an-dee

We played a back 3 away to County, switched to a back 3 against Rangers when Allan came on and started with a back 3 against Aberdeen before switching to a back 4 midway through the first half. The only change was Waddell coming in for Kerr, which I don’t think was necessary even though Cammy’s final ball was poor on Friday against Aberdeen.

That’s the paper talk. Celtic, and some teams down south all interested. Jack’s just signed a deal with a new agency so I’m sure they’re just doing their bit to get his name out there. Don’t see Celtic or any teams down south making a move when he’s still got less than a full season’s experience. Maybe at the end of the season.

Not yet, or at least I haven’t heard anything. I’d imagine he’ll want someone in place for next summer though.

I’m sure we were using Wyscout under Hartley. From McCann’s comments earlier in the season I don’t think he’s a fan of it.

I actually agree with you. He’s a powerful runner and it’s his late runs from deep that usually cause other teams problems. He’s quite a threat coming in off the right too, scored some important goals for us in that position.

Aren't Derry City part-time, in which case, he'd only be training part-time? If they are it maybe explains why he's had a run of games injury-free.

You make a lot of good points and sometimes it's good to get an outsiders opinion because we all get emotional about Dundee so it's hard to stay objective. Against Motherwell, we were constantly getting battered down the right because Curran isn't a natural fullback and was standing off and letting everything come into the box. We've been far too passive defensively for years, this isn't a new thing. For what Kerr lacks going forward, there aren't many wingers get the better of him. He has to play on Saturday because Hibs have pace and ability out wide (maybe not so much ability with Boyle, but definitely pace), and I fear we'll get caught out time and time again if we play with two attacking wing backs again.

I've stuck up for Bain a lot over the past two seasons but he is becoming a bit of a liability. Don't know if it's a confidence thing or if it's his attitude. When we first came and got his chance against Motherwell away I think, he was coming for everything, getting a good punch on it or collecting it and taking the pressure off. That lasted most of the season and we were all tipping him to get a big money move and Scotland caps. Saturday's opener is the perfect example of how that's changed. The ball bounces on the 6 yard line and he doesn't come to collect it, under absolutely no pressure. Yes, Wolters loses his man at the back post but that doesn't become an issue if Bain just comes and collects that cross - it was a nothing cross, one that should have been easily dealt with and yet we find ourself 1-0 down again with a mountain to climb. Then there's the mistake against Thistle which lets them back into the game. Even their second goal is rolled across the 6 yard box, it wasn't exactly hit with any pace. Maybe that's a bit harsh expecting him to collect that, but Meekings at the front post almost leaves it with the expectation Bain would deal with it.

Him over Waddell for me. Think he's the best CB at the club, to be honest. Good to have plenty options though.

No Hendry?

Think I remember this too. Was it not something to do with the guy from Emmerdale being a Dundee fan and organising a charity match with soap actors and fans/ex-players?

Injured. Went off against Aberdeen.

Like I said, I've never actually seen it but you're right. If that is the case then it must be difficult not to react. Players are only human at the end of the day.

Sounds like your dislike for Bain has nothing to do with his ability as a goalkeeper so I doubt we can have a reasonable discussion about it or whether he cares or not, so fair enough I'll leave it at that. I sit in the Derry and honestly don't see him gesturing towards the home fans although this is not the first time I've heard it. Even so, if we get relegated it won't be because Bain has gestured towards the home fans and it won't be anything to do with his ability as a 'keeper IMO.

Looking at his reactions when we do concede it looks like he does care to me. I seriously doubt any 'keeper likes to concede goals or dislikes keeping clean sheets.

Do you genuinely think Scott Bain likes to concede goals?

We've had Kerr, Wighton and now Waddell coming through in the past few years. Also Curran, Gourlay and Ferrie have all been in and around the squad before. We've also had more young players out on loan recently than I can remember in a long time. We've definitely been better recently in terms of bringing players through IMO.

To be fair it isn't really out of town. Further away from the city centre definitely but there are residential areas close by and it's easily accessible by public transport (or at least it used to be, haven't used the buses for a while). The Americans are obviously keen to make their money back from holding conferences/events etc. in new facilities that will be purposely built alongside the new stadium. Redeveloping Dens won't make them as much money long-term IMO. It's not exactly a prime location for a conference/events venue, right in the middle of one of the poorest areas of the city. For me having the Americans own the stadium kind of makes them more likely to stick around having invested so much into it.

It won't be 17000+. Think 12000 or so is more likely.

Meekings signs. Won't be match ready yet but good signing if we can keep him fit.

Kamara the best of the three. Rutten looks good but I think we would be sorted with one or the other. Kamara strolled it today and looked really comfortable in that holding role.

I actually thought Vincent did his best work further forward for us last season. He isn't the best on the ball so playing him deeper was a waste. He was at his best pressing high and winning the ball back further up the pitch. If Hateley wasn't so slow and laboured I would have him in the deeper position because he's technically pretty good, but his lack of pace and sharpness means he gets caught in possession too often.

Yeah fair point. Think Spence might actually turn into a good bit of business. We've lacked that kind of aggression for the past few seasons in the middle of the park.

Didn't realise he had a year left. Sounds like he has plenty of potential. The type of player we should be signing.

To be fair I would expect him to be third choice. I think we'll still sign one more centre back.