The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Which players are staying put?
Uncertainty over future of several Dark Blues stars as contracts come to end
The world is gripped by uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic with football clubs and their players no different from the rest of the country.
Uefa hope to get the club season completed by the end of June but that leaves clubs like Dundee with an issue.
Even without a Covid-19 shutdown, the Dark Blues’ future next season wasn’t clearly mapped out as they were in the middle of a bid to secure a play-off place for a shot at the Premiership.
Due to that, they have a sizeable chunk of their squad whose contracts are expiring at the start of June as the club waited to see which division they’d be in next year.
Manager James McPake and his staff signed rolling contracts when they were appointed last summer and they are expected to continue into season 2020-21.
However, a core group of players have uncertain futures at the club with time quickly running out on their current deals and no real indication of when play will resume.
We take a look at which players are in that boat and ponder whether or not they will be staying at Dens Park into next term.
JOSH MEEKINGS: Contract ends June 1 2020 PAUL McGOWAN: Contract ends June 1 2020
The club captain has suffered serious injury after serious injury at the club since signing for Neil McCann in 2017.
However, an extended run in the team lately has seen him look more like his former self.
Prediction: The Scottish Cup winner will be given every opportunity to prove he can get back to his best.
Having clocked up more than 200 appearances for the club since signing in 2014, McGowan is still a mainstay of the team. In recent weeks, he’s shown real quality as Dundee put together their best run of form of the season.
Prediction: The 32-year-old has shown he still has plenty of life left in him already this season and is a major influence in the dressing room. The club will want him to be sticking around.
TOM FIELD: Deal ends June 1 2020
The left-back was brought in from Brentford in the last half-hour of the January transfer window after news broke of first-choice left-back Jordan Marshall’s extended period on the sidelines due to injury. A Republic of Ireland youth international, Field was one on the radar for a summer move only for Dundee to speed up the process.
Prediction: He’s only made one fleeting appearance so far but will hope to have more time to impress and earn a new deal. In the balance.
CHRISTIE ELLIOTT: Deal ends June 1 2020 (option to extend)
Former Partick Thistle full-back Elliott was another who came in on the final day of the winter window, joining from Carlisle United.
A powerful runner, Elliott has made a fine start to life at Dens as he settled into the right wing-back role, showing ability at both ends of the pitch.
Prediction: Expect his deal to be extended.
CHRISTOPHE BERRA: Loan deal ends June 1 2020 OLLIE CRANKSHAW: Loan deal ends June 1 2020 CONOR HAZARD: Loan deal ends June 1 2020
Berra has been a massive hit since arriving in January after being jettisoned by new Hearts boss Daniel Stendel.
The Dark Blues have only conceded one goal in his six matches so far.
Prediction: Dundee will do all they can to keep him beyond his loan.
The forward has shown flashes of real ability in his short time north of the border since joining from English League One side Wigan Athletic.
He scored what could be the last Dundee goal for a long time in the closing stages of the 2-0 home win over Ayr United.
Prediction: Future depends solely on Wigan’s position.
The Celtic goalie is enjoying his second loan spell at the club. Hazard has played every minute of every game since returning in January.
He has conceded just six goals in his 11 appearances and kept six clean sheets, as well.
Prediction: Club would love to keep him but Hazard is eyeing a place in the Parkhead squad.
ROSS CALLACHAN: Loan deal ends June 1 2020
Callachan made a real impact in his first three games before a broken leg curtailed his season.
In terms of playing, the current hiatus may see him return to play for the team again before the 2019-20 season is out.
Prediction: The Dark Blues are keen
to get Callachan back at the club next season.
SEAN MACKIE: Loan deal ends June 1 2020
Yes, Hibs loanee Mackie is still technically on loan at Dundee despite injury ending his season in January.
Prediction: Mackie will be a Hibs player next season.