Holt on lookout for new club

A player who had a crucial role in keeping Dundee in the Premiership won’t be at Dens Park next season, writes Eric Nicolson.

Kevin Holt, whose goal won the Dark Blues the recent game against Hamilton Accies, is among a group of seven players released by Neil McCann.

The left-back has not been offered a new contract and the same is the case for Jon Aurtenetxe, Julen Etxabeguren, Kostadin Gadzhalov, Nicky Low, Jeremy Malherbe and Jordan Piggott.

Loan players Simon Murray and A-Jay Leitch-Smith have returned to their parent clubs.

A Dundee club statement said: “We would like to thank everyone of these players for their efforts while at Dens and wish them all the best for the future.

“The club will announce details of any contract renewals or new players signing when negotiations are complete.”

Holt is one of the Dark Blues’ longest-serving players, making more than 110 appearances since signing from Queen of the South three years ago.

Former Athletic Bilbao defender Aurtenetxe played the last of his 18 games for Dundee at the beginning of April, while Etxabeguren and Gadzhalov barely featured due to injury.

Meanwhile, Roarie Deacon will be in safe hands as he aims to come back to Dundee for pre-season training in peak condition.

After a family holiday, the Londoner will hook up with former international footballer Jamie Lawrence to keep “ticking over” before Neil McCann gets his players back together at the end of June.

Deacon said: “I’m going back home to London to my fiancée and daughter.

“After a holiday when I recharge my batteries, I’ll come back to England and then I’ll just start training myself.

“My personal trainer is Jamie Lawrence, ex-Bradford and Jamaica. He runs a summer football camp for professionals, semi-professionals and for anyone who wants to keep fit.

“We do running, gym work and some football. It keeps you fit during the lay-off.”