No substitute for this kind of experience

Speculation has already begun over who will replace James Mcpake and the odds have been calculated by the bookies.

Mcpake was sacked yesterday after three years in charge at Dens Park.

Dundee appeared to drop a hint as to their future direction of travel by saying: “At this time the club must look to a manager with additional experience.”

Mcbookie has put together a quickfire betting market containing some blockbuster names.

JACK ROSS

Jack Ross had led the early betting with a starting price of 2/1.

But it emerged last night that Ross was not being considered by the board at Dens Park.

KEVIN THOMSON

Kelty Hearts boss Kevin Thomson is a 5/1 shot.

The ex-rangers, Hibs and Middlesbrough midfielder is no stranger to Dundee, having played for the Dark Blues between 2014 and 2016.

Appointed club captain by Paul Hartley, he made 38 appearances for the Dee during an injury-hit spell.

After ending his playing career he moved into coaching at Rangers’ academy before taking charge at Kelty in May of last year. His side are top of League 2.

GORDON STRACHAN

Gordon Strachan has been priced at 6/1.

The former Celtic, Scotland, Southampton and Coventry manager has been Dundee’s technical director since July 2019.

Strachan has an unmatched managerial pedigree but has not stepped into a dugout since resigning his charge of the Scottish national team in 2017.

CHARLIE ADAM

Team captain Adam is 7/1. The lifelong Dark Blues fan would doubtless consider it an honour to take charge of the club he supports but his lack of top-team managerial experience does not seem to chime with the club’s stated desire for pedigree.

DEREK ADAMS

Adams is also 7/1. The former Ross County boss is looking for work after parting company with Bradford City.

His stint with the Bantams lasted just eight months and, after departing, the 46-year-old said: “If they’re going to get a new manager in they’re not going to get a manager as successful as myself in the door.”

NEIL LENNON

The highly experienced Lennon is 10/1.

Former Celtic and Hibs boss Lennon has been linked with jobs at Sunderland and Aberdeen.

Lennon left Celtic just under a year ago after their 10-in-a-row campaign was derailed, with the Hoops 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.

Nevertheless, he has achieved plenty of success as a manager with the Hoops over the years – as well as with Hibs, whom he led to the Championship title in 2017, before steering them into the Europa League the following season.

MARK MCGHEE

Mcbookie suspended their market last night after Mark Mcghee was the subject of “interesting” support.

The experienced manager has been at the helm of Motherwell and Aberdeen, twice, this side of the border as well as a slew of clubs in England.

He also enjoys a good relationship with Dark Blues technical director Strachan.

Strachan and Thomson were on the bookies’ markets.