Dundee F.C.

Dundee Football Club
Full name Dundee Football Club
Nickname(s) The Dee
The Dark Blues
Founded 1893
Ground Dens Park
(Capacity: 11,856[1])
Chairman Vacant
Manager Barry Smith
League Scottish First Division
2010–11 Scottish First Division, 6th
Website Club home page
Home colours
Away colours
Current season

Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from the Scottish Premier League following the 2004–05 season. For the past five seasons, despite some considerable investment, they have failed to gain promotion back to the top tier of Scottish football.

The city of Dundee supports two senior professional football teams, Dundee and Dundee United. Their grounds are within a few yards of each other and are the two closest professional football grounds in the world.

On 1 November 2010, Dundee were given a record 25-point deduction by the SFL as punishment for going into administration for the second time in seven years. This was enforced alongside a ban on signing any new players whilst still in administration.[2]

Contents

History

Early 20th century

The club were relatively unsuccessful in their early days until the Scottish Cup win of 1910, beating Clyde in a twice replayed final.

Dave Halliday had played on the left for his previous clubs, his hometown side Queen of the South and St. Mirren. Halliday went then to Dundee in 1921 with the celebrated Alec Troup already playing on the left wing. Dundee thus converted Halliday to centre forward with prolific results, finishing as Scottish top scorer in the 1923–24 season with 38 goals from 36 appearances - a very good return in the era of the 3 man off side rule. With Halliday Dundee reached the 1924–25 Scottish Cup final eliminating the holders en route, the Airdrieonians side of Hughie Gallacher. Halliday scored 103 goals in just 147 league and cup appearances for the Dees

Mid 20th century

The first decade after the war saw Dundee come close to a league title in the 1948–49 season, finishing just one point behind champions Rangers. They went on to win two League Cups and reach a Scottish Cup final in 1952 and they also paid a Scottish record fee of £15,000 for Billy Steel. At this time Dundee's home attendances averaged more than 20,000.

In the 1958–59 Scottish Cup Dundee suffered a shock 1–0 defeat to Highland League side Fraserburgh. This is widely regarded as Dundee's most embarrassing defeat in their history.

1960s - Dundee's golden age

Bob Shankly (brother of Bill Shankly) was appointed manager in 1959. Dundee won the league title of Scotland's top division, then called the Division One, in the 1961–62 season. With players such as Bobby Cox, Alan Gilzean, Alex Hamilton, Bobby Seith, Gordon Smith and Ian Ure they clinched the title with a win against St. Johnstone, which in turn relegated St. Johnstone to the then Second Division. Gordon Smith earned the unique distinction of being the only player to win the Scottish football championship with three different clubs (Hibs, Hearts and Dundee), none of them either half of the traditionally dominant Old Firm.[3]

The following season the club reached the semi-finals of the European Cup beating 1. FC Köln, Sporting Clube de Portugal and R.S.C. Anderlecht, before losing to A.C. Milan. The Dees reached the Scottish Cup final again in the 1963–64 competition. Shankly moved on from Dundee in February 1965.[3]

The next manager after Shankly was former player Bobby Ancell from the 1947 B Division Championship side. Ancell took Dundee to a 1967-68 League Cup final against the previous season's European Cup winners, Celtic. Ancell's team scored three times at Hampden Park in Celtic's native Glasgow but still lost out 5-3. In the 1967–68 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Dundee eliminated opposition from Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland to meet Leeds United in the semi final. After a 1-1 draw at Dens, a 1-0 second leg win took Leeds through.[3]

Late 20th century

In 1973 under the management of David White and captaincy of Tommy Gemmell the League Cup returned to Dens following a 1-0 win against Celtic. This is to date the last occasion when one of Scotland's three major trophies went to Dens Park. Dundee lost in the 1980 Scottish League Cup Final to city rivals Dundee United with Billy Williamson playing in blue against his previous club.

21st century

In 2000 the club hit the headlines when they signed Argentine international Claudio Caniggia,[4] who later signed for Rangers.[5] Caniggia was only one of many foreign signings in the Dundee side in the early 2000s, which also included former Newcastle United player Temuri Ketsbaia.[6] The signing of such high-profile players along with many others led Dundee to a Scottish Cup final and two top-six finishes. This was achieved under the managership of Ivano Bonetti, who also made a short but notable contribution on the park linking up well with the Caniggia. The attendances at Dundee were still short of the hoped for numbers and Dundee FC's spending significantly out-weighed their income. Dundee were soon forced into administration due to unsustainable spending, however the main factor was the lack of income during the period when the club's plans to sell off players at a profit was doomed when the bottom fell out of the transfer market just at that time.

Before Dundee went into financial trouble they knocked out Glasgow side Partick Thistle 2–0 away from home in the third round of the Scottish Cup. The fourth round saw Dundee knock out Aberdeen 2–0 at Dens Park. Dundee continued their march towards Hampden Park with a 1–1 draw away and a 4–1 extra time victory over Falkirk at Dens booked their place in the semi-finals playing Inverness CT at Hampden Park. The only goal of the game was by Georgi Nemsadze. This secured a 1–0 victory and a place in the Final against Rangers. In the final Barry Smith hit the post for Dundee but Lorenzo Amoruso scored to bring Dundee's cup run to an end.

In 2003, due to the clubs failure to sell on players as anticipated, insufficient income was raised to fund the large wage bill, under owners Peter & James Marr, resulting in a £23 m debt, they were forced to go into administration with many players such as Fabian Caballero, Craig Burley and Georgian captain Giorgi Nemsadze leaving the club in 2005. Despite this huge debt, Dundee survived by selling their stadium in 2003. But the club was then relegated to the second tier of the Scottish leagues, where they have remained since. In mid-2006, it was announced that financial restructuring would see the club become debt-free.

In early 2007 James and Peter Marr severed some of their ties with Dundee, stepping down as Chairman and Chief Executive respectively, when their company P&J Taverns was forced into administration. Bob Brannan and Dave MacKinnon took the Marrs' place.

In 2008 after a poor run in the league, manager Alex Rae was sacked, with former manager Jocky Scott taking over for his third stint with the club.[7]

In the 2009/10 season Dundee director Calum Melville was in trouble for claiming he was going to offer rivals Dundee United F.C. £500,000 for ex Dundee midfielder Scott Robertson.[7] Dundee won Alba Cup Final when they beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-2.[9]

On 20 March 2010, Scott was sacked as manager after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Airdrie United.[10] He was replaced on the 21 March 2010 by Gordon Chisholm, with Billy Dodds as his assistant.

In September 2010 Dundee was again on the brink of going into administration due to a £365,000 unpaid tax bill. During negotiations with HM Revenue & Customs, the club's offer to pay £100,000 immediately was rejected.[11] On the 14 September it was announced that the club would be going into administration.[12] As punishment for entering administration the Scottish Football League docked Dundee 25 points on 1 November 2010. At the time the punishment was imposed, this left Dundee bottom of the First Division table with -11 points, 20 points behind the second-bottom team. Dundee later appealed their punishment and are to hear the outcome before Christmas 2010. On 10 December 2010 the Dark Blues Business Trust was set up by former Dundee owner Peter Marr to help the club recover from their financial situation. On 17 December 2010 Dundee's appeal was rejected which resulted in Dundee appealing the punishment to the SFA, who also rejected it. Dundee went on a 23 match undefeated streak in the first division beating the previous record set by the team.

On 12 May 2011, Dundee FC exited administration. The club's supporters' trust, Dundee FC Supporters' Society Ltd., is now the majority shareholder.[13]

On 6 November 2011, it was announced Harry MacLean had resigned from his position as Chief Executive and would work a months notice.[14] MacLean, who had played a key role in saving the club during administration,[14] accepted an invitation to re-join the club in a non-executive role before departing his position as Chief Executive.[15] His resignation was followed just eleven days later by Stuart Murphy’s decision to step down as club Chairman and Director of the Club which was effective immediately.[16]. On 27 December 2011, Harry MacLean resigned from his non-executive role[17] causing questions to arise about the stablility of the boardroom[18]

Non-playing staff

  • Chairman: Vacant
  • Chief Executive: Vacant
  • Financial Director: Mark Gallacher
  • Director: Scott Glenday
  • Director: Maurice Kidd
  • Director: Fraser MacDonald
  • Director: Steve Martin

Players

Current squad

As of 4 November 2011[19][20]

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
GK Rab Douglas
GK John Gibson
DF Kyle Benedictus
DF Gary Irvine
DF Neil McGregor
DF Matt Lockwood
DF Craig McKeown
DF Connor Rennie
DF Rhys Weston
MF Ross Chisholm
MF Ryan Conroy
No. Position Player
MF Jamie McCluskey
MF Stephen O'Donnell
MF Nicky Riley
MF Graham Webster
MF Gavin Rae
FW Graham Bayne
FW Jake Hyde
FW Leighton Mcintosh
FW Steven Milne
FW Calum Elliot (on loan from Hearts)

Transfers

For recent transfers, see List of Scottish football transfers winter 2011–12

International players

A list of former and current players who have played at full international level while with the club are ordered by nationality and year of their debut below.
For a full list of former/current players with articles, see Category:Dundee F.C. players.
Australia
Canada
China
Denmark
Guadeloupe
Georgia
Poland
Scotland
Scotland (cont.)
Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuela

Hall of Fame

Heritage Award

International Award

Note: Year is year inducted into Hall of Fame

Managers

Records

Honours

League

Domestic cups

European cups

Other

  • Winners (27): 27 times
  • Runners-up (3): 1987–88, 1995–96, 1998–99
  • Winners (1): 2006

Kit sponsors and manufacturers

Year Kit Manufacturer Primary Shirt Sponsor Secondary Shirt Sponsor
1976–1980 Admiral
1980–1987 Umbro
1987–1990 Matchwinner Novafone
1990–1992 Kelly's Copiers
1992–1993 Asics
1993–1994 Sports Division
1994–1996 Matchwinner Auto Windscreens
1996–1998 Avec Firkin Brewery
1998–1999 Scottish Hydro Electric
1999–2002 Xara Ceramic Tile Warehouse
2002–2003 360 Jsearch.co.uk
2003–2005 Xara Magners
2005–2006 The Forfar Roof Truss Company
2006–2008 Bukta Signatures4U
2008–2009 Bukta Scott Fyffe Motors
2009–2010 Viga
2010– Puma Kilmac Energy

References

  1. ^ Dundee FC - capacity
  2. ^ Ask the Gaffer | Football trivia | Your questions answered | Sport | Orange UK
  3. ^ a b c "Bobby Ancell" 10 Dec 2011
  4. ^ Philip, Calum (16 December 2000). "Caniggia fever puts Dundee in world spotlight". London: Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/caniggia-fever-puts-dundee-in-world-spotlight-628967.html. Retrieved 24 March 2010. 
  5. ^ "Caniggia to join Rangers". London: Guardian.co.uk. 16 December 2000. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2001/may/15/newsstory.sport4. Retrieved 24 March 2010. 
  6. ^ "Ketsbaia heads north to Dundee". Guardian.co.uk. 18 October 2001. http://www1.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=9810.html. Retrieved 24 March 2010. 
  7. ^ a b "Scott set for Dundee appointment". BBC Sport. 30 October 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7695798.stm. Retrieved 30 October 2008. 
  8. ^ Moor, Dave. "Dundee". Historical Kits. http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Dundee/Dundee.htm. Retrieved 30 October 2011. 
  9. ^ "Alba Cup Final: Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 Dundee 3". DailyRecord. 23 November 2009. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/cups/challenge-cup/2009/11/23/alba-cup-final-inverness-caledonian-thistle-2-dundee-3-86908-21842989/. Retrieved 30 December 2009. 
  10. ^ Spence, Jim (20 March 2010). "First Division leaders Dundee sack manager Jocky Scott". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/8578476.stm. Retrieved 20 March 2010. 
  11. ^ Spence, Jim (27 September 2010). "Dundee director bullish about club's future". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/9034209.stm. Retrieved 2010-09-27. 
  12. ^ Spence, Jim (15 October 2010). "Dundee face threat of liquidation as staff await fate". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/9085810.stm. Retrieved 2010-10-14. 
  13. ^ "Dundee Exit Administration". BBC News. 12 May 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13380218.stm. Retrieved 12 May 2011. 
  14. ^ a b "Harry MacLean Resignation". dundeefc.co.uk (Dundee F.C.). 6 November 2011. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news_detail.asp?h=HARRY-MACLEAN-RESIGNATION&newsid=1969. Retrieved 6 December 2011. 
  15. ^ "Statement from Dundee FC and DFCSS". dundeefc.co.uk (Dundee F.C.). 21 November 2011. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news_detail.asp?h=STATEMENT-FROM-DUNDEE-FC-AND-DFCSS&newsid=1992. Retrieved 6 December 2011. 
  16. ^ "Club Statement". dundeefc.co.uk (Dundee F.C.). 17 November 2011. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news_detail.asp?h=CLUB-STATEMENT&newsid=1984. Retrieved 6 December 2011. 
  17. ^ "Harry Leaves Board". dundeefc.co.uk (Dundee F.C.). 27 December 2011. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/home/news_detail.asp?newsid=2073. Retrieved 27 December 2011. 
  18. ^ "Boardroom instability". dundeefc.co.uk (Dundee F.C.). 27 December 2011. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/dfcforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29923. Retrieved 27 December 2011. 
  19. ^ "Dundee Fc Player Profiles". Dundee F.C.. http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/football/player_profiles.asp. Retrieved 1 November 2011. 
  20. ^ "Dundee FC Soccerbase". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=737. Retrieved 4 November 2011. 
  21. ^ Ross, David (2005). The Roar of the Crowd: Following Scottish football down the years. Argyll publishing. pp. 71. ISBN 9-8781902-831831. 
  22. ^ Ross, The Roar of the Crowd, 181
  23. ^ Ross, The Roar of the Crowd, 94
  24. ^ Known as second division prior to 1975

External links