Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Friday nights among Dundee’s first games
DUNDEE will begin life in the Championship on Saturday July 30.
The Dark Blues have also been given two early season Friday night live TV fixtures.
Dundee kick off their league campaign at home against Partick Thistle before travelling to Stark’s Park the following Saturday.
The Friday games, both kicking off at 7.45pm on BBC Scotland, are at home to Arbroath on August 12 and away to Ayr United on August 26.
The Dark Blues, who have ex-Carlisle United midfielder Danny Devine on trial, are hoping to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt.
And getting a fast start under new boss Gary Bowyer is a big part of their promotion plan.
This afternoon, Bowyer will be in the dugout for the first time as his team head north for a friendly against Peterhead at Balmoor.
The match will be an opportunity for the new boss to see his men in action following their return to preseason almost a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Peterhead assistant boss Davie Nicholls wants to use today’s friendly with Dundee as preparation for their Premier Sports Cup tie with Aberdeen on July 10.
In what will be a high-profile televised game for Peterhead, they will welcome Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen to Buchan for the first competitive fixture between the two clubs in a century.
Facing full-time opposition in the shape of the Dark Blues should be ideal to get players ready for the Dons game.
“It’ll be a good learning curve for our players and a chance for them to express themselves,” said Nicholls.
“It’ll be a good game and will get the boys ready for the Aberdeen game the following week.
“I would say fitness-wise, the boys seem to be on it just now.
“I gave them a really hard session on Wednesday night and they were right at it.
“Dundee have got a new manager and will have aspirations of going and winning the Championship. That will be their aim this year.
“I’m sure the new manager will be keen to stamp his authority on the squad and make sure everyone is up for it.”
Peterhead have not had too many injuries to concern them during the off-season. New addition Ryan Strachan is recovering from an Achilles operation and a July return has been pencilled in for him.
Defender David Wilson missed the end of last season after chipping a bone in his foot but is making progress after his return to training.
“He’s a bit rusty with the football but he’s just about there with the fitness levels,” added Nicholls.
“The type of character he is, he’s determined and will keep at it.
“We’ve got some good boys in. Paul Dixon is a good talker at the back; I noticed that last weekend when he was offering boys good advice.
“Ryan Dow is getting sharper by the week and is getting back towards his best. They’re all working hard. Robbie McGale looked good last weekend and while he has a bit to learn positionally, we can work on that when Jim (McInally) gets back.”