New Dens front line as McPake shuffles strikers

DUNDEE secured the signing of Alex Jakubiak – just minutes after confirming the departure of Kane Hemmings – on a day of transfer drama at Dens Park.

Hemmings, 29, was initially the only member of James McPake’s squad who failed to agree a wage cut last month amid the financial pressures of the Covid-19 shutdown.

But the former Rangers youngster – who had a contract at Dens Park until 2022 – later indicated he would be willing to take a temporary salary reduction, sparking hopes that he could still have a part to play in the club’s 2020/21 Championship campaign.

However, Dee chiefs were shocked when the player later informed them he had changed his mind and requested his release for personal reasons.

The striker is likely to return to English football – where he has previously turned out for Oxford United, Notts County, Barnsley and Mansfield – with Burton Albion interested in securing his signature.

The Dark Blues said: “Dundee Football Club can confirm that Kane Hemmings has left the club by mutual consent.

“Kane re-joined the club in the summer of 2019 and scored 10 goals throughout the 2019/20 season.

“We would like to thank Kane for his efforts while at Dens and wish him all the best for the future.”

Within minutes, McPake’s men revealed they had completed the signing of former Watford, Falkirk and St Mirren ace Jakubiak.

The former Scotland U/19 international has signed a two-year deal with Dundee after leaving the Hornets this summer.

Jakubiak, 23, spent the secondhalf of last season on loan with the Buddies.

McPake said: “He is a player that we know really well from his time in Scotland with Falkirk and St Mirren.

“Alex is one that excites us. He was identified very early on as one that we would like to bring to the club.

“With Andrew Nelson and Kane Hemmings leaving, it was important we strengthened but, with

James McPake has a new front line at Dens.