Jimmy Baker

Had the fear when Williamson came on but it was unfounded as he had a fine game. In fact Byrne and he were massive improvements on Grayson and Anderson. Apart from the first 20 minutes Dundee were well on top and it was as a comprehensive 2-0 win as you are likely to see. Onwards and upwards

How did that work out for you?

Not correct. McPake took over after Dundee were relegated. When McCann was binned Jim McIntyre was appointed and it was he who finished the job. As for McCann, he was a disaster as a manager. He did make three good signings; Glen Kamara, Jack Hendry and Scott Allan (on loan). However that good work was negated by signing a shit load of complete jobbers from teams in the 6th tier of English or foreign leagues, most of whom faded back into obscurity when they left. I remember when he signed Soffian Moussa, he predicted that he would become a legend at the club. This was a player who had dotted around the nether leagues in Europe missing goals and it was no surprise that his career at Dens saw him continue that trend. He was laughably bad. But McCann's main fault was his intransigence, his rigid adherence to the way he thought that the game should be played irrespective of whether he had the players to do it. At Dens this meant a lot of sideways passing and pedestrian play that gave the opposition every opportunity to get behind the ball. It was turgid, deadly dull, boring and completely ineffective. He may have improved, he may now be willing to take advice or adapt his tactics but I wouldn't bet on it.

The manager is looking for a target man? What, like Haber?

There's a lack of striking options which is evident to everyone but am I the only one concerned with our lack of cover in the full back positions? We have Kerr and Ralph with Curran (who's listed as a midfielder) as back up and that's it as far as I can see. Admittedly I've only seen Ralph the once but given that performance and his past career record I'm not convinced that he is up to the task.

Noted for the future lad, thanks

Ok, lads sorry to get that wrong. If it makes you happy congratulations in getting a draw against Arbroath at home.

Struggling to excuse getting whacked from a part time team who have just been promoted from the bottom tier of Scottish football...and failing

It probably won't!!

Yeah, this. It'd probably be this. He is a grass

McCann may have said that El Bak was at home recovering from a knock and that's why he wasn't at the camp but it's telling that's the first time he's been mentioned in any of the pre season interviews. The manager had previously said that he was looking to bring a striker in to provide an option for Moussa and Mendy. Haber and El Bak weren't mentioned. Haber's away on trial to South Africa. Keep believing Pars!

I think the standard response to something like this is "kill it with fire"

I did a double check when reading this whole post because it was too sensible and well written for P&B. I'd thoroughly agree with the sentiments regarding Roarie Deacon. He started off his career in the SPFL showing mild promise and ended up the season being decidedly mediocre. I can't think of a single fixture after which I came away thinking that he was above average. Considering that he arrived here after standing out in the cup game against Arsenal I was expecting a bit more. I don't know what his stats are but I don't think that in terms of goals created or scored they would be even slightly impressive. There are obviously the odd gem to be found in the English lower reaches but by the same token there must be a huge amount of trash as well

I concur with my fellow Dees, Kosta Gadzhalov the Dabslayer would be a great signing for many teams in the bottom half of the Premiership or in the top half of the Championship. No, not much.. a wee team got pumped (again) but nothing that wasn't expected

Ok that seems fair enough. It seemed strange that despite signing an alternative left back McCann quite quickly reverted to playing Holt and yet there didn't seem to be an offer on the table. I didn't realise that he actually lived in Dumfries and that is a hell of a distance to be travelling regularly, especially in bad weather or given the overall state of our roads. I thought he was ok and I'm sure he'll get fixed up. On the CB front a better option from the Dundee list is probably Kostadin Gadzahlov, who I thought never really got a fair go at Dens.

I think Etxabeguren has left the country going by a tweet from him that somebody posted. Not sure he's what you would need in that division (or any come to that). Good with the ball at his feet but not very imposing and definitely liable to give away a penalty.He's been a bit of a sick note as well. Holt played plenty of games for us but was unfairly a target for the boo boys. He's not the worst we had and he ended the season strongly. However there was never any news of his contract being extended and it was pretty evident that McCann thought he could find a better option. There were rumours linking him with St Mirren.

No, not much.. a wee team got pumped (again) but nothing that wasn't expected

I'm happier than a really happy person that has a special reason to be happy. This joy will only be exceeded when the dayglo ones do the decent thing and die completely. Thank you.

I don't know why but I can't get this outa my head

You can't blame them, it's not as if they are proper supporters!

What game was that day-glo chunt McKinnon at? I'm severely gutted we didn't give them seven. What happened to that special needs twat fifedab?

Please tell me that none of my hard earned cash has gone on "educating" this mutant!

One thing we don't need is another crocked centre back so I would imagine that McCann is probably interested in Meekings but may want to assess him fully. Despite having six CBs theoretically in first team contention, two are out long term (in one instance perhaps permanently), another, Gadzhalov, has only managed one half of an under 20 game so far, O' Dea seems to have an ongoing niggle that manifests itself every so often and the other two are raw young lads with potential.

The first league game he played he was actually up front with Hemmings and looked a player. Last season he was played up on his own and was generally rancid. I thought he would have made a good combo with Haber but by that time he was off on loan. Off course the lack of anybody capable of providing the front players with chances didn't help any of the strikers.

There's been little talk of Loy in Dundee except on Facebook pages which tends to be pure speculation. He's been kind of unlucky. He started both his seasons with a brace in the first league games. In the first season he was injured after the first game and Dundee changed to a one up front formation with Hemmings filling that role. After he returned he was restricted mainly to bit part appearances from the bench. Then, at the start of the season past, he was played up front on his own which doesn't suit him and gradually drifted out of the picture. It'll be interesting to see what happens. We're pretty thin on the ground for strikers and it may be that McCann will give him a chance playing along side another front man