Dee upbeat over academy’s future

Plans under way for resumption of youth training

Despite cuts enforced by the coronavirus shutdown, Dundee chiefs are confident the club’s academy setup will continue in its current form.

And Courier Sport understands the club’s plans are for youth training to restart next week, all being well with coronavirus guidelines.

That’s after the conclusion of redundancy consultations with academy staff earlier this week which saw 16 youth coaches cut.

Twelve of those, however, chose to continue in their roles on a voluntary basis – a huge commitment the club’s hierarchy have been quick to recognise.

Changes are inevitable with fewer staff at the disposal of head of youth Stephen Wright and technical director Gordon Strachan.

However, it was revealed by Courier Sport last month that the pair would be taking a more hands-on approach to coaching in the coming months.

That remains the plan with academy personnel now numbering around 20, including support staff.

All age groups will be retained and training will continue every night at the RPC facility at Caird Park, though restrictions may be in place for indoor work.

Players and parents have been made aware of the situation.

Matches could kick off in October, with the Scottish Football Association putting together plans for a 10-week schedule for youth teams, running until December.

Those plans are yet to be finalised but the club’s fans should be reassured there is a strong will among academy staff to continue the good work that was going on before the pandemic struck, despite the financial issues it has brought.