Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Manager McPake ‘sold’ Dens Park move to Ashcroft
DUNDEE have made their first signing of the summer after winning the race to snap up centre-back Lee Ashcroft.
Consistent for first Kilmarnock and, for the last four years, Dunfermline, Ashcroft made a name for himself last season after his first goal of the campaign was compared to the great Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid.
In June, the Tele Sport revealed Dark Blues boss James McPake was keen to bring in the defender after his release from East End Park.
At the last minute, however, Ashcroft was linked with Premiership St Johnstone and League One Partick Thistle but it was the Dens Park club who got their man.
Ashcroft said: “It’s something I’ve known about for a while now.
“Through this tough period the gaffer was on the phone to me quite a bit and desperate to get me here. He sold the club to me very well so I’m delighted to get it done.
“I’ve played with Dunfermline for four years so I know the league very well. I know what the club are wanting to achieve here, it’s to get back to the top league and that is what I’m here to try and help them do.
“The gaffer has been great and I can’t wait to get started now.”
In welcoming their new arrival, Dundee said: “Dundee Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Lee Ashcroft on a two year deal.
“Lee signs after our recent squad consultation period saw two players depart.”
The 26-year-old comes in as a direct replacement for former club skipper Josh Meekings to challenge Jordan McGhee and Jordon Forster for centre-back roles in the new season.
Meekings left the club at the end of his contract last month after turning down the reduced deal on the table as Dundee chiefs moved to cut costs during the shutdown.
With a young family, the Scottish Cup winner said he was unable to accept such a deal, though planned to stay in normal circumstances. The Englishman is now looking for a new club down south.
Striker Andrew Nelson also departed and it is believed is also