Dundee

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Steven Pressley is garnering plenty of praise amid Dundee's bright start to the season - so what makes him a good boss to play for?

"I think he's just an honest man," says midfielder Callum Jones. "You know what you're getting from him.

"He doesn't just tell you what you want to hear, he tells you the truth. I personally have a good relationship with the manager.

"Tactically and things like that, he's spot on. I said it after the Rangers game, we go into every week, similar things, but he'll just make slight changes to what he and the staff see fit.

"Obviously, that's credit to them for the work they put in off the pitch so that we can go on the pitch and do what he's worked on."

Having recovered from an early-season ankle injury, Jones has started Dundee's past three games and scored the equaliser in last Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Rangers.

"It was a difficult start to the season, I missed a lot of pre-season, so I was playing a bit of catch-up," said the 25-year-old.

"But I feel fresh now and I've found a little bit of rhythm.

"I know I've got to be at the top of my game every week because there's good competition for places, which is what makes a successful group.

"The goal was a nice moment. Hopefully we can build some momentum and kick on as a team."

Pressley's side can leapfrog third-place Hearts - who visit Motherwell on Sunday - by inflicting a sixth straight defeat on hosts St Mirren on Saturday, but Jones isn't getting caught up in standings.

"It's not really about the league position at the minute. It is come the end of the season," he added.

"St Mirren are a good side. We'll be preparing for them like we were prepared for Rangers the previous week and try to implement our style."

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Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Dundee visit St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from the Dens Park boss:

• Dundee delivered an "outstanding" performance to end Rangers' seven-game winning run in last weekend's 2-2 draw and Pressley hails his side for showing a "different side to our game" in the second half with a gritty display.

• He adds that while Dundee have endured "some really dark and difficult times" with injuries this season, there's a real togetherness among the squad.

• He adds: "Yesterday I think eight of them went to play padel. These are the sort of things that make me, as a manager, extremely proud. I love seeing that. I love seeing the group so together, spending time socially together. These are all the really important things and I think they've supported each other through this time."

• While the Dark Blues are playing at a "high level", Pressley insists there is "far more" to come but adds: "We've got to be careful that we never think we're ahead of where we are, because I think our success is being built on our humility, our understanding that you only win games by doing the basics and running exceptionally hard. The moment we get away from that then I think as a team we're in trouble."

• The chance to go third with victory in Paisley on Saturday is a "big incentive", but Pressley notes a St Mirren win would move them just a point behind his side, which highlights how tight the league is.

• Despite St Mirren having lost five on the spin, Pressley is impressed by Craig McLeish's team: "I think they're playing some terrific football. They're really creative in the way they play, really inventive and I don't think they're far away from being a really good side."

• A bounce game against Rangers on Tuesday was "very positive" in getting minutes for players returning from injury. Ryan Finnigan and Charlie Reilly stepped up their comebacks by playing an hour, while Brad Halliday, Kieran O'Hara, Joe Wright, Idris Odutayo, Alfie Harrison and Zan Besir all played the full match.

• Pressley would like Premiership clubs to share data on players' physical stats, saying it is common in English football and would be a step "in the right direction".

• He adds: "You improve by looking at the data and it telling you you're not good enough in that area so we have to improve in that area. We just don't have that at this moment in time so we're working a little bit blind in that respect. I'm always pushing my players. I want more numbers from them but I'm unsure how our numbers look against other teams so that part's difficult."

Dundee added to their 2-2 draw with Rangers on Saturday with a 2-1 win over the Ibrox side in a second-string bounce game at the Auchenhowie training ground in Glasgow. (Daily Record, external)

Read Wednesday's gossip column in full.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

After nine league games Dundee sit fourth in the table. It's our best start to a top-flight campaign since the 1980s and the fans are purring.

As predicted, the partnership of Brad Fink and Ash Hay has looked strong and fruitful from the get-go.

The best Dundee teams I've watched have tended to be built around partnerships and we now have them at the back, in midfield and up front.

We still reminisce about the days when Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings put on a show at Dens Park, even if we ultimately had little to show for it.

That was a decade ago and since then we've had few top-flight strikeforces capable of capturing the imagination in quite the same way.

The 'Finkster' has scored three goals in his past four games, all against sides that finished in the top six last season.

If it weren't for a tight offside call at Falkirk, he'd be four in four. The 23-year-old Swiss forward, who is on a season-long loan from Wycombe, looks more and more like a coup in each passing game.

Ryan Finnigan and Idris Odutayo initially seemed to be two of our most impressive summer arrivals. Now, through no fault of their own, they'll need to be patient for another opportunity to break into the team.

Callum Jones and Imari Samuels have stepped up a gear and that strength in depth is an absolute joy to see.

In the past two matches - victory at Falkirk followed by the 2-2 draw with Rangers - we have fought back from losing positions.

Plenty has been made of the team's work ethic and organisation, but their character deserves equal recognition. This is a side that's become the fixture other teams in the division dread.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley faces an anxious wait as on-loan striker Bobby Wales has been sent to see a second specialist in a bid to get a definitive diagnosis on his ankle injury. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish football gossip

Rangers will not be the last team to drop points at Dens Park amid a "fantastic" season for Dundee, says Sportscene pundit Richard Foster.

The former Premiership defender says Steven Pressley's side are "galvanised" as they sit fourth in the table after an impressive start to the campaign.

Watch Sportscene highlights of the weekend's top-flight action

Boss Steven Pressley is excited about Alfie Harrison after the former Manchester City youth player made his professional debut in Dundee's draw against Rangers. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch all the highlights as Dundee came from behind to hold Rangers to a 2-2 draw at Dens Park in the Scottish Premiership and prevent Derek McInnes' side from moving top of the table. Available to UK users only.

Dundee fans, we asked for your views after Saturday night's 2-2 draw against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Martin: Our defence, in particular the goalkeeper and two centre halves, are as good as I can remember us having and I've been going since the 70s. Our goal difference is testament to that. There's more than that though, the whole team have a gritty resolve, something we haven't had for many years. It's enjoyable going to see my team, there's a feel good factor about the place. Brilliant manager along with his staff.

Bob: This squad, and I mean the whole squad, just keeps on defying the odds. The popular pundit message was an away victory but the Dee showed what they have in each third of the team tonight. Solid defending, sound aggressive midfield and two forwards with pace and ability. Being a Dee fan at present is a complete joy.

Gary: Dundee had control of the first half and didn't let Rangers dominate, until the second half when their pressure told. It's taken two cracking goals during an intense period to get Rangers that draw, but Dundee's pressure after conceding the second led to the mistake and the equaliser so it was well deserved, an excellent game. Dundee aren't afraid of anyone, they fight so hard for each other and it shows.

Albert: Dundee played beautiful football in the first half. It's no shock to see Steven Pressley's men are sitting near the top of the league. Happy with my manager, proving doubters wrong again.

Jimmy: Unlucky not to get the three points but the team played well especially in the first half. Onwards to the next game.

Jamie: Over the 90 minutes we more than matched Rangers and the Pressley masterclass continues. Another very strong team performance and one to be proud of. We are continuing to go from strength to strength.

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "When we put things into perspective we are the first team in eight games to take a point off Rangers so that says a lot about the group.

"It was certainly a game of two halves. In the first half we were outstanding in our performance, we talked a lot about the importance of duels, second balls and basics and as a result of that we managed to get control of possession for long periods.

"The aspect we're disappointed in is that we went in tied at half-time and didn't capitalise on the big moments. Rangers came back out strong and put us under enormous pressure, but typical of the group we react, and react in a positive and forceful way. It epitomises the team at this moment in time, they are an amazing group that thrive in diversity.

"The word I used prior to the game was bravery and we showed that in possession. There are really pleasing aspects, but I wanted a win tonight. People will say it's a terrific point and it is, but that bit in me, just after the first half, thought that we could get all three points.

"Ethan [Hamilton] is an amazing character, I love him to bits, his consistency is amazing. Sometimes when we talk about the basics of the game, it's seen as a dirty word, but he does them so well. He wins duels, second balls, he is so effective on those things and as a result he gets us playing. He showed amazing composure and strength tonight. There are so many words I can use to describe him, he's been an amazing signing and he typifies what we want here.

"Of course not taking anything away from Rangers, they have some dangerous players, although I desperately wanted the win, the point is a really good point and it doesn't stop our momentum. The players can be really proud of themselves."

Rangers missed the chance to return to the Scottish Premiership summit as they played out a captivating draw at Dundee.

Read the match report

Have your say

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Steven Pressley has been impressed with the way Derek McInnes has turned around Rangers' fortunes following a difficult start to the campaign.

The Dundee head coach is hoping to end the Ibrox club's good run when they visit on Saturday but said: "One of the great strengths of Derek's teams is that they have great variation in the way that they play.

"So it's actually difficult to stop them. You can't just set out and say, 'Okay, these are the specific patterns and movements', because they're highly adaptable.

"They'll build, they'll play forward, they'll cross, they'll ask questions of you.

"The things that I've spoken about this week with the group, have been the basics. If you don't do the basics against Rangers and Derek's Rangers, they'll run all over the top of you."

The central defensive partnership of Ryan Astley and Owen Bevan has been a cornerstone of Dundee's performances this season and will no doubt come under pressure on Saturday.

Pressley, who was a centre-back himself, has been encouraged by the understanding developing between the pair and the trust they have built within his team.

"Ryan Astley has been with me now for 14 or 15 months," he said. "We've grown a great bond between us and we trust each other.

"And, of course, Owen Bevan has come in and been amazing. It takes longer to build that, but I trust the two of them."

Alfie Harrison was shocked to be released by Newcastle United in June without a first-team appearance and the 20-year-old midfielder is determined to win a contract extension after his short-term deal with Dundee ends in January. (The Courier, external)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, The Courier

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Dundee will give fitness tests on Drey Wright (knee), Ryan Finningan (ankle) and Charlie Reilly (broken toe) while Zan Besir returns from suspension.

Joe Westley (ankle) is out for four weeks and Bobby Wales (ankle) has returned to parent club Swansea to see a specialist next week. Simon Murray, Finlay Robertson and Jack Moorhouse (all ACL) are out long term.

For Rangers, Ross McCrorie has picked up a little hamstring issue and will be out for the next three weeks.

Cammy Devlin remains out with a hamstring injury picked up before the international break.

Dujon Sterling has trained after shrugging off a bout of illness and a hamstring issue.

Lawrence Shankland (hamstring), Youssef Chermiti (knee) and Daisuke Yokota (groin) are still out.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee head coach Stephen Pressley says "bravery and basics" have been the focus of his preparations for Rangers' visit on Saturday.

Pressley's side sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership and victory over Derek McInnes' team would take them level on points with third-placed Hearts.

The Dundee boss believes the trust and belief he has in his players have been central to their success this season, insisting they will approach the challenge without fear of their opponents.

"I think one of the things about when you play the big teams is that they prey on that vulnerability," Pressley said. "You have a fear in your performance, you don't pass the ball or control the ball in the manner that you want to.

"So the two words I've spoken consistently about with the group this week have been bravery and the basics.

"If we give those two in our performance, plus a bit of luck, then of course we can get a result. But, even with all that, there's no guarantee.

"But I think if we show the bravery and we do the basics then as a manager I'll be very satisfied.

"Because I've said this time and time again, sometimes when Dundee play Celtic or Dundee play Rangers, winning for us isn't always on the scoreboard.

"Sometimes winning for us is just that, to a man, we feel we've brought the best of ourselves today. And the best of us might not be enough. But if we feel that after the game then we'll be happy."

Dundee have several key players sidelined with long-term injuries, but Pressley has been impressed by the resilience and professionalism within his squad.

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• Rangers' Djeidi Gassama has won more fouls (24) and had more touches in the opposing box (56) than any player in the Scottish Premiership this season, also completing a joint-high 15 dribbles.

• Rangers have won each of their last six league games and could win more in a row for the first time since February 2024 under Philippe Clement (9).

• Dundee have won both of their last two league matches, last winning three in a row in December 2025/January 2026.

• Rangers have won six of their last eight away games against Dundee in all competitions (D2), keeping five clean sheets in this period.

• Dundee are winless in 20 meetings with Rangers in all competitions (D4 L16) since a 2-1 league victory in November 2017.

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Striker Bobby Wales has returned to Swansea City from his loan spell at Dundee after suffering an ankle injury.

Wales has made five appearances for Dundee since joining the Scottish Premiership club on loan for the season in August.

But the 21-year-old is back in Wales being assessed by Swansea's medical staff after getting injured while playing for Scotland Under-21s.

"He's down at Swansea, but they want him to see a certain specialist, and that should take place next Wednesday," said Dundee boss Steven Pressley.

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Scottish Premiership match at home to Rangers (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines:

• Pressley believes "bravery" and "basics" will be key to securing another positive result. The ex-Rangers defender also spoke about the need to overcome his former side's "physicality" and "winning mentality".

• "You have to be brave in the way that you play," he says. "But they'll ask questions of you, and you've got to do the basics to a really top-level, world-class standard to get a result."

• Pressley praised his depleted team's ability to do "the basics exceptionally well" in their late victory at Falkirk last time out. He says this is also one of the "great strengths" of Derek McInnes' Rangers team.

• "As a result of that, they ask the opposition to do those things," Pressley says of the Ibrox side. "And if we don't do them, then Rangers will win the game."

• Pressley revealed that on-loan striker Bobby Wales, who recently injured his ankle while on Scotland Under-21 duty, has returned to his parent club Swansea to see a specialist.

• "Bobby will not hear [the extent of his injury] until next Wednesday," he adds. "He's down at Swansea, but they want him to see a certain specialist, and that should take place next Wednesday."

• Dundee will monitor Drey Wright (knee), Ryan Finnigan (ankle) and Charlie Reilly (broken toe), while Zan Besir returns from suspension.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

Another week, another Dundee victory, and the Dark Blues remain in fourth place. I could get used to this!

The win adds another milestone to Steven Pressley's growing list of achievements at the club. It was Dundee's first-ever league victory at the Falkirk Stadium and our first top-flight win away to Falkirk since 1987.

It was also the first time in 21 years that Dundee had won a Premiership match without making a single substitution, all while coping with a squad missing up to eight players through injury.

There is plenty to dissect from the match, but perhaps the best news of the week came alongside it, with the club announcing Ash Hay's contract extension.

We've had our fair share of talented and hard-working players over the years, but there is something particularly refreshing about Hay.

In modern football, it can be difficult to find players who seem genuinely invested in their legacy at a club.

With Hay, the fans see someone who gives everything for the badge and has a genuine affection for the club and its supporters. He's the kind of player you'd want to replicate across an entire starting eleven every week.

Regardless of contract lengths, we've not seen much longevity from strikers at Dens Park in a very long time.

It would be fantastic to see Hay break that cycle and continue scoring goals in Dark Blue for many years to come.