Cup games, scoring 9 across their 2 fixtures against admittedly weaker opponents. Charlie Reilly and Joe Bevan are developing into promising forward options, while top scorer from last season, Simon Murray, remains at the club and is a notorious pest for opposing defences. Their only proven Premiership player of note has arrived here in the form of Alan Forest from Hearts. In addition to this, Ashley Hay is an improving option. This suggests that Dundee do have enough firepower to be competitive, particularly if Reilly and Bevan can continue to develop. They are unlikely to be prolific, but will be hopeful of beating last season’s tally of 38 goals. It’s the defence that will really be overhauled, though. Luke Graham was a star performer in the heart of the rearguard but has been sold to Stoke, while the other regular central defenders Billy Koumentio and Clark Robertson have also departed. In addition, first-choice goalkeeper Jon McCracken has also left. While Owen Bevan has arrived from Bournemouth’s academy, he is unproven, while manager Steven Pressley needs to bolster this area with strong options before the end of the transfer window. They will not be a team that controls possession – last season they posted only 43.7% of the ball – so it is essential they are strong at the back as it is this area that is likely to determine their success or failure.