New Dee boss Pressley introduced
Dundee presented new manager Steven Pressley to the media today at the club’s training centre in Gardyne. Appointed as Tony Docherty’s replacement 10 days ago following the former Aberdeen assistant’s dismissal, Pressley cut short a holiday celebrating his silver wedding anniversary to begin his new role, demonstrating his commitment from the outset. He was joined by new Technical Manager David Longwell, who was appointed on the same day. Pressley, who’s position as manager has been heavily criticised by the Dundee support, walked into today’s presser with the calm assurance of a man ready for a fresh challenge, and perhaps, something to prove. The former Dundee United player has now crossed a second derby divide in Scotland, having previously played for both Rangers and Celtic during his career. He will once again be working under Technical Director Gordon Strachan, who managed him during his time at Celtic Park. After five years out of management, his last role being at Carlisle United in November 2019, Pressley has been serving as Head of Individual Development at English Premier League side Brentford since May 2021. He explained why now felt like the right time to return to frontline management. He said: “I think it was just right. I’d done my four years. This was always a juncture in my career, I’ve finished my university degree, my daughter has finished school, and I always had intentions to sell my house this summer. “I’d chosen to leave the role at Brentford to look for other opportunities, and this one arose. “Once I spoke to the club, I just felt it was right, I think it’s a club with really good potential.” While no additions to the coaching team have been confirmed yet, Pressley said he was still “undecided” on who would be assisting him at Dens Park this season. He said: “If you look at my history, my long-term assistant was Neil MacFarlane. Neil is also at Brentford, heading up the B team, and he’s equally at a juncture in his career where his next step might not be as an assistant coach, but as a manager. “The important thing for me is that I’ve got a clear idea of how I want the role to function and the skill set required from the individual. “I’m going to take my time, because I want someone who not only brings those skills, but who will also come in and challenge things, helping the club to grow.” Pressley will be assisted in the meantime by Longwell and Scott Paterson, who remains in his role as First Team Coach.
Pressley Sets Out Dundee Vision as Transfer Window Looms
New Dundee manager Steven Pressley was introduced to the media today at the club’s training ground in Gardyne, giving the former Dundee United defender his first opportunity to address both the press and a support that has been mixed in its response to his appointment. With the transfer window, and the inevitable merry-go-round of ins and outs, set to begin on Monday, Pressley was asked about his thoughts on the current squad and his plans for recruitment this summer. He was also quizzed on the club’s ability to retain key players, most notably Josh Mulligan, who has recently been linked with a move to Rangers. When asked whether he hoped to tie Mulligan down to a new contract, Pressley said he would “love to,” but was quick to admit it would be “easier said than done.” On his existing squad, he said: “We’d love to keep certain personnel. There are several players I think are pivotal to moving this club in the right direction, and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.” Discussions around summer recruitment are already under way, with Pressley outlining the club’s aims and the type of player they’re targeting. He said: “It’s a very important aspect, and we’re aware that we need to bring players in, but most importantly, we need to bring the right players in. “We have to find a balance between getting them in now and getting the right player in. “We’ll be working hard on that, and there’ll be clear processes in place to achieve it.” No specific names were mentioned, but with his son, Arron, currently playing in England for Stevenage, Pressley was asked whether a family reunion could be on the cards, having previously worked with his son during their time together at Brentford. “I don’t know if he’d want to play for his dad, to be honest!” Pressley joked. “I’ll obviously assess the situation regarding a number of players. “I was involved in the development of quite a lot of young players at Brentford and was fortunate enough to build some strong relationships. “We’ll certainly look at it, but there are no guarantees. “We won’t bring players in just because of my connection, we’ll have to go through the proper process and make sure they’re the right players for Dundee.”