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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pressley calls for character after second cup loss
Steven Pressley expects to see resilience and character from his players following a difficult start to his Dundee reign. Defeats to Alloa Athletic and Airdrieonians have left the Dark Blues with no chance of Premier Sports Cup progress. Speaking to DeeTV after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to League 1 opposition at the Indodrill Stadium, the new head coach said: "There is a lot of work ahead of us." Group matches against Bonnyrigg Rose and Montrose come this week before a Scottish Premiership opener at home to Hibernian on 3 August. Asked how his squad respond, Pressley added: "By accepting, by understanding that's not good enough, and as a group, me, the players, have to show resilience. "It's far from the ideal start, it's not what we wanted, but you have to show character in these moments and that's certainly what I expect us to do. "They are a very good group. I have said we need reinforcements but that's irrelevant because we have to do better than that. "They want to do well, but it will take time. "I saw improvements in our defensive principles, we were much better in those. But from a creative aspect we certainly have to be better." Dundee on verge of cup exit after loss at Alloa The only goal in Alloa came when Luke Graham deflected a Steven Buchanan shot into his own net on 68 minutes. Talking to BBC Scotland after the game, Pressley said he would like to add "five or six" more signings, before adding that he assumed "full responsibility" for the loss. "The issue is a combination of a number of things," he explained. "We do need more players in, but I don't think we did well enough today with the group of players we had on the pitch. "Choices in possession weren't good. I thought we played too long on too many occasions. We have to take greater ownership and responsibility and make things happen. "Some of them tired significantly in the second half and we looked a team, at times, lacking in intensity. We have to find solutions to that." Visit our Dundee page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Dundee news notifications in the BBC Sport app
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is ‘worrying'
A second straight League Cup loss to lower-league opposition has left Pressley under immediate pressure DEAR OH DEE Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is 'worrying' BIBLICAL rain rattled the corrugated iron roofs of the Recs. And down on the touchline, storm clouds gathered over brooding Dark Blues boss Steven Pressley. Advertisement 2 Steven Pressley is under pressure just two games into his Dundee reign Credit: Michael Schofield 2 The new Dee boss has seen his side lose back-to-back League Cup games to lower-league opposition Credit: Michael Schofield He took the rap and admitted his sluggish Dundee side are OUT of the cup after being humbled for the second time in seven days. But his players need a good long look at themselves after part-time Alloa Athletic did to them what Airdrie had last time out. A Steven Buchanan strike just after the hour made it three wins on the spin for Andy Graham's men – and what Pressley would have given for half the desire the home side showed. As hundreds of fed-up travelling trooped home in dismay, he admitted: "With the players we had out, we didn't do well enough – that's the harsh reality and I take ownership of that. Advertisement "I hoped we'd play with more intensity. We need to pass the ball quicker. We were laboured, predictable. "It looks like we're out. We have to concentrate on the next couple of games, make sure we see improvements and make sure we're ready for the first league game. "My message to be the fans would be that I believe in what we're doing. It's a big task, it'll take time. I'm a realist and I know we need reinforcements, that was evident here. "We need some dynamism in the team, some real legs. We need more speed and power, but finding the right players is difficult and I don't want to sign anyone who doesn't upgrade us. Advertisement "It's worrying for me that we need to improve the fitness of some players – in the second half in particular, you could see we need to bring some of them up to speed. "In future, if I'm here, I'd probably come back a week earlier and play a couple of friendlies prior to the League Cup. Before we faced Airdrie last week, some players had only played two lots of 45 minutes. Moment Dundee fans invade pitch after securing safety against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park "But I say again, we still have to do better." Hulking frontman Emile Acquah, brought in from Barrow, had three huge chances from Drey Wright corners – but headed two wide and beat the turf as the other struck a post. Advertisement Apart from that, though, Finlay Robertson's bobbling 85th minute shot straight at home keeper Liam McFarlane was their only shot on target. And the truth is that the longer the game went, the more Alloa looked like pulling off a shock. One side of half-time, Kurtis Roberts almost caught keeper Trevor Carson out with a cheeky chip from 40 yards; the other, the midfielder played young striker Luke Rankin clean through only for the ball to bobble up off the plastic and his shot to fly wide. But then, a looping cross from the left flicked off a defenders' head, fell to Buchanan at the far post and stopper Luke Graham could only help it into the roof of the net. Advertisement It was officially given as an own goal, but on the last day before the pitch here is replaced, it was DEFINITELY Buchanan's. Delighted gaffer Graham said: "It's a great move and Steven does really well to turn it in – I couldn't believe it when the announcer gave it as an own goal, I was for running up and having a word, they can't take it away from him! "It was a great moment and to win three games in a week is testament to the fitness and togetherness of the players." Elsewhere, Falkirk maintained their unbeaten start to the new season, despite a goalless draw with League One side Cove Rangers. Advertisement Scott Bain came up with two huge shoot-out saves to keep his side within a point of Group A leaders, The Spartans. Curtis Main was at the double as Ayr United hammered Arbroath 4-0 in their home opener. Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah chew over the big talking points each week SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Main's brace had Scott Brown's side looking comfortable, before debutant Jude Bonnar and George Oakley put the game to bed. John Robertson made it five goals in three matches as East Kilbride coasted to a 4-1 victory at Elgin. Advertisement Captain Jack Leitch had Kilby two to the good inside twenty minutes - before Jack MacIver halved the deficit from the spot. However, second half goals from Nathan Flanagan and Robertson put the game beyond reach. Elsewhere, Uche Ikpeazu was St Johnstone's hero in the Highlands, as his 90th minute winner against Inverness sealed an all important 1-0 victory, maintaining his side's 100% record. Dunfermline battered Dumbarton at The Rock, in a dominant 4-0 display. Advertisement Goals from Josh Cooper - who hit two - Chris Kane, and Andrew Tod sealed the deal for Neil Lennon's side. Ross County snatched all three points in the Borders after a close encounter with Queen of the South. A phenomenal strike from Jay Henderson was enough to pull County back within reach of the knockouts. Clyde pulled off an incredible injury time comeback as they defeated Peterhead 2-1 at Balmoor. Advertisement Kieran Shanks' late penalty had Peterhead looking home-and-hosed, but a 96th minute leveller from Craig Howie and subsequent own goal by Caleb Goldie saw the Bully Wee heading back to Glasgow with all three points. East Fife claimed victory in the Fife Derby, with a 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts. Mick Kennedy & Si Ferry in dreamland as play-off win sparks wild pitch invasion as East Kilbride plot rise through SPFL Alan Trouten came up with the goods late on as the visitors claimed their first points of the group stage. Montrose battered Bonnyrigg 4-1 despite heading into the break a goal down. Advertisement Kallum Higginbotham sent the visitors into the break in front with an effort on the stroke of half time. But goals from Ewan Loudon, Terry Masson, Craig Wighton and an own goal by Corrie Fellows saw them remain rock bottom of the group in a second half collapse. The Spartans comfortably saw off Brechin in a 2-0 victory at Ainslie Park. Mark Stowe had the hosts up and running late in the first half, before Cillian Sheridan doubled the lead with an own goal. Advertisement Stranraer forced their second penalty-shootout of the group stage after a goalless draw with Edinburgh City. But this time, it was the opposing number one, Mark Weir who was the hero for City. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
STV News
6 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Pressley: League Cup defeat can be catalyst for Dundee to move forward
Dundee manager Steven Pressley believes that their defeat to Airdrieonians in the group stages of the League Cup can be a catalyst for them to move forward. The Dark Blues hosted the Championship side in their first competitive game of the campaign, in what was also Pressley's debut in the Dens Park dugout, on Saturday. A first-half goal from Chris Mochrie was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the visitors. However, Pressley insists that setbacks at this stage of the season can be used in their favour and give them a better idea of what they need to improve on. The former Scotland international defender said: 'Although we didn't want it at the weekend, setbacks are often the catalyst to move things forward. Because then you have to refocus and identify the problems. 'So, I think that's healthy at times, I think in pre-season, although this was a cup competition, but pre-seasons without setbacks can be dangerous. 'It can now be a real catalyst for us to say, look, we've got so much work ahead of us, and I think that is really important.' Dundee will travel to Alloa this weekend as they look to get their League Cup campaign back on track. And while the head coach, who also played for Hearts, Dundee United, Celtic, and Rangers, admits they are 'nowhere near' the level they want to be currently, he has confidence in the process and is relishing the challenges ahead. He continued: 'We believe in what we are doing, but we are realistic about what we are doing. It was our first real game of any note and the first time we were really stress-tested. 'Do I think we are anywhere near resembling where I want us to be? Absolutely not, no. Not even close. 'But I believe in the process and I do believe in what we are trying to do. 'I think we've got a group of players that have really bought into what we're trying to do. Along the way, there are going to be bumps. I was under no illusions, this was always going to be a difficult job, a challenging job. 'But I enjoy that challenge, and I also enjoy working with this group. I think we have a group of players that want to put things right here and who are really pushing to be better, and that's all I ask for. 'All the other things we have to accept and take care of, but as long as we believe in what we're doing, I think we will be fine.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Scottish Premiership club's plans for new training ground hit by shock setback as they LOSE legal battle with protesters
DUNDEE'S plans to build a new training ground have been thrown into doubt after losing a legal battle with protesters. The Dark Blues want to build a new hub facility at the Riverside, transforming the current pitches and adding a new artificial surface with a small stadium. 3 Dundee's new training ground plans have been thrown into doubt Credit: Willie Vass 3 John Nelms was excited about the plans Credit: Willie Vass 3 The pitches at Riverside Park were due to be developed Credit: Andrew Barr Dundee council approved their proposal last year but pressure group Save Riverside Park challenged the decision in the courts claiming the development would affect flood defences, and breach environmental rights. The Court of Session has come down AGAINST Dundee, who will have to decide whether to put forward a new plan for the same site or look elsewhere. A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: 'The council is aware that the Judicial Review has concluded, and the planning committee's decision has been reduced by the court. 'As such, there is no longer an extant planning permission for the development.' The status of the application on the local authority's planning portal has also been updated to say 'planning permission reduced'. Dundee owner Tim Keyes also wants to build a new stadium at Camperdown and has been working on a proposal since 2017. But while an in-principle planning application was submitted 12 months ago, the council are yet to formally consider the plans. As late as November last year, Dundee managing director John Nelms had been stating his hope that the club would be able to use the new facilities by the start of THIS season. He'd described it as a "beacon for Dundee." The plans for the complex would've seen it house the first team during the week but also be a base for the women's team, for training and matches. Iconic Scottish boss Jim Duffy opens up on nearly signing Paul Gascoigne for DUNDEE, friendship with GIanluca Vialli and arriving at Hibs via helicopter Artist impressions included plans for a small stand for spectators away from the main building at the complex. As well as new pitches, existing pitches at the Tayside location were to be developed and incorporated into the complex. The complex would also be a community base with use by Dundee's own youth teams but also those from the wider community. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The National
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Josh Mulligan Dundee latest amid Rangers transfer interest
The midfielder is set to become a free agent this summer upon the expiry of his current deal. However, it has emerged that the 22-year-old could yet remain a Dark Blues player heading into next season. The Dens Park club have revealed they are in talks over a new contract with Mulligan. The Scotland Under-21 international is attracting interest from Rangers, as well as a number of clubs south of the border. Read more: Lyall Cameron has already been unveiled as a Rangers player, having signed at Ibrox on a pre-contract agreement in January. It remains to be seen whether or not he will be joined by his former teammate in Glasgow. While there remains a chance of Mulligan staying put in Dundee, the Scottish Premiership side revealed that Scott Fraser, Mo Sylla, Antonio Portales, Scott Tiffoney and Joe Shaughnessy would depart at the end of their deals.
