The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dundee boss wins race for midfielder
DARK BLUES: Former PSG youth player signs two-year deal at Dens Park
Dundee boss Neil Mccann has made his first signing of the summer with the addition of Elton Ngwatala.
The 24-year-old French midfielder has spent three seasons with Kidderminster Harriers in England’s National League North. He has now penned a two-year deal with the Dark Blues.
Ngwatala, who began his career as a youth player with Paris St-germain, had been attracting interest from English Football League clubs but Mccann has won the race for his signature.
The player made 103 appearances for Kidderminster scoring 17 goals and, according to a source down south, he is a very stylish, forward-thinking player who is capable of playing in an advanced midfield role or further out wide.
Ngwatala also has tremendously quick feet and the ability to move past defenders comfortably.
Meanwhile, Gary Naysmith is keen to bring Kevin Holt back to Queen of the South after he was released by Dundee, with Inverness Caley Thistle interested in Julen Etxabeguren.
Dundee are in a “much better position” to strengthen their squad over the close season than a year ago, according to manager Neil Mccann.
Twelve months ago there was uncertainty over whether Mccann would stay in charge at Dens Park after his interim period in the dug-out.
But the stability he and assistant Graham Gartland now enjoy has enabled more planning to be done for their summer transfer activity, with the capture of Elton Ngwatala yesterday proving Mccann’s point.
“Our recruitment is in a much better position than it was this time last season,” he said.
“Graham and I will look to improve next season.
“Twelve months ago I had only been thinking about keeping this club in the Premiership rather than long-term planning. That’s why I’m ahead this year.
“Our recruitment is in a much better position than it was this time last season. NEIL MCCANN
“You have to rein in your preparations a little bit when your league position is at risk. But it’s nice now that we can really start to put some tracks down for next season.
“I’m not going to discuss specific areas of the team but there’s work to be done, let’s put it that way.
“We’ve put a lot in place this season in terms of how I want my team to play and function. That hasn’t buckled.”
The integration of several debutants from the successful under-20s side has given Mccann great satisfaction.
“I think there have been seven young players who have played for the first team,” he said.
“That’s fantastic for a club of this stature.
“I’ve promoted youth into the side. We have to build from within as well as recruit from outside.”
The money raised by the transfer of Jack Hendry to Celtic has also been a positive for the club.
“I think our recruitment has been good,” said Mccann.
“We’ve brought saleable assets to this club and have already sold one.
“We’re still building and there’s money in the bank.
“I think it’s been a solid enough year but don’t think that means I’m happy because I want a higher league position.”
enicolson@thecourier.co.uk