Dundee

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Three league games in and it's been a lovely string of Dundee performances.

Six points from three matches against traditionally difficult opposition is an excellent start - and already we're being tipped as dark horses for a top-six finish.

There is a lot of football still to be played, but those plaudits are not baseless. Everything you need to know about this Dundee team was present in the derby victory at Tannadice.

The back four were immense, limiting United to very little in the final third, while everyone else ran their socks off. It was a contest of grit and desire, and Dundee had that in abundance.

We had less of the ball but controlled the game. Had we scored a third goal, no one could have argued it went against the complexion of the match.

And that's saying something when two of our biggest attacking threats, Joe Westley and Joe Bevan, were kept relatively quiet.

That's this Dundee team in a nutshell: tough to beat and capable of scoring from anywhere on the park.

It's by design. Steven Pressley said from day one his philosophy was to establish a pragmatic and adaptable team capable of winning games in different ways. His admission the tactical plan went out the window in the derby is a testament to that vision.

It also shows you can beat Dundee United without a gameplan.

Pressley has high standards for this Dundee team and we're beginning to see shades of the complete product.

We're in a good place, momentum is building, and with two home games up next there's a real opportunity to kick on and turn a promising start into something more serious.

Dundee have agreed a season-long loan for Bournemouth and USA Under-20 defender Matai Akinmboni. (The Courier - subscription required, external)

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch the best of the action as Dundee travel to city rivals Dundee United for the first derby encounter of the Scottish Premiership season.

Match report: Dundee United v Dundee

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Dundee are "in a good place right now", says derby hero Drey Wright, but the full-back insists no one is getting carried away by their positive start to the Premiership season.

Wright cracked home a wonderful opening goal in their 2-0 win over city neighbours United at Tannadice on Saturday.

It was a good response from the Dark Blues after they were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup by Aberdeen the week before.

That defeat at Pittodrie is the only blip in an encouraging start to the campaign for Dundee, who have won two of their opening three league games.

"It has been a good start for us," said Wright. "We won't get too ahead of ourselves, it is only three games in, but we are in a good place right now.

"I was new in last year and it was a tough start for everybody involved and it is nice it has been a lot more positive this year, reflected in the performances, but also the results which has been important for us.

"We have got six points now which took us a while to get to last year. It is only the start, who knows what is achievable?

"I think for a lot of the teams in the league you are looking for those one or two spots that come up in the top six.

"We will just keep plugging away as we do, trying to get better, as we did over the course of last season, and see where that takes us."

Dundee fans, we asked you for your opinions following the 2-0 derby win over United. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mark: Outstanding to a man. Our defence was superb, while United were rank. Arise, Sir Steven Pressley.

Bob: That was a gutsy performance. Derbies need dig and determination - Oh, and a touch of brilliance. Step up, Drey Wright.

Albert: Best ever derby win in my lifetime. How the national team didn't come in for our manager is baffling. Dundee's gain though, happy days are ahead it seems.

Gary: After the disappointment of last week and Simon Murray's bad injury, Dundee needed a lift - and you don't get bigger than a derby win! A stunner from Wright and a deflected second, but who cares?! They all count! Pressley confounds at times, but I trust him to keep taking us forward.

George: Brilliant victory, well deserved. All done on grit and determination. The strikers are great and in abundance now. Nice to be in such a lofty position in the league so early this year, hope we can keep it up.

Now comes the transfer dilemma. We need defenders, good ones who are able to take over from the current defence in case of injuries.

Gaz: The Dee look like they can match a lot of teams. We're solid at the back and great on the counter. Hopefully a couple of more signings and we can push on. Great credit goes to the manager for getting the right bodies in, onwards and upwards.

Mark: A fantastic win and gold stars for everyone. An 100mph game, so let's enjoy the win - but it's still only worth three points. At least we have the bragging rights until the new year.

Rod: Interestingly, we never used any new players when beating United until later in the game. The team were actually a bit wasteful when passing into the final third, which meant it took a while to score. What a goal by Drey Wright though, running from his own half and unleashing a shot worthy of winning any game. What a beautiful Sunday, sorry Saturday!

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley: "What I would say is we've obviously come here with a game plan, but we didn't carry out any part of it to be honest. But what was very apparent in our performance was the grit and determination that your supporters are generally so proud of.

"I'm immensely proud of this group of players, but in terms of what we set out to do, no. Derby games are never won on tactical detail, they're won on spirit and determination and I think we had than in abundance today.

"Sometimes winning away from home is being comfortable with the uncomfortable and we did that at times today. It was no tactical detail that won us the game today, it was a group of players that were determined not to lose that derby and I couldn't be prouder of the players.

"What's most pleasing is that the three games have been incredibly difficult games, but there's a spirit about us, a togetherness about us just now that is serving us well.

"We have to remember we're only three games into it, but I know a derby game is very important for momentum, the feel-good factor and very important for supporters, so I'm a very proud manager tonight."

Drey Wright's stunning strike helped Dundee secure a Scottish Premiership derby victory at rivals Dundee United and extended an alarming start to the season for Jim Goodwin's side.

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Read our match report

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Dundee have added to their attacking options with the loan signing of Bradley Fink from Wycombe Wanderers.

The 23-year-old centre forward has represented Switzerland at every age grade from Under-15 to Under 21 and came through the Borussia Dortmund academy.

He joined FC Basel in 2022 and spent time on loan at Grasshopper Zurich before moving to Wycombe Wanderers in the summer of 2025.

Across 29 outings in all competitions, he scored three goals for Wycombe last term, starting just four games in League One.

Fink described himself as a "quick, direct forward who loves running in behind and getting into goalscoring positions".

Talking to club media, he added: "I'm comfortable with both feet and I bring energy and intelligent movement to the front line.

"I've come here to score goals and help the team, and I'm ready to give my all for Dundee."

Striker Bobby Wales joined Dundee on loan from Swansea City on Friday as club captain Simon Murray is expected to miss much of the season with a serious knee injury and Ashley Hay is also currently sidelined.

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Dundee striker Simon Murray says he is overwhelmed by the support shown to him after he picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury last weekend.

Murray, 34, left the field on a stretcher after suffering the injury during the 3-0 League Cup defeat at Aberdeen.

He collapsed to the turf clutching his left knee in pain after landing awkwardly near the penalty area in the first half.

"Thank you to everyone who has messaged and shown me support over the last few days," he said via social media.

"It has been incredibly overwhelming and has meant so much to myself and my family.

"Thank you to the gaffer, coaching staff and all my teammates for getting me through the last few days. What a group.

"Tomorrow is one of the biggest games of the season and one of the best rivalries in football. So, for Jim Goodwin and Dundee United to contact me with their support shows the respect we have for each other.

"Playing for and captaining Dundee is one of the biggest privileges of my footballing career, and I will be working harder than ever to get back to doing that as soon as possible.

"Thanks, Si."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee defender Owen Bevan has admitted he considered quitting football as he struggled to put injury troubles behind him.

After arriving on a two-year deal from Bournemouth last month, the Wales Under-21 international has started to establish himself in the Dark Blues rearguard.

Bevan, 22, went two-and-a-half years without making a first-team appearance because of various injuries during a period that included a spell on loan at Hibs.

Now he is thrilled to be back on the pitch with Dundee and set to feature in the derby showdown against United on Saturday.

He said: "There is a lot to make up for and I am just doing my best to get back there.

"I had a couple of quad injuries and hamstring issues. I had surgery on my quad a few years ago and ended up just taking a step back and making sure I got things right rather than trying to push back to early, which I did do at times, I was a bit too eager to get playing.

"So I took a step back and made sure I got the foundations right.

"The last few years have been tough mentally and physically, there were times where you think about quitting and giving up and not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

"So I think there is relief to be playing again and there is a lot of satisfaction that all the hard work and the tough times have paid off."

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United will again be without Will Ferry (groin) but the full-back should be back for the following weekend.

Dundee could hand loan signing Bobby Wales a debut after Simon Murray was ruled out with cruciate ligament damage.

Midfielder Callum Jones could be fast-tracked into a comeback from ankle surgery while Imari Samuels is also back in training after a knee problem.

Ashley Hay (knee) remains out while Drey Wright is a doubt.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Saturday's derby trip to play Dundee United.

Here are the main lines:

• Following the "devastating" news captain Simon Murray is out long term with an ACL injury, Pressley says the striker has been "very positive" and is "already planning his comeback".

• On new loan striker Bobby Wales, Pressey says "there is a lot of potential in him" and highlights the good energy he will bring to the team.

• Dundee are "certainly trying" to further strengthen the squad and need another striker and two defenders.

• The Dens boss describes this transfer window as "challenging", admitting "we are thin on the ground" in terms of players – but says everyone at the club is working tirelessly to bring the right signings in.

• Pressey says that while the home record has been good since he came in, he admits his side need to be better on the road.

• He is expecting "a very difficult" game against a United team who are "doing a lot of good things".

• Pressley says a win at Tannadice would represent an "outstanding start" to the Premiership season for his side.

• Team News: Drey Wright is a doubt while Wales "comes into the mix".

Image source, SNS

Bobby Wales is set to be thrust straight in for a debut in the Dundee derby at Tannadice on Saturday and has "a point to prove" after moving to Dens Park on loan, says Scott Allan.

Former Kilmarnock striker Wales, 21, is back in Scottish football after struggling to make the grade at Swansea City following his move last summer.

With Simon Murray out injured long term, can Wales recapture the form he showed at Killie?

"What you're starting to see with [manager] Steven Pressley is he's getting guys who understand Scotland," said Allan, who played for both Dundee and Unitd.

He added: "Wales has a lot of good aspects about his game. As a young player coming back, you'll have that point to prove you're going to be the talisman for this Dundee side. They're very well organised.

"It's ideal for a striker if you can win the ball high up, it means you only have to make one movement to get on the end of crosses and I certainly believe he's one of the strikers who, if given a chance, he can score."

Former Premiership striker Kris Doolan believes Dundee winger Joe Bevan has a big role to play.

"I like Joe. I saw him when he was 17, 18 when he was playing at Albion Rovers, before he went down south," said Doolan.

"A lot of clubs tried to sign him. He's developed physically. He'll be a huge player for them this year."

United are seeking to bounce back from successive 4-0 defeats to Hearts and Celtic, although they hit the woodwork four times in the latter loss.

"Dundee United just now, you have to create chances, you have to finish them," said Doolan.

"They do have goalscorers in their team, they do have good players in there.

"They're maybe still in that position where they're still trying to find that balance between attacking and not conceding lots of goals."

Listen to Dundee derby preview on the BBC's Scottish football podcast

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Striker Bobby Wales says Dundee manager Steven Pressley has given him "belief" after moving to Dens Park on a season-long loan from Swansea City.

The 21-year-old arrives after fellow forward and Dundee captain Simon Murray, 34, was ruled out for an extended period with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Scotland Under-21 cap Wales started his career at Kilmarnock, had a productive loan spell at Alloa Athletic and then joined Swansea last summer.

He has made only five substitute appearances for the Welsh club, scoring once, and also struggled for game time on loan at Huddersfield in the second half of last season.

All in all, Wales has scored 21 goals in 84 senior appearances.

"I'm familiar with my surroundings and the league," Wales told club media. "I'm just really happy to be playing football again.

"I want to try and score as many goals as I can. I don't think I've had a chat with a manager that has given me this much belief before."

Wales could make his debut in Saturday's Scottish Premiership trip to face city rivals Dundee United.

"You couldn't ask for a better game to start with and go and make a statement," he added. "As a team I believe we can do well."

Pressley is "very excited" to be working with Wales.

"He's a young player with high potential and already a proven track record within the Scottish Premiership," said the manager.

"It's our job to make him a better player and we think he's got big potential and a high ceiling."

• After their 3-0 victory in April, Dundee United could win successive Scottish Premiership games against rivals Dundee for the first time since January 2015.

• Dundee have won two of their past three top-flight visits to Tannadice (L1), as many as their previous 20 beforehand (W2 D11 L7).

• United are winless in six Premiership games (D3 L3), the longest ongoing run of any side currently in the competition.

• Since the start of May, only Celtic have more top-flight points (18) and wins (6) than Dundee (12 points, 4 wins).

• Across the opening two matches of this season's Premiership, Dundee have completed the fewest passes (493) and have the lowest passing accuracy (70.8%). Despite this, only three sides have recorded more shots than their 29.

Image source, SNS

Dundee striker Simon Murray will be out for "a significant period of time" with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the club have confirmed.

Murray, 34, left the field on a stretcher after suffering the injury during the 3-0 League Cup defeat at Aberdeen last weekend.

He collapsed to the turf clutching his left knee in pain after landing awkwardly near the penalty area in the first half.

"Everyone at the club wishes Simon all the best with his recovery. We're right behind you, skipper," Dundee said.

With Murray now out long term following the second ACL injury of his career, and Ashley Hay also sidelined, Dundee are poised to add to their striker options by signing Swansea City's Bobby Wales on loan.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Prior to last weekend's League Cup defeat in Aberdeen, Steven Pressley highlighted his desire to add a couple of defenders and attacking players to his Dundee squad.

The need for the latter has intensified after frontman Simon Murray picked up a nasty looking knee injury during their Pittodrie loss.

He joins Ashley Hay on the sidelines, leaving Pressley desperately short of striking options.

In fact the threadbare nature of the Dark Blues squad was emphasised by a look at their bench in the Granite City, which included an 18-year-old and three 17-year-olds.

This isn't just down to injuries, but also the fact a number of key players departed at the end of last term.

It is far all doom and gloom at Dens Park though. Despite the loss to Aberdeen, Dundee have made an encouraging start to the season.

But whether that continues could be determined by the business they do between now and the transfer deadline in a few weeks' time.

Pressley is well aware of that. He has proved adept at pulling rabbits out of the hat - and it looks like he will have to do so again.