Dundee’s rise this season has been impossible to ignore. Should they overcome St Mirren on Saturday, Steven Pressley’s side will climb to third in the Premiership and continue a journey that is increasingly capturing attention across Scottish football. Having finished eighth last term, the Dees are showing all the signs of a team ready to take the next step.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this Dundee side is its age profile. Drey Wright and Alan Forrest were the only players in the starting eleven against Rangers over the age of 30. Furthermore, the team on Saturday had an average age of just 25, highlighting the long-term vision being implemented at the club.
That youthfulness was on full display during their impressive draw. Manager Steven Pressley has repeatedly stressed the importance of mastering the fundamentals, and his players delivered exactly that. Dundee competed fiercely all over the pitch, winning individual battles and denying Rangers the time and space needed to dictate the game.
The quality of Rangers’ goals only enhanced Dundee’s performance. Both Nicolas Raskin and Badredine Bouanani produced moments of real quality, and ultimately, it took that level of brilliance to secure a point for the visitors. While Dundee benefited from an error by Dan Neil in the build-up to the second goal, they were unquestionably good value for their share of the spoils.
Attention now turns to another significant opportunity. A victory in Paisley could propel Dundee into third place in the Premiership table, and their upcoming schedule offers further reason for encouragement. Matches against St Mirren, Kilmarnock, and St Johnstone represent opportunities to continue building momentum before challenging fixtures against Hearts, Hibernian, and Celtic.
Yet there is little reason for Dundee to fear anyone. This is a side that believes in itself, and has already shown it can compete with the league’s biggest clubs. Even Celtic, who were beaten by Dundee last season for the first time in 37 years, will know they face a difficult test when they travel to Dens Park.
It would be wrong to suggest the campaign has been completely straightforward. Dundee have had to overcome several setbacks, including losing club captain Simon Murray to injury. The departures of Luke Graham and Cameron Congreve also presented challenges, removing both quality and depth from key areas of the squad.
Despite those obstacles, Dundee continues to progress, and much of that is down to Steven Pressley. The manager comes across as approachable, measured and highly respected. While nobody can truly know what happens behind closed doors, there is a clear sense that his players enjoy playing for him and fully buy into his methods.
Critics may argue that Dundee are not the most expansive or aesthetically pleasing team in the division, and that may be fair. What they do possess, however, is an outstanding foundation. Their defensive record is among the best in the league, and every successful team is built upon that platform.
In midfield, captain Ethan Hamilton continues to demonstrate why he is one of the Premiership’s most underrated players. His leadership and consistency provide the heartbeat of the team. Out wide, Joe Bevan offers creativity and directness, while Ashley Hay and Bradley Fink have developed into a formidable attacking partnership capable of troubling any defence.
The most exciting aspect for supporters is that this project still feels as though it is in its early stages. The squad is young, the manager has established a clear identity, and results continue to trend in the right direction. There is certainly plenty to be positive about at Dens Park.
The question now is no longer whether Dundee can compete. It is just how far Steven Pressley’s side can go.
