Banks believes in Bowyer and sees derbies returning
Steve Banks has tipped his old pal, Gary Bowyer, to be a smash-hit at Dundee, and bring back the much-loved derbies to the city next season.
Banks is thrilled to see former Salford City boss Bowyer now at the Dens Park helm as the Dark Blues aim to win promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt, following the pain of last season’s relegation.
Bowyer is gearing up for their Championship campaign after recently replacing Mark Mcghee, and Banks believes the 50-year-old ex-blackburn Rovers and Blackpool gaffer is ideally equipped to lead the Tayside club back to the top flight.
Former Dundee United keeper Banks, whose three-year spell with the Tangerines from 2009-2013 included a memorable Scottish Cup triumph back in 2010, said: “I think it’s a great appointment for Dundee.
“I’ve known Gary for a long time. We came across each other a lot in England. He’s a great guy and you won’t find anyone more professional.
“He’ll relish this challenge. It’s his first managerial job in Scotland and, knowing Gary, he’ll be buzzing at the prospect.
“His teams are always very well-organised. He knows the game inside out, and brings vast experience from his time in England.
“Gary did brilliantly at Blackpool by winning promotion a few years ago, so I can see why Dundee have gone for him.
“He’ll thrive on the fact they’ll be favourites to go back up.
There will be a sense of expectation because Dundee will be the biggest club in the Championship, with a demanding fan-base.
“But Gary has handled that before down south, especially with Blackpool, which has got to be a huge plus for Dundee.”
Banks, who is currently goalkeeping coach at Blackpool, lapped up the city rivalry during his time at Tannadice, and knows what it means to both halves of the Dundee divide to be going head-to-head in the top tier of Scottish football.
He added: “It’s always a bonus for the Scottish game to have both Dundee teams in the Premiership.
“I think everyone will miss the derbies this season. They’re great occasions for both the fans and the players, and the whole city has a buzz on derby day.
“So hopefully Dundee will come straight back up. That will be a big incentive for Gary and his team to bring those games back.
“I’m sure they can do it. It won’t be easy, but I know Gary will already be planning how he can achieve that in the coming months.
“There will be no stone left unturned. Dundee have got a very meticulous manager, who will only want the best for his new club.”