Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McCann’s eyeing more new deals
DUNDEE are hoping to fix up more players on long-term contracts to follow on from two of their major performers penning new deals in the last eight days.
A week ago, midfielder Paul McGowan signed for another possible two years and yesterday centre-half Josh Meekings committed himself to Dens Park until 2020.
And in the coming days, gaffer Neil McCann is hoping to confirm similar good news about other members of his squad.
Neil won’t reveal names until deals are concluded but he’s also been speaking to the likes of Mark O’Hara, Kevin Holt, Elliott Parish, Kerr Waddell and Jesse Curran.
Most on that list are expected to stay at the club, though midfielder O’Hara has been attracting considerable interest from elsewhere, with Motherwell in particular credited with a strong desire to lure him away.
“Without naming names, hopefully we’ll get another couple in the next couple of days as well,” was how the manager put it.
And he is understandably happy experienced pair Meekings and McGowan are hanging around.
“I’m delighted, absolutely delighted. We’ve been discussing it now for a few weeks, so really pleased to get it over the line and secured to the future of the club,” he said of ex-ICT stopper Meekings.
“I think it’s a big one. He is the type of boy I want because he’s experienced and I think Josh will get better because he didn’t have a pre-season this season.
“We threw him in against Celtic at Celtic Park for his first game, if you remember, and that was on the back of the long injury lay-off.
“He worked very hard to get himself ready and I just believe Josh is going to get better and better. He’s one that I was quite determined to get tied down.
“Gowser was just as important as Josh was because of what he offers us.
“Not just on a match day but his general application every day. His understanding of the game, his experience.
“He has been really important to the team, I think the fans love him. He just endears himself to everybody because of his work rate.
“I think what’s overlooked is he’s got the quality as well. I’m really happy I’ve got the two of them tied down.”
Meanwhile, speculation a former favourite could be returning for next season has been sparked by a post on social media.
Midfielder Jim McAlister, who spent three years at Dens before heading south to Blackpool in 2015, posted a video of himself scoring two goals in a game against Raith Rovers with the message “time to get back to my happy place”.
There has, however, been no indication Dundee are interested and, now 32, he does not appear an obvious target for next term.
This afternoon, the manager was heading for Hampden to answer SFA charges resulting from the fracas at the end of the 4-0 home defeat against St Johnstone earlier this month.
Saints reserve keeper Zander Clark was also summoned.