Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Games were the Bonettis
THERE were a lot of memorable moments for Dundee under the all-toobrief stewardship of the Bonettis back in the early 2000s.
Today I’m going to have a look at some games that stood out for me in those two action-packed seasons with the Italian brothers at the helm of the club.
The first game that springs to mind is the opening league game under their tenure.
MOTHERWELL 0 DUNDEE 2 July 29, 2000.
We travelled to Fir Park as something of an unknown quantity with all the new arrivals.
In front of us was a team who had finished fourth the season before.
In a side containing only five in the starting line-up from the previous campaign, Ivano selected himself on a day to remember for him.
We took the lead in the first half through a great Pat Billio strike from the edge of the box and, in the same half, the gaffer received a yellow card for a crude tackle.
The second half was taking shape when Ivano received his second yellow for another challenge and was duly sent off.
The remainder of the game was backs-to-the-wall stuff until Javier Artero went on a mazy run and scored one of the goals of the season.
It sent the massive travelling support home delighted and optimism was high for the rest of the season.
ABERDEEN 0 DUNDEE 2 October 14, 2000.
This game is probably most remembered for the debut of World Cup winner Claudio Caniggia but, for me, it was more notable as it was my mate Rab Douglas’ last game for the club.
The big goalie was unbelievable to play in front of as he commanded his area so well and made defending it so much easier.
He once told me if a ball came in to the box and he shouted for it to get out the way. I made the mistake of not moving once and still have the mark to prove it.
He deserved his move to Celtic and showed what a class act he was when he went there.
Caniggia marked his debut with a goal after coming on as a sub for the injured Steven Milne.
Just as impressive as that goal was the opener by Ivano, who chipped the keeper from about 20 yards.