Soutar warns Dark Blues to face reality

Derek Soutar last night told Dundee’s players to stop believing they’re too good to go down – because that’s what got them relegated the last time.

Soutar spoke out after seeing former Aberdeen team-mate Paul Hartley sacked in the wake of seven consecutive defeats in the Premiership which has left them occupying that dreaded second-bottom play-off spot.

Soutar, who was in goal when they went down to the First Division on the final day at Livingston back in 2005, has warned the current crop of under-achievers they could end up following suit unless they seriously shape up.

He said: “The players need to face reality.

“Too many of them are saying the right things that the supporters want to hear but they’re unable to follow them through.

“Back then, we never thought we could go down because Dundee are a big club.

“But things change quickly in football as you can see with seven straight Premiership results.

“It strikes me that they might not have grasped the severity of the situation

“It was a horrible feeling in 2005 when we got relegated on the last day at Livi and I could say that to any of the current playing squad.

“They’ve just watched their manager get the sack so it’s time they realise what’s at stake in these final five games.”

Dundee consigned rivals Dundee United to relegation with victory at Dens Park last May. And Soutar said: “Would the Dundee players really want to experience what United did last May? I don’t think so.”

Derek Soutar: part of the relegated team of 2005.