‘We’re a better side than Kilmarnock’ says Lewis

good way to play football, I think everyone’s noticed that in the league but it’s been the consistency that’s killed us a wee bit this year.

“We’ve got a great squad here and we do believe we shouldn’t have been in the position we were but we finished the season well and, hopefully, we can kick on next campaign.”

And Spence himself is keen to kick on after a debut season that showed he has something to offer Dundee with his battling displays in the middle of the park.

After narrowly missing out on a move to now beleaguered Brechin City ahead of their winless season thanks to a phone call from manager Neil McCann, Spence is delighted to have been able to play full-time football in the top flight at Dens Park.

His determination now is to repay the faith shown i n him by the manager, who spotted him years ago while coaching at Dunfermline, by pushing himself on to the next level.

He said: “That was my first season at Dundee and I enjoyed it.

“I’ve got to terms with it a wee bit, the league, the opposing teams and my own team-mates so, hopefully, there’s more to come from me next season.

“I want to play as many games as I can, try and stay injury free as well, and just have a good season.

“I played week in, week out before my ankle operation but it was a bit stop-start after that for me.

“I’m hoping to start the season on a high and come back for the start of pre-season really fit.”

Kris Boyd’s (right) goals propelled Kilmarnock into the top six last season.