Spirit of 2011
DUNDEE v ROSS C Kerr: Gaffer got us out of trouble six years ago and is repeating trick now
CAMMY KERR will never forget Neil McCann ditching retirement to help Dundee beat the drop – and reckons he has instilled that same survival spirit after swapping the TV studio for dugout.
Back in February 2011, McCann headed a last-gasp winner to sink First Division leaders Raith 2-1 and help the Dark Blues on their way to defying the odds and staying up despite a 25-point deduction for going into administration.
Kerr was a starry-eyed teenager dreaming of making the breakthrough with his boyhood idols when he watched McCann pull the boots back on.
And now the interim manager is playing a leading role again as the Dens men aim for a third consecutive league win against Ross County today.
Dundee have hauled themselves away from the play-off zone thanks to back-to-back victories over Motherwell and Kilmarnock and full-back Kerr can’t speak highly enough of former Sky pundit McCann for the way he has lifted morale at Dens.
Kerr said: “I was sitting in the stand that day with the rest of the Under-19 squad. It was just before I turned full-time.
“It was a special goal, a really great moment. It’s one of the memories that sticks out growing up around the club.
“I’ve been with managers who have played here like Barry Smith and now the gaffer – they have a strong connection with the club.
“The first few weeks have been great. I don’t know what the plans are but things are heading in a positive direction so we’ll just need to wait and see what happens.
“Sine coming in he has restored the belief among the boys. It was tough because we’d been on a really bad run but he has brought that togetherness.
“The boys are onside with him and that’s a massive thing. He has done that well.
“The confidence that had been lacking has been restored just through results.
“When you don’t get results it drains you mentally and physically.
“He has put belief back in the boys. He has grasped characters quickly and knows whether it’s an arm around the shoulder or a boot up the backside that’s required. That’s what he has done best.”
Dundee are relishing the prospect of a bumper crowd inside Dens as they bid to take another step towards survival having looked in serious danger when they lost seven in a row under Paul Hartley.
Local lad Kerr knows how much the backing of their loyal fans means ahead of County’s visit and the final home game against Inverness on Wednesday.
He added: “We are expecting a big crowd – off the back of two wins hopefully the fans come out in their numbers. It will be good for spurring the boys on. “We had a spell at home earlier in the season when we were unbeaten but recently that has faded. We only have two home games left so obviously we want victories in both. “We want to sign off on a good note with the supporters. There was a bit of tension until we got the last couple of results. “But it’s different now and we would love to repay the fans with a win.” Dundee have been buoyed by their recent revival and Kerr has thanked McCann for putting faith in him having missed the Motherwell match through suspension.
He said: “After the boys won at Motherwell I was wondering whether I would get back in.
“But the gaffer showed faith by putting me straight back in which I’m grateful for.
“Since he arrived here he has been quite faithful to me.
“He has taken me aside on a few occasions to offer me pointers which is always good.
“He spoke about what I should be doing as a full-back and how he wants me to defend, looking at things like body shape in training.
“Most managers these days want a modern full-back who can get forward.
“He wants me to defend first and foremost but to get forward as well in the final third and get quality balls into the box.” ACCIES boss Martin Canning should have winger Louis Longridge back from a thigh injury and Darren Lyon is back training after recovering from a hip injury, albeit this game probably comes too soon.
Motherwell manager Steve Robinson is hoping defender Steven Hammell will be fit after suffering a burst blood vein in his leg last week.
Russell Griffiths will continue in goal while Stephen Pearson (groin) is likely to miss out as will Jacob Blyth (ankle), Ross MacLean (shoulder), Stephen McManus, Richard Tait (both groin) and Jack McMillan (wrist).
Last season: Hamilton 0, Motherwell 1; Motherwell 3, Hamilton 3; Hamilton 1, Motherwell 0.
Last five league matches: Hamilton DDWLL; Motherwell DLWLL.
Referee: Kevin Clancy. JAMIE MACDONALD will return in goal for Killie as on-loan Newcastle No.1 Freddie Woodman has joined up with England’s Under-20s World Cup squad.
Young defender Innes Cameron also returns after Scotland Under-17s duty but Greg Taylor is suspended.
Inverness have midfielders Liam Polworth (ban) and Iain Vigurs (illness) back in their squad. Goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams (groin) remains out along with long-term absentees Carl Tremarco, Aaron Doran and Josh Meekings (all knee).
Last season: Inverness 3, Kilmarnock 1; Kilmarnock 2, Inverness 1; Inverness 2, Kilmarnock 1; Kilmarnock 2, Inverness 0.
Last five league matches: Kilmarnock DLDWL; Inverness LLLLW.
Referee: John Beaton. SAINTS skipper Steven Anderson is suspended and midfielder Murray Davidson is out for the rest of the season after surgery on an ankle problem.
Chris Millar (groin) and Michael Coulson (knock) are back in training although the game might come too soon for them. Keith Watson (knee) remains out.
Thistle boss Alan Archibald will welcome Danny Devine back into his squad after suspension but Stuart Bannigan, Gary Fraser (both knee), Jason Banton (groin), Ryan Scully (shoulder) and Sean Welsh (foot) remain out.
Last season: St Johnstone 1, Partick 2; Partick 2, St Johnstone 0; St Johnstone 1, Partick 2.
Last five league matches: St Johnstone WWLWL; Partick Thistle DWLDL.
Referee: Stephen Finnie.