The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dark Blues put faith in McCann
DUNDEE: Interim boss confident despite lack of managerial experience
New Dundee interim boss Neil McCann insists he is not daunted by the mammoth task of trying to rescue the club’s season – despite the fact he has no previous managerial experience.
The Dark Blues parted company with Paul Hartley at the start of this week after a run of seven defeats in a row, culminating in Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Dens to Hamilton.
Dundee are now sitting precariously in the Premiership relegation play-off spot with just five games of the season remaining. However, former Rangers, Hearts and Scotland winger McCann, who also had two spells with Dundee, is fully confident that he can turn things around.
The 42-year-old, who has worked in recent years as a pundit for Sky Sports, was introduced to the media at Dens last night by club managing director John Nelms.
McCann said: “It came together very quickly as it often does. When moves happen in football they generally come out of the blue and I only heard from John Nelms yesterday.
“I had to have conversations with Sky and agreed things and here we are.
“Listen, the first thing to say is I’m pretty proud to be given an opportunity like this – the belief the club have shown in me is humbling considering I have no managerial experience but I don’t live in fear of that at all.
“Throughout my career I’ve built up an extensive knowledge of the game and years of working with Sky have also allowed me to see the game differently.
“I did my Pro Licence to ensure I was academically equipped in football terms but that’s just part of it and you need to understand the game and the job at Sky has allowed me to analyse the game, break it down and offer opinions.”
He added: “I’ve seen Dundee several times this season, most recently at Tynecastle, and my lack of experience in the role is hopefully balanced out with my ambition, drive and hunger to get the club clear of danger.
“I know the guys have got it – I’ve seen their qualities.
“It’s up to me now to show those guys the direction I want them to go. It’s important I take away any fear they may have.
“I know this position – I’ve been in it as a player. It’s horrible and sometimes you take the safe option during games, but sometimes the safe option can kill you.
“It’s up to me to take that fear away.
“It’s not a big risk for me. I think it’s maybe a big risk for the club. A lot of guys will think that because I haven’t been in a job before.”