The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McCann signals signing business is wrapped up with Parish acquisition
Dundee boss Neil McCann has declared himself satisfied with the signing business he has completed so far and hinted there is only an outside chance there will be any more new additions at Dens.
Keeper Elliot Parish became the manager’s eighth capture of the summer on Thursday and has been brought in to provide cover and competition for first-choice stopper Scott Bain.
McCann would not completely rule out bolstering his squad again but one thing he is certain of is his happiness at the players he now has at his disposal.
He said: “We have had a look at a couple of keepers but Elliott has come in and he has impressed Rab (Geddes) and myself.
“He is coming in fully aware that Bainy is our No 1. But what I am really pleased about is that he has come in with the focus and determination to put pressure on Bainy.
“Bainy is embracing that which is great. He needs that competition and push. “They work very well together. “Elliott is experienced, is a big boy at six foot three and commands his area. “So I am really pleased with that acquisition. “I think our business has been good and we have increased the numbers of the squad.
“I have been really pleased with the new additions and how they have done but there is still a lot more to come from them.
“You have to remember they are trying to learn a new team and way of playing.
“For instance, Randy (Wolters) has come from a Dutch side and is trying to get into my way of thinking. “I am happy with everything we have done. “Agents are keen to throw you names but as far as I am concerned, I am not going to go and chap on John’s (Nelms) door.
“If one comes up that would maybe help the squad then I wouldn’t say no but I am happy with the squad.”
The arrival of the new additions meant some established players at Dens such as Marcus Haber, Tom Hateley and James Vincent were absent from the squad that played Raith Rovers in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday night.
McCann revealed that skipper Darren O’Dea will be rested for this afternoon’s game against Buckie.
The boss added: “I just couldn’t find a place on the bench for Marcus.
“I have to cover all my spots and make sure I am looked after in terms of positions filled and unfortunately Marcus was one who missed out up top. We had Sofien Moussa coming in and I wanted to give him an introduction to the game.
“Tom was left out as he picked up a wee injury so is a couple of games behind as is Vinny. They have to get the same sort of game time that I believe they need to be in proper contention because the boys that have played have been excellent.
“That’s the strength of the squad and it is up to them once they are up to speed to put themselves forward to be the ones that don’t get left out. Unfortunately, Tom has picked up a wee knock so it looks like he will miss out against Buckie.
“Darren got a bit of cramp (at Raith) and I will rest him. I don’t want to take any chances as he had a wee niggle going into the game.
“Kerr Waddell is another kid who has really stepped up and not looked out of place.
“He is young and will make mistakes but his attitude has been different class and I have no fear playing him against Buckie.
“We are strong favourites but I have had two reports done on them now so I know what strengths they have. We need to approach it in the right way.”