Dundee all set for the City slickers
DUNDEE’S clash today with Manchester City has been billed as a meeting of champions.
And thanks to a non-stop close-season improvement programme, Dens Park is finally a ground fit to host City’s megastars. Whilst adding NINE new signings this summer, the Dark Blues have also spent tens of thousands of pounds revamping the ageing facilities at Dens.
A brand new pitch and underground sprinkler system has been installed to ensure a playing surface worthy of the Premiership, while a long overdue dressing-room overhaul has brought the Main Stand bang up to date.
With City stars including Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Samir Nasri set to make use of the brand-new facilities this afternoon, Dee managing director John Nelms admits preparing for next season has been as hectic off the park as it has been on it.
Nelms said: “Getting things up to Premiership standards has been the plan. We’ve had a busy off-season upgrading the park and the team – and getting prepared for Man City coming in.
“Usually you slowly work your way into the season with a few relaxing pre-season games, but this year we’re diving in head first.
“We couldn’t really have a bigger test in terms of a first game, but I think it will be great for the fans, who will get to see some of their favourite players – and also Man City!
“I hope they get here and think things are impressive, given the work we’ve done. Their facilities are a little different to ours, but ours are newer!
“The pitch is looking good enough for anyone to play on – and that alone they should be happy with.
“But at the end of the day the team on the park is what is most important.”
With City’s Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis set to feature in tonight’s World Cup Final, they will be absent from this afternoon’s clash.