Bonetti’s tackling nightmare

As much as he was getting on with the likes of Claudio Caniggia and Georgi Nemsadze, Willie Falconer admits there was tension in the squad between some of the local lads and the management team – especially when assistant Dario brought 1980s Italian tackling into training from time to time.

“There were a few fallouts. There were a lot of things the Scottish boys especially weren’t happy with on the training ground from day to day – it didn’t help when Dario took part in training and started halfing boys.

“Sliding from 10 yards away and he was a big lad and had been a defender for some big Italian clubs so he could look after himself but there were a few reactions.”

The end of the 2000-01 season spelled the end of Falconer’s spell at Dens Park, a “disappointing” end to an enjoyable time for the Aberdonian.

“It was disappointing for me the way it ended because I had come off a good season under Jocky Scott where I had scored a few goals but they brought in Sara and Caballero. Obviously those two were going to start.

“It was that way for a lot of the Scottish lads, they were just faded out and not given games. I wasn’t going to start but, at that point, they wouldn’t let me leave.

“I was happy enough to be part of the squad but I was at an age where I wanted to play as much as I could. It was disappointing the way it fizzled out.

“Then to see everything collapse a couple of years later was horrible.

“It must be a great time to think back to for supporters but you wonder about the way it ended.”