McCann expects fair SFA hearing

DUNDEE: Dark Blues boss to vigorously defend himself at Hampden

Dundee manager Neil McCann expects to get a fair hearing when he appears before the SFA disciplinary panel at Hampden today.

McCann will represent himself at the 2pm gathering at the national stadium and intends to vigorously defend himself against a charge of “excessive misconduct” at the end of the match against St Johnstone at Dens on March 10.

He hopes “sense will prevail” and was also happy to be given an afternoon slot in order to lessen the impact on his build-up for Sunday’s home league match against Hearts.

McCann said: “I expect a fair hearing and I will represent myself.

“I am pleased that the hearing has been put back. They gave me an earlier time which was stopping me doing my preparation towards what is going to be an important period going into the Hearts game.

“I was pleased that they knocked it back to 2pm so I will get myself down there.”

Asked if, having reflected on the incident that also involved St Johnstone substitute goalkeeper Zander Clark, his views on it had changed, McCann was unequivocal.

“Not one iota,” he replied. “My statement has been handed in.

“It hasn’t changed and I will be more at liberty to speak about it afterwards.”

McCann is obviously hoping to be in the dugout for the run-in, adding: “It is important that I am there because I want to be there.

“All the work and preparation is done during the week and really the job as a manager and coach is trying to tinker while the game is ongoing.

“We are clearly not at the stage where I can sit back and take a seat.

“Anyone who watches me will know, but I don’t think I have ever sat down for longer than two minutes.

“I feel that I need to coach so it is important that I need to be there and I am hoping that sense will prevail and I will be there.”

Saints goalie Clark has also been served with a notice of complaint and will be at Hampden.