Thrive on the gaffer McPake

different because I’ve seen how they worked with other managers and being able to see that has helped me.

“I’ve lived through some good times and bad times at the football club. I’ve experienced quite a lot here.”

McPake’s men made their longawaited return to training last Monday after nearly six months on the sidelines.

The Dark Blues manager – who said the lockdown was “really tough” at times – admits he was blown away by their conditioning.

He said: “The players went on furlough like most industries. They had (fitness) programmes but they were voluntary. To see them doing that and coming back in the condition they came back in this week was excellent.

“It’s credit to each and every one of them. We’re proud of them for dealing with the situation so well.

“It was different when I played – you used pre-season to get fit. Nowadays they come back in great condition and that’s a bonus.

“I said when I took the job (in May 2019) that I wanted us to have a team the fans could be proud of.

“I think we were getting there towards the end of the season, which was March.

“We want fans back and we want them going away from our games proud that they’re Dundee fans.

“I still do believe that every player’s different.

“We have a kid, Fin Robertson, who you can coach and speak to like he’s been in the game for years.

“But you might have a senior player that you need to spend a little bit more time with.

“Everybody’s different and, as a coaching staff, you’ve got to identify that.

“Some things work for certain players but you might need to adjust it for another group or another player That’s a challenge of being a coach.”

game’ as his team gear up for another season in the Championship.