Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dee gaffer feels getting started
MANAGER James McPake insists Charlie Adam is only just getting started at Dundee after picking up the December Player of the Month award.
And he can’t wait for Dees to be able to see the main man in the flesh once crowds are allowed back into grounds, saying Dens would be “jumping” with fans eager to cheer on “one of their own”.
Adam picked up the award for a superb December on the pitch as he dealt with family bereavement off it while leading the Dark Blues to a resurgence in the Championship in the process.
The former Blackpool and Liverpool man netted his fourth goal of the season with a thunderbolt against Dunfermline as well as laying on a number of goals for team-mates.
And McPake says the award is well deserved.
“It is great for Charlie and his team-mates,” McPake said.
“Individually, he has been fantastic for the club since he walked through the door.
“I am delighted for him and it is thoroughly deserved. He has been outstanding and what a month he has had, particularly considering his personal situation.
“So it is a nice wee reward for him. It is something he should be proud of and he will be.
“He has played in big games and has played for massive clubs but it is still a nice honour for him.
“His delivery from set-plays and open play, his eye for a pass and his desire to play forward is great.
“He has that left foot which goalkeepers must dread as well when they see him have a chance to open up for a shot.
“So I am delighted for him as a person and delighted that one of my players has picked up that reward.”
Dundee fans have only had the opportunity to watch Adam play through online streams rather than from the stands in person.
How long that will remain the case is impossible to predict but McPake can’t wait to see punters cheering on their team at Dens Park once more.
McPake said: “I think Dens would be jumping with Charlie in the team and the run we are on as well as some of the football we are playing.
“It is disappointing that the fans are not getting to see him. He is such a big name and a big Dundee boy.
“That’s what they want to see – they want to see their own. That’s what football fans love.