‘McGHEE’S THE MAN TO FIX DUNDEE’

ANDY WATSON knows Mark McGhee might lack support in the Dens Park stands, but the former Rangers assistant manager insists it will be a different story inside the Dundee dressing room. And he believes that the work done behind the scenes by McGhee, who will finally make his dugout debut this afternoon, could be enough to spark a relegation revival for the Premiership strugglers.

Watson (left) worked with his former Aberdeen colleague in Gordon Strachan’s Scotland staff and believes McGhee’s qualities as a coach have been harshly ignored throughout the lukewarm response to his controversial arrival.

He has no doubt the Dundee players will be relishing McGhee’s training and man-management as he goes about fixing a fraught season at Dens.

Watson said: ‘Mark’s relationship with players always came across to me. If you’ve a good relationship with them, you’ll get the best out of them.

‘He’s approachable, amenable, respectful and knows his football. And he’s definitely organised.

‘Dundee are down there for a reason. They’ve been punished for their mistakes in the top flight. Mark’s been brought in because things need fixed.

‘I’d think players see Mark as someone who was a fantastic player in his own right, someone who’s been in teams at the top end and with Scotland.

‘He knows how to win games and he’s now giving Dundee the benefit of his vast experience.

‘Players will tap into that and hopefully the fans give them the chance to show that.

‘When you’re down there, it’s like you’re playing for the first goal. And avoiding that habit of being beaten by the first goal.’

There have been precious few home comforts at Dens Park so far for McGhee and No2 Simon Rusk.

Furious fans staged an early walkout out during the 4-0 beating by Livingston before a midweek stalemate against Hibernian.

McGhee then caught Covid and missed the last-gasp loss to St Mirren and 3-0 Scottish Cup elimination by Rangers.

Those Ibrox European heroes return this afternoon on Premiership business with Dundee bottom and favourites for the automatic drop.

A boost is badly needed for a disaffected home support with only eight games left and Aberdeen due at Dens next after the international break.

Watson added: ‘It’s important the players get the support of that crowd, that they create as positive a feeling as they can.

‘The players are already nervous. Mark will be trying to take that pressure off of them.

‘He’ll say that if the crowd are having a go at me, that’s fine, provided they let the players do their stuff on the park.

‘He’s got a rhinoceros’ skin. He’s been at big clubs and around football long enough.

‘He’ll be aware of the criticism and people with the opinions that matter.’