Despite steering Dundee to a top‑half finish in his first season and helping them avoid relegation in 2024–25, Tony Docherty was relieved of his managerial duties ahead of the new campaign. Former Coventry City and Falkirk boss Steven Pressley took the reins. On taking the job one sentence made headlines:
If you’re looking for a manager with a history of winning titles I’m not your man
Perhaps that rather uninspiring quote didn’t come out as intended as certainly the early review from Dens has been that Pressley has been a breath of fresh air around the place with the players and staff. However, Pressley’s competitive debut ended in disappointment, as the Premiership side suffered a 1–0 defeat at home to Championship outfit Airdrieonians. A first‑half goal from Chris Mochrie proved decisive, leaving Dundee, Group C’s highest ranked team, stuck on the bottom of the section with no points. With both Airdrieonians and Alloa making perfect starts, Dundee face increasing pressure to avoid further slip‑ups in the League Cup group stage.
Dundee struggled in the final third against Airdrieonians, highlighting the importance of captain Simon Murray reproducing his stellar form from last year. The 33‑year‑old forward was instrumental in the Dee’s survival last season, scoring 16 times in 38 Premiership appearances. He’ll need to contribute another monumental season in what is a new look Dark Blues side with 14 player departures from the previous campaign.
Reinforcements and probably the one to watch have arrived though through summer signing Tony Yogane, a dynamic winger on loan from Brentford. Yogane not only brings pace and flair in wide areas, but also has a proven knack for putting defences on the back foot – his winning strike in the 2024–25 Professional Development League final secured Brentford’s U21 title against Bournemouth, firing them to a 3‑2 victory.
In defence, Bulgarian centre-back Plamen Galabov joined on a free transfer from Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva. In midfield, Paul Digby, a seasoned defensive midfielder, arrived from Cambridge United, while Drey Wright, a versatile right-sided player, made the move from St. Johnstone following their relegation to the Championship.
Callum Jones, a central midfielder, was signed from Hull City. Up front, Dundee recruited two forwards: Ashley Hay, a 21-year-old centre-forward from Brentford B, and Emile Acquah, a physically imposing striker signed from Barrow, with his fee undisclosed.
There’s no breathing room now for the visitors as anything but a win will all but ensure their exit from the Premier Sports Cup while Alloa will be desperate to set up a final day shootout with Airdrieonians.
