Smith admits last-minute promotion was so difficult

promoted. The plan was during that season they would have gelled together as a team so they could go and do well in the SPL.

“But we ended up as a team that was basically thrown into the Premier League and hadn’t gelled yet. If you are building a team for the SPL, you know you’ll need more defensive players than we did at that time.

“As much as the plan was to get the club back in the Premier League, because, let’s face it, that’s where a club like Dundee belongs, it was a tough ask.”

On opening day a 0-0 draw at Kilmarnock was followed up by just one win, a 1-0 victory at Hearts, and just four goals from their first 11 games. That run would continue with only 12 points picked up by the turn of the year.

For Smith himself, it was a tough baptism as a manager having dealt with administration and the Club 12 season within his first three seasons as a boss.

“In my own managerial career, too, I think that season came too early for me,” he added.

“Looking back, I think I maybe needed another season in the First Division to really establish myself before going up to the SPL, I think that would have helped me a lot.

“You always have your own self-belief that you can deliver and achieve what you want but I did know it would be a big ask to be able to stay in the league.

“You have that self-belief but deep down I knew you have to have the proper resources or you can’t do that.

“I think real football people would understand the predicament that was placed on me as a young manager and the majority of the fans understood at the time, too.

“Dundee fans have always been good to me over the years and I know it wasn’t easy seeing their team not winning.

“I appreciate their support because they did give me good backing, even when it wasn’t going well. And they gave me backing even when the day came to part company.”

MacLean was no longer chief executive, with Scot Gardiner taking over that role, and Smith was sacked by the club on February 20, 2013.

He has since gone on to manage Alloa, Aldershot, East Fife, Raith Rovers, Brechin City and is now assistant manager to another Dens legend Jim Duffy at Dumbarton.

“There was a change in chief executive and I know, when it comes down to it, football is a results-driven business, but I did think he would be a bit more understanding of the situation.

“I know if Harry was still there, he understands football and knows the job wasn’t about him but about Dundee FC and it might have been different.”