The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Rae calls on Dee to target top six
DUNDEE: Former boss urges Dark Blues to set their sights higher next season
Former Dundee boss Alex Rae believes the Dark Blues have had a really disappointing campaign – but can confidently aim for a top six finish next season.
Neil Mccann’s side are still seeking to ensure their Premiership safety with another vital match at Motherwell on Saturday – and will travel with confidence high after their dramatic victory over St Johnstone at Dens last week.
Rae feels that win has all but secured top-tier football for next season with the former Sunderland, Wolves and Rangers midfielder certain Dundee will kick on, especially if they can unearth a regular goalscorer.
Rae said: “Those three points should mean they’re clear of trouble now. They have enough to survive. Overall, it’s been a really disappointing season for Dundee.
“They have some very good football players but unfortunately their home record has been really poor.”
“As a result they haven’t been able to get away from that relegation zone,” continued Rae.
“A club like Dundee are always trying to get sixth place. If Kilmarnock can do it that should be Dundee’s objective next season as Kilmarnock’s budget will be a lot less than theirs.
“One of the key areas has been that their forwards haven’t scored enough goals.
“They play some nice football, they play a passing game and if they can capitalise on opportunities then the top six will be a realistic possibility for them next season.”
Rae also believes that Dundee’s chances of success next season will be vastly increased if they can hold on to the likes of former Spurs and Queens Park Rangers defender Steven Caulker as well as midfielder Glen Kamara.
He said: “The acquisition of Steven Caulker in January was a massive coup for Dundee to sign a player of that calibre. He’s obviously had his issues over the past few years but he’s still only 26 years old.
“He’s got one more year left on his contract, and it will be interesting to see whether they decide to keep him or try to cash in. From my point of view, if they can keep Caulker, it would give them more of an opportunity to make the top six.
“Glen Kamara has done very well this season. He is a technically gifted footballer who has really impressed at Dundee. You can see he’s been well schooled.”
Rae added: “Neil has managed to get them to play a style of play that is very pleasing to the eye. He’s obviously going to stick to those principles, but he’s still got a long way to go.
“As a team they really need to pick up more points than they have done.
“Again, it’s down to recruitment and they need to get a goalscorer, but Neil can take a lot of credit for the signing of Caulker.”