Dens hero Letheren could make return

DUNDEE promotion hero Kyle Letheren could be on his way back to Dens Park.

The 29-year-old Welshman is fondly remembered by Dark Blues fans for a wonder save to deny Dumbarton’s Bryan Prunty a late equaliser and help clinch promotion to the Premiership three years ago.

Letheren left for Blackpool a year later after losing his place to Scott Bain and then last year switched to York City.

They lost their National League place at the end of the season, however, so he will be on the move again this summer.

Hartlepool, who have just dropped down to that level from the football league down south, are understood to be interested.

But so too, it appears, is new Dundee boss Neil McCann.

He is in the market for at least a back-up goalie after No 2 of the past couple of seasons, David Mitchell, headed for Falkirk under freedom of contract.

Letheren would be a popular replacement and would probably provide stiffer competition for the No 1 jersey.

He could even be first choice — if Bain sticks to the plan to see a move this summer.

With a year of his contract left, it was revealed late last season that he’d expressed a desire to be allowed to leave now.

There has been a hint, though, that with Paul Hartley being replaced by McCann as manager, the 25-year-old might have a change of heart.

Meanwhile, as well as in the goalkeeping department, McCann looks set to change his backroom staff at Dens.

Assistant manager Gerry McCabe could be moving on and there has been speculation over the appointment of a new No 2.

And the rumour mill has had two men with Dundee United connections in the running.

Former Tannadice kid Graham Gartland has been linked.

The Irishman, who is incidentally a life-long friend of now ex-United skipper Sean Dillon, also had a spell with St Johnstone before heading back home.

He is presently on the coaching staff at Shamrock Rovers.

More bizarrely, former United boss Jackie McNamara has been mentioned for the post.

He is a long-time friend of the new Dens boss but is settled in England now where, despite two relegations in two years, he remains chief executive at York City.

Kyle Letheren was a fan favourite during his time at Dens, seen here stopping an effort from future Dark Blues striker Rory Loy against Falkirk.