Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
It’s so far, so but signings
As has always been the case in football, when it comes to Dundee’s summer signings the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
It terms of potential, however, it looks to be a case of so far, so good, as Neil McCann has shuffled his pack in the hope of strengthening his squad for the 2017/18 campaign.
The new manager has taken a gamble in handing midfielder Scott Allan the chance to get his career back on track via a year-long loan from Celtic.
At 25 there is no doubt the former Dundee United kid needs to start fulfilling his potential, and over a prolonged period.
Given Allan’s undoubted talent, though, it’s surely one worth taking and his presence should considerably increase the team’s creative quality in the middle of the park.
Likewise, the acquisition, on a permanent deal, of former England U/19 international Roarie Deacon should provide better options up front.
Deacon, who started out at Arsenal but has made his first-team appearances further down the ladder south of the border, scored his share of goals and reached double figures in the National League and FA Cup with Sutton United last season.
For a team that averaged just a goal a game in the Premiership last term, if Deacon can chip in with a similar number this year, his new gaffer will be happy.
The 25-year-old’s big worth to the team, however, could be the fact he can operate wide as well as through the middle, usually just behind the main striker.
When McCann came in as interim boss, his clever use of Marcus Haber showed what a potent weapon the Canadian international can be.
Like all big strikers he needs the right service and without question there was a lack of that last year.
If Deacon’s arrival improves the supply to Haber, the goals-for column could be considerably boosted.
The third of the three signings so far, Lewis Spence, is an interesting one. On the surface it looks unusual, given the 21-year-old was out of the first team at Dunfermline and was on the verge of signing for Brechin.
Having worked with him at East End Park, McCann clearly believes there is a player in there.
Given this won’t be the biggest