Glasgow Dees interview with the new boss
Hi Alan. First of all, welcome to Dundee F.C. (even though its been a few weeks since you were appointed Manager!), and many thanks for doing this interview.
Was there one decisive factor that convinced you to take the Dundee job, if so what was it?
AK - Yes, the challenge of getting such a big club back in the Premier League
Are you confident of achieving promotion at the first time of asking?
AK - Yes but it will be difficult. If we have most of our best players available we have a great chance
Has anyone explained to you the price of not being promoted back to the SPL at the first time of asking? If so, what is the price? Are the players aware?
AK - No, but it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realise!
Supporters are always hearing from media & previous Dundee managers that we are a 'sleeping giant'. What basis is there for this argument?
AK - With the Clubs history and huge support the Club needs to be in the premier league
Do you attend other games and ‘spy’ on the opposition and do you think it’s important to do your homework on the opposition?
AK - Yes whenever possible
How is your relationship with the Board of Directors?
AK - I deal mainly with Peter Marr but the rest of the Board are really supportive
Do you think that the issue of wage cuts within the dressing room has had an effect on attitudes and performances?
AK - Possibly but when you fail at something you should make a sacrifice and most of the players had it in their contracts
How are you in the dressing room? Do you rant and rave and throw things around or are you calmer?
AK - A bit of both
Who do you see being the key players this season?
AK - Strikers are generally the most important if we can have two who can score 15-20 each we will be in a good position
After a few weeks in the job, you said that the players were 5 or 6 weeks hard work from being fit. In your opinion, could this have contributed to some of the injuries we’ve had this season?
AK - Yes
How do the training facilities available to the players at Dundee, compare with your previous clubs facilities?
AK - Poor compared to Falkirk but the same as most clubs
How many hours per day do the players train? Of that, how much is fitness, how much is set-pieces, passing etc?
AK - Generally 2-2 ½ hours in a session which at the start of the week will be fitness and passing then towards Thursday and Friday sharpness and set plays, pattern of play etc
Chelsea win without flair according to recent press reports. Would you be content to win 1-0 or do you believe the fans must be entertained, albeit losing 3-4?
AK - Winning is most important
Would you agree that certain members of the playing staff are not pulling their weight and suffer from the “pop star” (too good for league/team) mentality?
AK - Possibly, but we are trying to change that
Have you any players in mind that may be available come the transfer window?
AK - I’m working on that as I need to move some to create space for new players
Is there any chance of a loan signing in January?
AK - Yes
You have previously said that you hope there is no need for you to play come January. Having coached the players for a few weeks do you think you will be pulling on your boots again?
AK - No
Why don’t you rate Jacinto? Do you not think he would be good for 20 minutes towards the end of the game when the opposition are tiring?
AK - No he does not produce anything as a winger, no crosses, no efforts at goal but we are trying to change that.
Who do you see as Dundee’s main goalkeeper this season? Will Derek Soutar be given his place back or will Kelvin Jack keep his place?
AK - As Kelvin was injured Derek is back
How is Lee Wilkie and when can we expect to see him return?
AK - Good and hopefully at Christmas
Would you have liked to keep Tom Hutchison at Dens? And are you surprised that he decided to leave and the way he decided to leave?
AK - No he did not want to play and wanted more money so no
Does Tom leaving free up any more money to get more players in?
AK - Not at the moment
Are you aware of the fans’ contribution to the club over the past few years, and do you believe that (a) the fans are doing enough to get behind the team, and (b) the fans have a right to voice their approval or displeasure at performances on the park?
AK - Yes but constant criticism will only damage the club even more. It’s a fine line and I understand your frustration and as I said I am trying to change some of those things
Where do you see Dundee being in 2 years time?
AK - In the Premier League at least
Finally, some light-hearted questions to finish off.
Tell us something about you that will make your players laugh when they read it.
AK - My great uncle was the little bald Irish man in Benny Hill who was always slapped on top of the head. Although most of the players will not even know who Benny Hill is.
Who is your all time football hero?
AK - Bob Latchford of Everton. My dad supported them so we used to go and he scored 30 odd in one season so that’s why I’m a frustrated centre forward!
What would be your all time dream XI? Any Dundee players????
AK - No. Banks, Irwin, Baresi, P McGrath, Maldini, R Houghton, G Hoddle, R Keane, J Robertson, R Gullit, Van Basten
And finally – there have been a few members asking this question!!
Do you want to come to a Glasgow Dees night out?! Have you been warned upfront about the possibility of a Glasgow Dee wanting to sing with you after the Player of the Year Dinner at the end of the season?
AK - NO AND NO! IM SCARED!
Once again – many thanks for answering the questions.
Best of luck for the rest of the season, and we all look forward to meeting you at some point during the season.
Glasgow Dees Supporters Club - Interview conducted on 03/11/05 by Neil Sinclair
