Dundee

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

This was the most enjoyable deadline day I can remember in a long, long time.

Scott Wright returning to Dens is a genuine lift. Seven years ago he made a strong impression in a struggling Dundee side while still just a kid. He now comes back a far more mature player, carrying real pedigree - a winner of every major domestic honour in Scotland and fresh from helping Birmingham City to a league title last season.

I'm as surprised as I am delighted to see him walk back through the doors at Dens. These are the signings that energise a football club.

That feeling is only heightened by Dundee holding firm on Luke Graham, rejecting offers that would have smashed our record sale fee. It speaks volumes about where the club finds itself right now.

We're in a good place. The fixture list doesn't ease up - Motherwell at Dens followed by Celtic at Parkhead - but there's a growing sense that Dundee can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

The idea of making history by beating Celtic in Glasgow is something I've never seen our support embrace quite like this before.

There's a belief around this team, we look tough to beat and resilient - something I can't say about most Dundee teams in my living memory.

Dundee's season could have been ruined by Luke Graham's exit, says boss Steven Pressley. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Image source, SNS

Dundee could hand debuts to Scott Wright and Lewis Montsma. They remain without centre-backs Billy Koumetio (knee) and Clark Robertson (thigh) plus forwards Joe Westley (ankle) and Ashley Hay (broken toe).

Motherwell have Stephen Welsh back in their ranks after he resumed a loan from Celtic. There is a question mark over Johnny Koutroumbis after he went off with a calf injury at Livingston.

Elliot Watt (hamstring), Regan Charles-Cook (ankle) and Callum Hendry remain out along with long-term absentee Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Image source, SNS

Steven Pressley has praised Dundee's owners for rejecting "some very enticing offers" and standing firm on their valuation of Luke Graham.

Portsmouth failed in their attempts to sign the 21-year-old centre-back, who has made 27 appearances this season.

Pressley said: "From my own experiences as a head coach, January isn't only an opportunity to bring in some players, it can derail you in many ways with your best players moving on.

"There's no doubt that if a significant offer had come in then the club would have had to think about it.

"But credit to our owners, because we received some very enticing offers. But we were strong in that respect and we were focused that we would not sell unless the true valuation was met.

"I was delighted to see him in the building. I said to him that everyone was telling me he was on a flight down to Portsmouth, which I knew was untrue.

"I am really, really pleased because his performances have been of such a high level."

Pressley expects further interest in the Scotland under-21 international, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

"If he continues progressing the way that he has I think there will be a lot of interest in him," Pressley said.

"I worked with a young Jarrad Branthwaite at Carlisle who went on to represent England and I see so many similarities between himself and Luke. I think we've got a tremendous young player on our hands."

Pressley's squad was strengthened on deadline day with the arrival of Dutch defender Lewis Montsma from Lincoln and Birmingham winger Scott Wright on loan.

Dundee also added 18-year-old forward Aldahir Valenzuela on loan from Monterrey as part of their link-up with the Mexican club.

Wright has only just returned from a year out with a knee injury in the past two weeks but will add a goal threat Pressley knows his side need.

No Dundee player has scored more than two Premiership goals this season and Pressley's top scorer is defender Clark Robertson, who has four in all competitions.

Pressley, whose side host Motherwell on Wednesday, said: "If you look through our group, we have made a lot of progress over the season, but if you look at the stats and history it would suggest that we lack goals.

"Simon Murray is the only player within the group with a history of scoring goals. It's a big burden for one to carry.

"Scott is a player we think can really impact that area. He is a player with a history of scoring goals. He is a player that can fill all three positions along the front line.

"With our current injuries to Joe Westley and Ash Hay, we really only have one fit striker. So Scott gives us the back-up there."

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

Dundee made two signings on deadline day, winger Scott Wright on loan and defender Lewis Montsma.

That added to the arrivals of Joe Bevan, Brad Halliday, Joel Cotterill and Aldahir Valenzuela, while Emile Acquah departed on loan and Plamen Galabov and Cesar Gerza left.

And the club kept hold of in-demand defender Luke Graham.

Are you happy with the Dark Blues' business? Are they in good shape now for the remainder of the season?

Share your views here.

Dundee turned down a club record bid for defender Luke Graham, 21, on transfer deadline day. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, Getty Images

Dundee have signed Lincoln City's Dutch defender Lewis Montsma on a six-month deal with an option to extend it further.

Montsma, 27, came through several academies in the Netherlands before breaking into senior football with Dordrecht.

He moved to Lincoln in 2020 and has made 108 appearances for the Imps, scoring 11 goals.

However, he has since struggled with injuries and has not played a single league game for Michael Skubala's side this season.

"I'm very happy to be here," he told Dundee's club website.

"As soon as my agent said Dundee were really interested, I was like this is for me. It's a good change for me in my career; I hope to play a lot of games here.

"I spoke to Ethan [Hamilton] on the phone, he told me about how the place is, it looks very nice here, really looking forward to getting started."

In an open letter to Montsma, Lincoln sporting director Jez George said: "Over the next five and a half years you proved to be not just a special player, but also a special person.

"On behalf of everyone connected to Lincoln City, who have all shared all or part of your journey, we want to thank you for everything and wish you every success for the next chapter of your career at Dundee FC and beyond.

"Go well, Lewis. Always an Imp."

Dundee are closing in on signing Lincoln City defender Lewis Montsma, 27. (Courier - subscription required), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as 10-man St Mirren and Dundee share the points in a goalless stalemate in Paisley. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on Dundee's 0-0 draw against 10-man St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Our indecision both on the park and in the transfer market, along with our injury list, is threatening to derail all the good work done in the last couple of months. Our wide men have obvious skill but the final ball is usually lacking and we have no central threat with Ash Hay out. Might be time to start the two young guys upfront and use their speed and directness to get us up the pitch. A good point? Failing to register a shot on target against a team of 10, no, a poor two dropped.

Steve: A lot of good possession and endeavour but lacking that cutting edge in the final third. The gaffer knows it and I am sure he will work it out. Would always take a point on the road but it feels a bit like a missed chance. Clean sheet, good debut for Brad Halliday, solid shape generally, more positives than negatives.

Mark: Poor game from start to finish. Normally take a point there and up the road but that's twice in the last couple of weeks we've been against 10 men for most of the second half and not put them to the sword. Need more firepower up front.

Iain: Happy with an away point but we could have forced our advantage, but we didn't. The two lowest scoring sides in the league were likely to end with a goalless draw. Dundee can do better than this. We need a goalscorer, and more attacking intent under Steven Pressley. He likes to defend.

Albert: A draw isn't the end of the world. Hopefully the owners can back Pressley in getting in some strikers as we've a good side here.

George: Dundee could of have been out of sight of St Mirren. We need to put the ball in the net, it is what wins games. Hope we get a good goalscorer, we need one desperately. But at least we got a point. Last season we would have lost that game 2-0.

Image source, SNS

Dundee "certainly need to bring in a centre-back" and "probably an attacking player" before the January window closes, says head coach Steven Pressley.

The Dens Park club are without defenders Clark Robertson and Billy Koumetio and strikers Joe Westley and Ashley Hay due to injury.

Pressley says the situation could force his hand and he hopes the Dundee board can conclude some transfer business before the window closes on Monday.

Following Saturday's 0-0 draw at St Mirren, the Dundee boss said: "We have to look at that (signing more players).

"Every game for us is so important. It might be three or four weeks out for Ash [Hay] but that could be five or six games just now for us because it's such a hectic period.

"Ash had been struggling after the opening period at Ibrox. And as a result, we got him scanned later in the week.

"We thought it wasn't going to be too bad, but it looks like it's a broken toe. So again, it might force us in the market.

"It's not what we intended to do going into the window. We had a clear idea of where we wanted to recruit, and centre-back was another area we didn't really want to recruit in, but our hands have been forced a little bit.

"So I think prior to the closure of the window, we certainly need to bring in a centre-back and probably an attacking player."

Dundee are in talks with Lincoln City over a deal for Dutch central defender Lewis Montsma. (Daily Record), external

Ten-man St Mirren held on for a precious Premiership point in Paisley after a turgid goalless Scottish Premiership draw against Dundee.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley: "Kind of similar to last week where we had a lot of possession and got into good positions in the final third but couldn't find the breakthrough.

"It's an area we need to improve, but I think we've come a long way. It's a good point.

"Them going down to 10 men, you hope you take the impetus and go win it, but they are also fighting for their lives right now."

Image source, SNS

St Mirren new boy Kion Etete has picked up a hamstring problem but is expected to make it.

Saints remain without Jonah Ayunga (tendon), Mark O'Hara (ankle) and Keanu Baccus (hamstring tendon). Fraser Taylor has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season.

Billy Koumetio (knee) and Clark Robertson (thigh) are still out for Dundee through injury, while recent signing Brad Halliday is hoping to make his first appearance for the club.

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Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken is relishing the "responsibility" placed on him by Steven Pressley.

The 25-year-old lost his place to Trevor Carson in the final months of last season, but has been first choice since Pressley replaced Tony Docherty in the summer.

"It's obviously been a really good season for myself, the gaffer has come in and given me that responsibility that it's your gloves to lose," said McCracken.

"That's been refreshing because I wasn't the gaffer's signing so that's always a pleasing factor, and I've just really enjoyed it.

"The majority of the defenders are the ones that were here in the building last year, apart from Drey Wright. We've pretty much got the same boys that were here last year, we've improved a lot in terms of that.

"But it's not just the back four and the goalkeeping. Defensively, as a team, we're looking really hard to break down and I think results have sort of shown that, hopefully we can continue that."

Having lost to top two Hearts and Rangers in their previous two league outings, Dundee are seeking a return to winning ways in Saturday's trip to St Mirren.

"Consistency is one of the hardest things to get in the league because it's quite a competitive league this year," McCracken added.

"St Mirren are a good team, you don't win a cup without being a good team, so it'll be a difficult game.

"They'll be just as up for it as we are, but we're trying to look more up the way than down the way in the league and a win at the weekend would certainly help our chances of catching the ones above us."

Dundee boss Steven Pressley says Brad Halliday will be "a really good signing" despite having to wait for his chance since signing from Bradford City. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Friday's gossip.

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• St. Mirren (17) and Dundee (19) are the two lowest scoring sides in this season's Scottish Premiership. Indeed, the Buddies have the lowest shot conversion rate in the competition this term (6.3% - 17 goals from 268 shots), while the Dee are bottom for total shots (214) and expected goals (18.5).

• Only bottom side Livingston have fewer away points in the Scottish Premiership this season (four) than Dundee (six), who have just one win in 12 away league outings this term (D3 L8).

• St. Mirren are winless in their last six league games (D2 L4), failing to score in four of those since a 1-0 victory over Livingston in December.

• Dundee have won three of their last four Scottish Premiership meetings with St. Mirren (L1), as many as their previous 15 beforehand (W3 D3 L9).

• St. Mirren have won six of their last eight Scottish Premiership matches at home to Dundee (L1), including a 1-0 win in September this season.

Image source, SNS

Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Pressley confirms there has been "contact with several clubs" about Luke Graham but that none have reached Dundee's valuation for the 21-year-old centre-half.

• Graham is "not getting out this window", although Pressley realises he is unlikely to have time to realise his dream of building a team around the "exciting" young Scot.

• Injuries to Billy Koumetio and Clark Robertson mean one of Dundee's two priorities before the end of January is to sign another central defender.

• Pressley also wants an additional striker, although no signings are imminent.

• As for departures, he only anticipates the possible exit of "a couple of players on the periphery".

• Saturday's trip to Paisley "is a huge game for both clubs" as "we're at that stage of the season when it's a must-win game".

• "We've got a bit of daylight between us and those underneath us, but that can change very quickly," Pressley says, warning against "complacency" against "a very good St Mirren team".

• He points out "our two defeats in the past six games were against teams one and two in the country (Hearts and Rangers)".

• The fact there was a subdued atmosphere after the loss at Ibrox showed "how far the players have come and the standards they are setting for themselves".

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There has been a lot of chat about Luke Graham's Dundee future during this transfer window.

Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old defender appears to have plenty of potential suitors after a string of standout displays this season.

While the fans may be pondering whether he will stay or go, perhaps there is a bigger question - can Dundee afford to sell him?

But his value to the team cannot be understated. Despite his young years, he has looked hugely assured in a side that has been steadily improving as the campaign has gone on.

Of course every player has his price and if the club's valuation is met then there is every chance Graham could move on to pastures new.

Graham's numbers back up his burgeoning reputation. Opta stats show he has had the most clearances, headed clearances, passes, successful passes and forward passes of any Dundee outfield player in the Premiership this season.

He ranks second for interceptions, third for fouls won, and has also created six chances.

So it is clear Dundee's hopes of extending their positive progress would be better served by his continued presence in the side.

Dundee's rearguard options are already stretched with injuries to Billy Koumetio and Clark Robertson, so losing a talisman like Graham would further add to their problems in that department.

One player doesn't make a team but the loss of a key one can have a big impact.

If Dundee can hang on to Graham for the remainder of the season, it would arguably be the best piece of business the club do during this transfer window.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

To say I am relatively upbeat after a 3-0 defeat would make me sound like a madman.

Yet beneath the surface of the result at Ibrox was a spirited Dundee performance, one where we attempted to go toe-to-toe with Rangers.

It was a breath of fresh air. Dundee sides of the past have gone to Ibrox, dropped into a back five and attempted to absorb pressure on the back foot.

On Sunday, we saw Dundee line up with a back four and, for the most part, show bravery on the ball.

What was missing was that cutting edge in the final third - particularly with the final delivery. That feels uncharacteristic of this team given the form our wide players have shown across the season.

Regardless of results, Dundee are developing some very good habits, and that will bode well as we approach the business end of the campaign. My feeling remains that we are still yet to see the very best of this side.

We await the debut of new signing Brad Halliday, who arrives from Bradford with glowing reviews from their supporters, while one or two further additions may still arrive before the window shuts.

Away to St Mirren next. If we can maintain our groove, Dundee will be more than capable of taking all three points.

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has spoken to Luke Graham's agent amid speculation linking the Dens Park defender with a move, while Pressley is keen to sign two players before the end of the January transfer window. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip