'Dundee's off-pitch unpredictably never fails to deliver'

BBC News

2 days ago

Dundee's unpredictability both on and off the pitch never fails to stun the football world.'Elvis' has entered the building and his reception is far from ideal from the Dundee support. The overriding feeling is Steven Pressley's appointment doesn't inspire confidence as his record is littered with sackings, and losing more games than he has won, before a six-year hiatus from management.Given Tony Docherty was dismissed for underperforming, supporters were expecting a statement appointment or perhaps something left-field with names like Temur Ketsbaia and David Healy linked.However, there is more to Pressley than meets the eye. He ticks boxes that align with the role of head coach compared to the traditional football manager.He is experienced with over 340 matches as a manager and enjoyed a successful period in his last stint in Scotland with Falkirk. He has a proven track record in youth development, notably at Falkirk, where he helped develop Murray Wallace, Jay Fulton, Lyle Taylor and Stephen Kingsley.Most recently he was in the Premier League with Brentford, developing players to fit a very good team at the elite level - working with those standards at Dundee will hold him in good stead.His reputation among the players he's coached also seems positive. and Pressley appears well respected within the industry. He emerged as the standout candidate for both John Nelms and Gordon Strachan for good reasons.The head coach model might very well prove to be a masterstroke. When you reflect on previous managers, a recurring theme emerges - flawed decision-making in recruitment and squad balance.Paul Hartley chucked away Martin Boyle, Jim McAlister and Gary Harkins, all on frees when they all still had so much to offer. The replacements weren't near the appropriate standard.Neil McCann had no plan B, while his foreign imports clearly required time they did not have to adjust to the Scottish game.James McPake allowed both Leigh Griffiths and Jason Cummings to depart during a relegation battle, while remaining fiercely loyal to players out of their depth.Tony Docherty couldn't balance the young squad with experienced players and left us very light up front (Simon Murray is our only contracted forward).If Strachan, David Longwell and the recruitment team can take a weight off Pressley's shoulders and allow him to focus solely on getting results on the pitch, then this model will be an interesting development to watch unfold.Football fans are fickle. If Pressley gets off to a winning start he will win over his doubters. While they are upset at his winning record, they're also desperate for the new head coach to mend that with Dundee.Pressley is hungry and has a point to prove. The fans will be satisfied once they can see this new set-up walking the walk instead of talking the talk. In other words, a little less conversation, a little more action please.