Mcpake gutted to see Nicholl leave

DUNDEE: Boss admits he has other things on his mind other than replacing No 2

Dundee manager James Mcpake admits he was gutted to lose assistant boss Jimmy Nicholl as part of cost-cutting measures at Dens Park.

The experienced right-hand man and sports scientist Cammy Mcdermid were let go by the Dark Blues last week, with club captain Josh Meekings leaving on Monday after rejecting the reduced terms offered to him.

Discussing the departure of his No2, Mcpake hailed the contribution of former Manchester United, Rangers and Northern

Ireland defender Nicholl and said he “loved” working with him.

He said: “He has had a fantastic career in coaching and will be missed by everyone at Dens.

“On a happy note, I was delighted to hear that he will be getting kept on at Northern Ireland.

“I wish he was staying with us, too, but it’s not to be. He is a victim of this global pandemic.

“It is a tough one for me and the players but it is even tougher for Jimmy and Cammy, who has also left the club.

“It is an absolute gutter for the two of them. But no one could have predicted how this virus would affect clubs like ours.”

The Dark Blues are all but certain to promote first-team coach Dave Mackay to take over as assistant but no decision has been made yet.

Mcpake made the point that he has other things on his mind right now.

“I think it is too early to say what will happen,” said Mcpake. “That (replacing Nicholl) is not what’s in my head just now.

“What I am thinking about is losing members of staff due to cost-cutting measures.”

Former finalist Ding Junhui has confirmed his participation in next month’s World Snooker Championships, effectively guaranteeing a full quota of top 16 stars at the tournament.

Ding, pictured, withdrew from this month’s Coral Tour Championship due to concerns relating to travel and quarantine in the coronavirus pandemic.

However, World Snooker said the 33-year-old, who lost to Mark Selby in the 2016 final, has indicated he will play in the event, which is set to start on July 31 at the Crucible.

Ding’s move comes as a number of fellow Chinese stars, including Zhou Yuelong, Xiao Guodong and Zhao Xintong, officially withdrew from the tournament citing ongoing coronavirus-related concerns.

The trio had been due to take part in the qualifying tournament which is set to start on July 21, also in Sheffield.

Yan Bingtao, the only other Chinese player in the world’s top 16, is based in the UK and will not be affected by travel or quarantine issues.

Picture: PA.