‘I left Dens with my head held high – I gave it my all’

Former Dark Blues captain Josh Meekings reveals why he had to quit Dee

His future was up in the air but Josh Meekings’ feet were firmly on the ground.

Meekings decided that signing on again at Dundee, on half of his wages for the next three months, was not in the best interests of his family.

He made the decision in the company of loved ones in his native Suffolk, consulting them for advice on what he should do.

It is a transitional stage we all must face in life, where decisions are made not based on what works for you but what now suits the family you have built around you.

Meekings, the former Caley Thistle defender, was no different.

“I just decided my family should come first,” he said.

“I’d been away from my family for a long time and being so far away from our families – one at the one end of the country and one is at the other. My reasonings were family-based.

“I understand what the club is having to do because of the pandemic and financially they’re having to make cuts. It’s not nice but I’ve said it before, there’s a lot worse going on right now.

“The decisions are never easy but I’ll always put my family first, as I believe anyone would in any line of work.”

He has a great deal of gratitude for the work physio Gerry Docherty undertook with him to get him fit again, particularly after hip and knee problems, and also to manager James McPake for not rushing him back.

There has been some criticism online from supporters regarding his injury record and it is something that once used to bother him.

But, as he stresses, no footballer wants to be injured. He is satisfied that, as club captain, he gave his all to the Dark Blues’ cause.

“It doesn’t bother me anymore. It used to,” he said.

“I’ve come through it now as I’ve had to deal with it for a little while. I’ve had my fair share and I understand that.

“Some things you just can’t play through and the majority of time I’ve been out, it’s been something serious.

Mentally, you don’t want to read those comments.

“Serious things like my knee and my hip – you have to listen to your body.

“If I know I have given everything and I always will, then I can hold my head up high.”

He stresses that he has enjoyed his time at Dundee and cites getting relegated and not getting promoted this season as two things he would change.

The captaincy is an honour he has appreciated during his time at Dens Park.

At 27, he ought to be coming into his prime as a player. He has a significant amount of football behind him, particularly at a young age with Caley Thistle, but also so much more to give.

The example of Greg Tansey does resonate somewhat though, given he was one of the fittest players in that Inverness team but one problematic injury curtailed his entire career.

“It can happen to anybody,” adds Meekings.

“I’m well aware of that. But while I’m fit and healthy, I want to make the most of that.”

Picture: SNS. Josh Meekings endured some injury problems in his time at Dens Park and says being made captain was an honour.

Dee boss James McPake refused to rush Meekings back from injury.