Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McGhee takes over Dee captaincy after agreeing new terms
JORDAN McGhee has been appointed Dundee captain after agreeing new terms with the club, writes Calum Woodger.
McGhee (23) will wear the armband next season for the Dark Blues, with Paul McGowan acting as vice-captain after the pair agreed to take pay cuts.
Ex-Falkirk skipper McGhee’s appointment comes in the wake of former club captain Josh Meekings exiting Dens Park this week after talks over a new deal broke down.
The club have asked players to make salary sacrifices of up to 30% amid the coronavirus’ continued shutdown of Scottish football.
McGowan went above and beyond, agreeing to new terms which will see him take home a 50% wage for three months until the new Championship season commences in October.
The conditions of former Hearts defender McGhee’s revised contract are unclear but Gowser’s will rise to 75% pay until both players’ contracts run out in the summer of 2021.
With Meekings having been offered the same terms as McGowan before discussions ended, it is possible McGhee will now find himself on a similar deal to his vice-captain.
In a statement, the club said: “We are delighted to announce that Jordan McGhee has been appointed club captain with Paul McGowan appointed as vice-captain.
“Jordan has today also agreed to amended terms to support the club in these unprecedented times.
“Jordan joined the club last summer and went on to have an impressive debut season at Dens, picking up the Players’ Player of the Year award.
“He has experience of wearing the armband from his time as captain at Falkirk and has led the team out on a number of occasions throughout the 2019/20 season.
“Paul McGowan is also no stranger to the leadership role. He has worn the armband under all four of the managers during his six-year spell at the club.”
McGhee made 30 appearances in his debut season at Dens, scoring twice players’ award.
McGowan is a six-year veteran of the club, having made over 200 appearances in dark blue.
Meanwhile, Dundee are reporting ‘healthy’ season ticket sales after they put briefs back on sale this week.
The Dee had initially suspended sales amid the coronavirus pandemic but are now reporting a sharp uptake in season books.
As the Dark Blues face up to cuts across the board, they will be hoping that trend continues as they navigate choppy Covid-19 waters.