retired_eneko5613

25th July 2014

Dear Diary,

And so it arrives. Tomorrow sees the start of my last season of football management.

It's been quite a pleasant pre-season. For the first few days all the papers were full of my retirement, but that story soon passed in favour of the latest Old Firm transfer rumour. The board were determined to keep the club in the news, and they publicly announced that because of our Champions League qualification they would make "a significant amount" available for transfers. They weren't willing to be drawn on how much, but I knew a ballpark figure, and I wasn't complaining.

Before we could bring any players in, though, there were a few goodbyes to say. Richie Waddell called it a day, so we had to have a leaving bash for him. Andrew Stevenson and John Dempster left on amicable terms, with their contracts having come to an end. Both had more or less been promised contracts at other Scottish clubs, so we had a few drinks with them as well. Martyn Corrigan didn't have a party, though, as he chose to sign for Arbroath instead of extending his stay with us. We just spent the £35k Arbroath had to pay to buy out his contract on a trip to the Speyside distilleries instead. But there was one departure that left a bitter taste in the mouth of everyone, and we wouldn't be laughing or joking about it just yet. Steven Craig had more or less agreed to a new contract, making him one of the better paid players at the club, when his agent told him there was a deal on the table for him at an English Premiership club. Craig was out the door faster than he ever ran on the pitch, and surprise surprise, his agent was full of bull****.

We'll give him a couple of weeks to mull things over before inviting him to come over, apologise, and sign his damned contract.

But onto brighter things. The first player I spent my new found cash on was one I mentioned last season. Barry Easton cost me £2m pounds, a lot for an 18 year old, but he has a hell of a lot of talent, and his two-footed-ness means he will be a valuable asset in midfield. Celtic are definitely the losers in that deal, especially as they don't need the money. At £3700 per week for the next four years, Barry is up there with Steve McLean and Stephen Pearson in the top three earners. Worth every penny if you ask me.

The only other signing of the preseason brought in some much needed quality to that difficult to fill right back position. Paul Dickson, also from Celtic, had made his name last season on loan to Division One champions Falkirk. With the ability to score goals, and cover at centre half, the 21 year old was quite easily worth the £2.5m fee. He accepted a 5 year deal at £1500 per week.

We fended off a bid of £1.4m from Hearts for Jim McGowan - there was no way without any good reason that we would be letting any of this squad go.

Preseason started a little hotter than usual, as we ended a nice gentle training holiday with a match against the local side - Tenerife. Mitchell and Grant got on the scoresheet in an amicable 2-2 draw before we returned home to get down to a more familiar programme. The local derby against United is comfortably won 2-0, Mitchell again and Pearson doing the business, whilst Easton starts to show what he is capable of with a brace against Queens Park. St. Johnstone are also dispatched by Holmes and Lauchlan.

So, nothing to do now but get on the coach to Ibrox and hope we're ready.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">The Dundee "Lions" Squad 2014/2015Goalkeepers:1. Neil Alexander (36) 5th season, 192 appearances.13. Gary King (20) 2nd season, 1 appearanceDefenders:2. Mark Wilson (32) Capped at Under 21 level. 8th season, 262 appearances, 14 goals3. Mark Dick (28) Capped at Under 21 level. 3rd season, 35 appearances, 1 goal4. Tommy Davidson (22) Capped at Under 21 level. 3rd season, 62 appearances5. Steven Craig (26) 5th season, 95 appearances (If he can be persuaded to resign 22. Steven Thomson (23) Capped at Under 21 level. 5th season, 79 appearances, 3 goals23. Stuart Henderson (23) Capped at Under 21 level. 5th season, 101 appearances27. Paul Dickson (21) 1st season30. Kevin Johnston (19) 4th season31. Kevin Gardiner (27) 3rd season, 35 appearances34. Craig Quinn (17) 2nd season, 1 appearance35. Colin Clark (18) 2nd season, 2 appearancesMidfielders:6. Martin Gallacher (28) Capped at Under 21 level. 4th season, 114 appearances, 17 goals7. Alex Holmes (26) Capped at Under 21 level. 3rd season, 84 appearances, 17 goals8. Stephen Pearson (31) 2 Caps. 2nd season, 32 appearances, 9 goals11. Martin Lauchlan (33) Capped at B Team level. 4th season, 99 appearances, 12 goals12. Peter Hegarty (26) Capped at Under 21 level. 9th season, 267 appearances, 35 goals16. Joe Webster (27) Capped at Under 21 level. 4th season, 59 appearances, 3 goals17. John Rae (21) 3rd season, 4 appearances18. Barry Easton (18) Capped at Under 21 level. 1st season19. Andrew Rae (23) 6th season, 8 appearances, 1 goal20. Darren Crawford (21) Capped at Under 21 level. 2nd season, 14 appearances, 2 goals25. Colin Alexander (21) 2nd season, 1 appearance28. Thomas Nicol (23) 3rd season, 5 appearances32. Jim McGowan (23) 3rd season, 40 appearances, 3 goalsForwards:9. Andy Walker (28) 12th season, 252 appearances, 56 goals10. Lee MacDonald (23) Capped at Under 21 level. 2nd season, 27 appearances, 4 goals15. Mark Grant (25) Capped at Under 21 level. 2nd season, 17 appearances, 4 goals21. Daniel Ogunmade (29) Capped at Under 21 level. 5th season, 35 appearances24. Steven McLean (31) 4th season, 124 appearances, 48 goals26. Colin Sinclair (24) Capped at Under 21 level. 4th season, 7 appearances, 1 goal29. Billy Mitchell (19) 3rd season, 12 appearances33. Steve Mitchell (30) 3rd season, 54 appearances, 17 goals</pre>

retired_eneko5613

7th September 2014

Dear Diary,

Six straight league games for us, then, before we start our Champions League adventure. After an early disappointment at Ibrox, things got better as we went into half time with a 2-1 lead through Steve McLean's 49th and 50th Dundee goals. Peruvian Roberto Chacón gets his own double in the second half, though, and my final season starts with a defeat.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">26/7 Rangers 3 Dundee 2 (Greacen (7), McLean 11, 30 - 50th Dundee goal, Chacón (55), (64)) 9th</pre>
A chance to put those second half defensive problems right would have been nice, but due to European fixtures (for those who have to qualify, that is) we get a fortnight off already. We keep ourselves busy inducting Paul Hunter (16 years old, and a promising sweeper who will have to improve his marking to fit into a back four) and Andy Donnelly (17 years old, more of a central defender, but not as skilled as Hunter) into the squad as they graduate from the academy.

Steven Craig was allowed back in as well, maybe that will help the defence out?

We're on the road for our second game of the season as well, and just like last time it's up to Steve McLean to cancel out an early goal from the opposition. This time, though, the defence holds out in the second half.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">9/8 ICT 1 Dundee 1 (Forssell (8), McLean 45) 9th</pre>
A week later, and we finally get it right in our first home game of the season. Goals for Pearson and McLean (four in three now) in a three minute first half spell go without reply from the visitors Hibs, in a tempetuous game. Suspensions may cost us dearly, as we pick up five yellow cards and Steve Craig is sent off.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">16/8 Dundee 2 Hibs 0 (Pearson 24, McLean 27) 6th</pre>
The selection for the first international squads of the season, for Euro 2016 qualifiers against Germany and Iceland, draws a disappointing blank, but the Under 21 squad brings a bumper crop. New signings Easton and Dickson are called up, the defender for the first time, joining last season's Clark and Crawford.

Falkirk, pre-season favourites to go straight back down, were the next to be visited. Steven McLean was always going to get his 5th of the season against a decidedly dodgy defence, but he had to wait until man of the match Grant had notched first.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">23/8 Falkirk 0 Dundee 2 (Grant 2, McLean 28 - 5th of season) 4th</pre>
As we face our first midweek game, Stilian Petrov continues his journey around Scotland, with a bargain basement £170k move to Caley Thistle.

Amazingly, McLean continues his record of scoring in every game, with the first against Livingston. They at least have the balls to equalise, but that just means Alex Holmes, provider of the first, has to score the second to give us the win. After that wobbly start, we're starting to look good.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">27/8 Dundee 2 Livingston 1 (McLean 28, Doyle (45), Holmes 73) 4th</pre>
The Under 21s beat Germany 3-1 in Nürnberg, with Easton and Clark coming on in the second half. Colin Clark's first international experience wasn't to be repeated at Ibrox three days later, as the coach shuffled the squad for the Iceland game and only Darren Crawford was selected - for the bench - to represent Dundee.

After the 10 day break, the first eleven are refreshed for the visit of Aberdeen. There's only one goal in the game, can you guess who score it?
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">6/9 Dundee 1 Aberdeen 0 (McLean 42) 4th</pre>
We're on fire, and apart from the unbeaten Celtic, we're well in contention at this early stage.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 6 games (except where shown)1. Celtic 16 +72. Hibs 15 +63. Rangers 13 +54. Dundee 13 +55. Hearts 9 +1 (from 5 games)6. Livingston 7 07. ICT 7 -1</pre>

retired_eneko5613

20th October 2014

Dear Diary

Champions League. Dortmund, Panathanaikos and Arsenal. This was where the season really started. This, in fact, was the Westfalenstadion, in balmy Dortmund. This was how a stadium looked, with over 64000 people in it.

This was a 0-0 draw that really we should have won.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">9/9 Dortmund 0 Dundee 0 Champions League, Group A, Round 1</pre>
Arsenal and Panathaikos also drew 0-0, so the lack of a finish hadn't cost us too much I suppose.

Now we had to adjust, again, to playing league matches on a Sunday. Celtic brought their unbeaten record to Dens Park, and took it away with them after getting the only goal in first half injury time. Just how often do they have to do that? Some good defensive performances made sure we were always in the game, and Paul Dickson was quite rightly awarded his first man of the match award against his former club.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">14/9 Dundee 0 Celtic 1 (Sáenz (45)) 4th</pre>
After the (current) top team in Scotland, it was time to entertain one of the top teams from south of the border. They weren't here to mess about, though, they were here to thoroughly outclass us.

Even the sporting gesture of having defender George Scholes sent off after less than quarter of an hour didn't do us any favours. All the goals came in a seven minute spell midway through the second half. Pearson's equaliser was probably the best of the three, but whilst we were admiring the equaliser, Arsenal took us apart for a second. With a man less, the Londoners were still clearly doing just as much as they had to to get all three points. I dread to think what would have happened if they had eleven men for the duration of the game, or even tried hard.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">17/9 Dundee 1 Arsenal 2 (Patsatzoglou (58), Pearson 63, Grilli (65)) Champions League, Group A, Round 2</pre>
Dortmund beat PAO, hopefully we will as well.

Our league form continues to stutter a little in the face of all this top quality European football. Motherwell set out to frustrate us, and spend the first 80 odd minutes in their own half. Despite Lee McDonald and Barry Easton peppering their goal, they don't concede. Mainly due to an excellent performance from James Langfield, it has to be said. When they finally venture forward, captain Brian Hunter knocked in the winner. Annoying.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">20/9 Motherwell 1 Dundee 0 (Hunter (84)) 5th</pre>
Callups for the October internationals against the might of Azerbaijan and (a bit less sarcastically) Romania arrived whilst we were away. The full squad drew a blank again, but the same four were called up to the under 21s.

There was only time for a quick change of kit before we headed off to sunny Greece. Because of the tight timescales, we caught no more than a fleeting glimpse of the sites of ancient Athens, before the coach driver whisked us off to the stadium. The whole affair was far too rushed to be truly professional, and that was reflected in our performance. Two first half goals for the Greek put them in a strong position, which was compounded by the loss of Mark Dick through injury early in the second. With the temperature still in the high twenties, we began to flag more as the half went on, and clearly weren't going to find our way back into the game.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">24/9 Panathanaikos 2 Dundee 0 (Sotriadis (12), Panagiotopoulos (34)) Champions League, Group A, Round 3</pre>
Only a single point from the first half of our Champions League campaign. After that start we were going to have to start winning pretty soon to avoid crashing out of European competition altogether. Dortmund's draw with Arsenal didn't really help things either. It was something I had plenty of time to contemplate on the plane back home.

Three days later, and back in the comfortably familiar surroundings of Dens Park, Europe is only at the back of our minds. There's plenty to think about as Steve McLean gets himself right back on the scoresheet as we easily put Arbroath to the sword. Other than McLean's brace, the main talking point for everyone at the club was the man of the match performance by Colin Alexander, starting his first game for the club in central midfield.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">27/9 Dundee 3 Arbroath 0 (Webster 17, McLean 40,75) 4th</pre>
Paul Dickson's three excellent performances during September not only proved that he had already gelled into the team after his big money transfer from Celtic, but also won him the Player of the Month award. He'd have to wait a couple of days to celebrate, though, as we had to head south to Perth for a League Cup tie against St. Johnstone before having a ten day international break.

Some different faces, as you would expect, for the fixture against Division One opposition. Craig Quinn, Colin Alexander and Colin Clark all got starts, and there was a rare place in the eleven for Daniel Ogunmade. There was a familiar, but much changed, face in the home team lineup as well. Striker Chris Gray, who eight years ago I sold for £450,000 from Inverness, had found his way back to Scotland via several unsuccesful seasons at Watford and Stockport. The result here was never really in doubt, only the margin was up for debate. Colin Alexander had already proved he could score against this level of opposition, and duly got his first in Dundee colours, whilst Andy Walker was keen to open his account and push for a more regular place, completing the scoring. The majority of a healthy 10000+ crowd went away disappointed.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1/10 St. Johnstone 0 Dundee 2 (Colin Alexander 18, Walker 35) League Cup 3rd Round</pre>
Most of our players had a well earned break, but for those on Under 21 duty, a tired few days laid in wait. Darren Crawford and Barry Easton both started in Baku, and played 70 minutes in which all 4 of the sides' goals were scored. Four days later, at the much more hospitable Celtic Park, Crawford came off the bench to play the majority of the second half against Romania, which ended 2-0. Once again, watching these games proved quite an eye-opener, and there might be more transfer activity as a result...

Quite what happened next at Tynecastle, well it'll be up to the various SFA committees to decide. It all started fairly normally. First half yellow cards for McGowan and Wilson were nothing out of the ordinary, given the slippery condition of the pitch, and 0-0 was probably a fair scoreline. Steven Craig's injury ten minutes after the break wasn't a real concern, as Dickson could fill in off the bench. McLean also picked up a seemingly insignificant yellow card. Little did I know that thirty minutes later, all three cautioned players would be sat in the dressing room, having been given second yellows.

No team can hold out, even for just 10 minutes, with a three man disadvantage. In fact, it was something of a surprise only to concede one. Maybe Hearts felt a bit sorry for us?
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">11/10 Hearts 1 Dundee 0 (Morgan (83)) 4th</pre>
To say I was annoyed after the game would have been something of an understatement, but it wasn't really fair to take it out on the players, who hadn't really done anything wrong. So I shut myself in my office, counted to ten a few times, put the referee's report sheet to one side "for further consideration", and got on with some overdue paperwork.

Part of that paperwork involved a phonecall to Aberdeen, the result of which was the signature of Under 21 international Joe Shearer. The twenty year old predominantly right sided attacking player had caught my eye in a few U21 games, and £2.2m secured his signature on a 4 and a half year, £2000 a week contract. He's not eligible for Europe, but will add some bite to our league squad.

The eleven selected for the visit of Panathanaikos, a vital European game already labelled as a potential fight for third place, certainly left me in no doubt that they were fired up after the debacle at Tynecastle. Goals at either end of each half gave us our most convincing result in the competition, with the only lowlight being another injury to Mark Grant.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">14/10 Dundee 4 Panathanaikos 0 (McLean 3 - 10th of the season, McGowan 42, McLean 48, MacDonald 90) Champions League, Group A, Round 4</pre>
If the nature of that victory caused some raised eyebrows amongst pundits across Europe, it was soon overshadowed by Dortmund beating group favourites Arsenal 2-1 to go to the top of the pile.

That performance put a smile back on my face, but I think the next one was even better. Rangers came to Dens Park, and had Spanish goalkeeper Aitor Ruiz sent off after eighteen minutes. They were punished immediately by Wilson's penalty, and again before half time when Steve Mitchell got on the scoresheet for the first time this season. The stage was set for something special, and it came in the second half from one of the lesser stars of our side - Martin Gallacher, coming off the bench and hitting two in three minutes, thanks to some excellent unselfish play from Lee MacDonald.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/10 Dundee 4 Rangers 0 (Wilson 18pen, Mitchell 35, Gallacher 72, 74) 5th</pre>
A quality victory, but it doesn't get us out of the 5th place we find ourselves in, albeit with a game in hand.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 12 games (except where shown)1. Celtic 34 +162. Hearts 25 +93. Rangers 23 +54. Hibs 22 +25. Dundee 19 +9 (from 11 games)6. M'well 16 -27. ICT 15 +2 (from 11 games)</pre>

retired_eneko5613

27th November 2014

Dear Diary,

Well, if that doesn't kick the November voodoo into touch, I don't know what will! Only one real slip up all month, and some good performances as well. Starting with the Champions League, and group leaders Dortmund.

Solid defence from Wilson and Gardiner, and a couple of goals on the break from midfield, combined to make the Germans look pretty second rate, and there could have been more goals had the Dortmund keeper not had such a good game.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">22/10 Dundee 2 Dortmund 0 (Pearson 27, Holmes 40) Champions League, Group A, Round 5</pre>
Arsenal got back to winning ways in Greece, meaning that all four sides were in with a chance going into the final game. Dortmund and Arsenal were in pole position with 8 points each, and our trip to Highbury would be pretty massive.

Lee MacDonald and Colin Alexander comfortably dispatched Livingston in the first half, and despite new signing Shearer still not really gelling, we looked by far the better team throughout the game. We remained 5th, though.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">25/10 Livingston 0 Dundee 2 (MacDonald 7, Colin Alexander 37) 5th</pre>
With our recent good form, all eyes at Dens Park were on Kevin McAllister's Scotland squad, and the associated Under 21 selection for November's friendly in Chile. Finally, the much anticipated fax arrived, and once again Mark Wilson would make the trip. He'd be joined for the second time by Peter Hegarty, and both must have reasonable chances of seeing action this time around. The Under 21 squad was packed with Dundee talent, admittedly very little of it home grown, but nevertheless Dickson, Clark, Easton, Crawford and Joe Shearer would all gain the club the right sort of exposure in South America.

Into November, then, and the month didn't really start that well, which of course brought on the recurring nightmares of Novembers past. At least Joe Shearer enjoyed the game against my old club, picking up his first Dundee goal, and the man of the match award as well. Mikael Forssell's goal five minutes after Shearer's restricted us to just the single point.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1/11 Dundee 1 ICT 1 (Shearer 61, Forssell (66)) 4th</pre>
Off we went to Arsenal then, having packed our A-level maths books to assist in working out the permutations for the final game in the Champions league group. From my understanding of the competition, after a bit of digging on the rules, we couldn't finish 4th, because even if we lost to Arsenal, and Panathanaikos won against Dortmund, our results against the Greek club were slightly better. But we could finish in any of the other three positions.

At the end of the day, though, a fairly dour performance condemned us to the Uefa Cup. Some of my players seemed to freeze inexplicably on the Highbury stage, and Arsenal - especially captain Nuno Gomes and veteran Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic - were just too good for us.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">4/11 Arsenal 3 Dundee 0 (Ibrahimovic (14pen), (60), Cláudio (64)) Champions League, Group A, Round 6</pre>
Arsenal finish top of the group with 11 points after Dortmund drew 2-2 with Greece, leaving the Germans with 9 and the Greeks out of the competition with 5. Compared to our Scottish rivals, Celtic failed to qualify for the group stages (more about them in the Uefa Cup, no doubt), whilst Caley Thistle finished bottom of their group, despite beating Bayern Munich at the Caledonian and getting a draw in the Nou Camp. We would have to compete with Celtic, Rangers and Hearts now.

So back to the league then, and we soon put the Champions League exit behind us. Hibs were looking to try to defend their superior league placing, but to no avail. Tommy Davidson put his head to a corner to score his first ever senior goal, and after an early second half equaliser, Colin Alexander nutmegged a defender and slotted home from the edge of the box with the last kick of the game to snatch three points.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">8/11 Hibs 1 Dundee 2 (Davidson 23, van Rooy (48), Colin Alexander 90) 4th</pre>
We packed the young un's off to Chile, and then sat back to watch on the tele thanks to Sky's continuing support of Under 21 football. Being up in the middle of the night was worth it, as Dickson, Crawford, Easton and Shearer all got time on the field. Notable, Paul Dickson played the full 90 minutes and got the captain's armband - an indication that a full international call up can't be too far away. Crawford also played the full game, with Easton getting 50 minutes and Shearer half an hour. The team won 4-0, with a brace each for Burnley's Neil Doig and Rangers' David Mitchell.

The lads landed back in extremely high spirits, even Clark who didn't get a game. They're even raring to go for the next game, and given it's bottom of the league Falkirk, Dickson and Easton are given the chance to bring their international success home. On balance, the decision paid off. Barry Easton got his first goal for the club to cap a comfortable win, although Dickson looked a little jaded by the end of the game.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">15/11 Dundee 3 Falkirk 0 (Colin Alexander 11, Grant 68, Easton 84) 4th</pre>
We were still fourth, though. At least things were closing up, and our remaining games this month would allow us potentially to take advantage of any slip ups by those around us. First, though, we had to deal with a Uefa Cup tie in Belgrade. Not a bad draw, all things considered.

Goals from Hegarty (his first of the season, quite unbelievably) and Holmes within the first ten minutes doused what little of the Yugoslav's flame that remained in the evening drizzle. They only managed three shots at goal all evening, as Tommy Davidson led the defence to another clean sheet, and another Man of the Match award.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">20/11 Red Star Belgrade 0 Dundee 2 (Hegarty 7, Holmes 10) UEFA Cup 3rd Round 1st Leg</pre>
At least that let me relax on the long journey home, safe in the knowledge that December's home tie wouldn't give us much to worry about.

Motherwell didn't look like they were giving us much to worry about, either. An early goal from MacDonald, followed up by a 5th of the season for starlet Alexander, gave us a very comfortable half time lead. Granted, Brian Hunter's goal back with twenty minutes to go woke us up a bit, but we comfortably saw time out without more additional worry.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">23/11 Dundee 2 Motherwell 1 (MacDonald 3, Colin Alexander 45 - 5th of the season, Hunter (69)) 2nd</pre>
And, at last, that was enough to move up to 2nd. Could we defend the position with what, on paper, looked to be a straightforward trip to Arbroath? Well, it was certainly a good demonstration of how to attack a team. Unfortunately, it also looked like an excellent goalkeeping demonstration as well, until the recalled Martin Gallacher hit another excellent freekick not long into the second half. That changed Arbroath's game plan, and they looked to attack, but their brief rally was neutered with the sending off of Charles Pearson in the 67th minute. We hung on.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">26/11 Arbroath 0 Dundee 1 (Gallacher 51) 2nd</pre>
So, we currently have 2nd place, with a three point cushion and a game in hand. Once again, Celtic are out of sight though.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 18 games (except where shown)1. Celtic 46 +212. Dundee 35 +17 (from 17 games)3. Rangers 32 +74. Hearts 31 +75. Hibs 29 +16. M'well 25 -1</pre>

retired_eneko5613

8th January 2015

Dear Diary,

Our good cup form is causing fixture chaos. Accordingly, my new year update is a little late this year! We still managed to have a decent hogmany celebration, though. This is Scotland, after all!

One young player who didn't celebrate the season of goodwill with us was young Andy Donnelly, who sadly I had to take the decision to release before Advent had even started. I'm glad to say that he soon got himself a part time contract at Brechin, though, so providing he can do something else as well as kick a football, he should be able to enjoy Christmas.

Colin Alexander tried to single handedly finish November off in style, in a side which saw the Dundee debut of 26 year old Graham Smith in the holding role. Smith joined on loan from Middlesbrough with a view to a permanent move, and would be handy cover for Joe Webster, out with a Groin Strain until New Year. This time, though, Aberdeen had an answer, equalising with the last kick of the first half. The second period was pretty much a non-event, with an unfamiliar striking partnership of Grant and Walker not causing too much trouble to the home side's defence.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">29/11 Aberdeen 1 Dundee 1 (Colin Alexander 24, Renard (45)) 2nd</pre>
Still, the month had fone well - possibly our best November ever, in fact. The awards committee recognised our efforts, with the Manager of the Month for me, and the Young Player of the month for Colin Alexander. If the last award had gone anywhere else, it would have been a travesty.

Into December, then, and we did what was necessary to conclude our tie with Red Star Belgrade, repeating the result we obtained on the continent. Lee MacDonald's brace earned him the man of the match award, and marked his 5th goal of the season.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">4/12 Dundee 2 Red Star Belgrade 0 (MacDonald 13, 61 - 5th of the season) Agg: 4-0. UEFA Cup 3rd Round 2nd Leg</pre>
Celtic survived a home defeat against Dinamo of Zagreb to progress, whilst Hearts completed a relatively straightforward home and away double against Belshina of Belarus. Rangers, however, lost out to Dutch side Herenveen 2-1 on aggregate, not being able to find a second home goal to tie up the match. So, the chance of an interesting all Scottish draw? Not likely, 2008/09 winners Barcelona await us in February.

Once again, a Celtic vs Dundee match at Celtic Park is settled in controversial circumstances, with the Old Firm side winning and converting a penalty early in the second half in what was otherwise a very tight game. The Celtic defence kept a cold, wet looking McLean and Grant quiet after that to secure the win and, practically, the league, given the size of their lead now.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">7/12 Celtic 1 Dundee 0 (Boateg (51pen)) 3rd</pre>
That away defeat signalled an impressive run of home victories, though. Firstly the League Cup Quarter Final against Hearts, which was decided in the last fifteen minutes, after MacDonald hit another brace to cancel out what appeared to be a revenge winner from ex striker of minue Joren Nuyts. Three days later, we turned Hearts over again, this time in the league where they were one of our closest challengers. Graham Smith got on the score sheet for the first time, whilst there was a welcome return for McLean as well in the 4-1 romp. Dunfermline were dealt with a lot easier than the 1-0 scoreline suggested, and Livingston succumbed to an Andy Walker brace, something no-one has seen for quite a while!
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">10/12 Dundee 2 Hearts 1 (Nuyts (75), MacDonald 75, 81) League Cup Quarter Final13/12 Dundee 4 Hearts 1 (Smith 14, Rossetti 16og, Risp (31), McLean 56, Shearer 60) 2nd17/12 Dundee 1 Dunfermline 0 (MacDonald 8) 2nd20/12 Dundee 2 Livingston 0 (Walker 1, 32) 2nd</pre>
A series of results like that is definitely the way to celebrate Christmas, and I think I did that despite knowing that we had a long trip north on Boxing Day. I certainly didn't enjoy the early morning start and the coach trip up the A9! By the hour mark of the game, I'd recovered at least some sort of sensibility. At least I could focus as McGowan headed home Dickson's corner, and when the final whistle went I was up celebrating with the rest of the bench. Another victory over my former club who were inexplicably nowhere in the league after last season's success.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">26/12 ICT 0 Dundee 1 (McGowan 61) 2nd</pre>
Heavy rain in Dunfermline caused the postponement of our 2014 finale on the 30th, so we had to make the journey on the 7th instead - sober (at last), but severely trimming the length of our midwinter break. The postponement probably also cost me Manager of the Month, but at least Mark Dick won Player of the Month.

Peter Hegarty made a welcome return to the scoresheet, before leaving the field with an injury that would keep him out until February. His goal, which could have been one of many as we penned Dunfermline in their own half for most of the match and only allowed them one shot at goal, ensured another victory, a sixth in a row, and a fine start to the new year
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">7/1 Dunfermline 0 Dundee 1 (Hegarty 28) 2nd</pre>
Comparing the league table with my last entry, it looks like we've more or less trod water. We've certainly gone a long way towards securing Champions League football again next season though.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 24 games1. Celtic 61 +292. Dundee 51 +243. Hearts 43 +44. Hibs 40 +55. Rangers 35 +46. Arbroath 31 -3</pre>

retired_eneko5613

7th March 2015

Dear Diary,

Amazing! I really can't believe how well we're playing at the moment!

Returning after what was left of our winter break, we started slowly at Ibrox, falling behind in the first half. But Colin Alexander, Man of the Match again, was there once more with an equaliser, and Joe Shearer won the game for us with five minutes to go.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">17/1 Rangers 1 Dundee 2 (Gallardo (38), Colin Alexander 65, Shearer 85) 2nd</pre>
Following that, and after enjoying the luxury of another full week's rest, we faced Hibs at Dens Park. Edinburgh once again proved no match for us, with three goals coming without threat of reply. A knee injury to Mark Grant will kept him out for three weeks, though.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">24/1 Dundee 3 Hibs 0 (Easton 2, Wilson 48pen, Walker 69) 2nd</pre>
Mathematically, that result secures our place in the top six for the season.

The Scottish Cup had given us an all SPL tie in the third round. Unlucky. Well, not that unlucky, as we faced up to hapless Falkirk. Still, it wasn't a game to risk an under strength team in. Colin Alexander continued to amaze, getting us on the move after only a minute of play. Later, Walker would notch his 5th of the season - relishing the opportunity presented by injury and lack of form amongst the striking ranks. The biggest celebration amongst the disppointing 5330 crowd was reserved for the last goal of the game, scored by Kevin Gardiner - his first for the club and for 4 years - and only the second of his career!
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">31/1 Dundee 4 Falkirk 1 (Colin Alexander 1, Hegarty 11, Heed (14), Walker 55 - 5th of the season, Gardiner 60 - 1st for club) Scottish Cup 3rd Round</pre>
It's all enough to make sure the awards flow in again at the end of the month. The Manager of the Month for me, and the Player of the Month for Barry Easton.

Falkirk have a chance to get immediate revenge, and they probably need this victory more. However, so did we, and Colin Alexander waits a little bit longer before giving us the lead. Thomas Heed again kept his new side in the game with a vital goal, and it was left to reigning Player of the Month Easton to win it.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">4/2 Falkirk 1 Dundee 2 (Colin Alexander 7, Heed (40), Easton 66) 2nd</pre>
Ten wins in a row is a club record, and we celebrated by making the signing of Graham Smith permanent for £650k. The 27 year old is expensive, though, asking £4000 per week, making him one of our top 4 paid players.

The record was no sooner set than the sequence was brought to an end. Motherwell got their defence in order in front of their own fans, and the result is something of a bore draw.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">7/2 Motherwell 0 Dundee 0 2nd</pre>
An eleven day break means we can regroup, before a double lower league encounter. First up is the League Cup semifinal and Stirling Albion have just about shortest journey to McDiarmid Park. Still, we have something of a reputation for breezing through the rounds of this competition, and although we have to wait until the second half to start the scoring, it's another comfotable precession to the final.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">18/2 Stirling Albion 0 Dundee 2 (Pearson 55, MacDonald 76) League Cup Semi Final</pre>
Opponents in the final will be Celtic, and a chance therefore to gain revenge for the match three years ago, since which we are unbeaten in the competition!

Second Division Forfar Athletic are the local opposition in the 4th Round of the Scottish Cup, and we're off on the short journey north just three days after the Stirling game. Against a team with only one youngster thrown in, Forfar arguably put up a better fight - or so the scoreline would have you believe. In fact it was more due to our woeful finishing, as the victory should have been more conclusive. However, the main worry was the tenth minute injury to Tommy Davidson. He won't feature against until mid march.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">21/2 Forfar Athletic 0 Dundee 1 (Steve Mitchell 65) Scottish Cup 4th Round</pre>
It'll be more lower league opposition in the next round, as the draw gives us a home tie against Ayr United.

The return of European football couldn't have been any bigger. Barcelona at Dens Park. The whole city was buzzing for days before the game. Nobody, least of all me, expected us to get anything out of the tie against a side including such worldwide superstars as Javier Saviola, Ricardo Quaresma and Nano. Those three alone had 245 international caps between them! There was no point defending at home, and defending didn't look like the best option given the resources available. I was forced to throw Colin Clark into the centre of defence - what a huge game for such an experienced player! Fortunately, though, Mark Grant was back in action, so the strikeforce of Grant and McLean was at full strength.

We started well, and held out decently until Saviola split the defence and scored a great goal just before the half hour mark. That was it for the first half, and many must have thought it was the end of the tie as far as we were concerned. Surely the Spanish giants weren't about to let these Scottish upstarts back in? We regrouped at half time, made sure the lads knew to go out and enjoy the second half, fired them up a bit, and sure enough an early corner was headed in by McLean. Cometh the moment, cometh the man! Concerning, though, was the injury received by Mark Grant in a collision with Barcelona's Rochemback. In the end, it would only keep him out for about a week, but poor old Mark is really in the wars at the moment. It did look all over, though, when Alex Holmes was judged to have jumped unfairly against one of the Spaniards in our box. Saviola stepped up confidently to the penalty spot, and why shouldn't he? But Neil Alexander, two weeks short of his 37th birthday, saved the spot kick to keep his side in the tie when battle resumed in Spain.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">26/2 Dundee 1 Barcelona 1 (Saviola (28), McLean 48) UEFA Cup 4th Round 1st Leg</pre>
You might have expected a bit of an anticlimax in the league match that separated the two European ties. Which made me glad that Lee MacDonald made sure of the result with his 10th of the season. Colin Alexander picked up a nasty knee injury, though, which would make him unavailable for the Barcelona trip and for a couple of weeks afterwards.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1/3 Dundee 1 Aberdeen 0 (MacDonald 44 - 10th of the season) 2nd</pre>
Spain. The Nou Camp. 80200+ fans. Fireworks, flares, waved scarves. A sizeable complement of Blue shirted, kilt wearing, utterly mad Scotsmen. In other words, the perfect venue and the perfect atmosphere. It would have been hard for anyone not to be overawed by the occasion, and that looked to be happening as we conceded a goal in the first couple of minutes, and a second with only 20 minutes on the clock. By rights, there was no way back.

Once again, the half time teamtalk was all about enjoying the occasion. Once again it appeared to work, and once again McLean was our man. It was almost an action replay, a header from an early corner. Twenty minutes later, McLean was free in the area again, and McGowan found him with a cross at perfect volleying height. The striker made no mistake, reaching 15 for the season and more importantly, giving us the lead in the fixture for the first time, albeit on away goals. Neil Alexander's performance was again worthy of a medal, as he flung himself around on more than one occasion, ensuring that when the final whistle went, it was Dundee United who were victorious, and the giants of Barcelona who had been slain.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5/3 Barcelona 2 Dundee 2 (Rúa (2), Arteta (20), McLean 47, 66 - 15th of the season) Agg: 3-3, Dundee win on away goals. UEFA Cup 4th Round 2nd Leg</pre>
Also in Spain were Celtic, but they wouldn't be celebrating with us on the way home. Failing to score in either leg, they crashed out 3-0 on aggregate to Deportivo. Hearts had more success. After getting a 1-0 win in France, they got the necessary 0-0 draw at Tynecastle.

And as if we needed any more reason to celebrate, we reached a new club record with our 16 game unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, other sides were playing league games...
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 30 games (except where shown)1. Celtic 73 +342. Dundee 64 +30 (from 29 games)3. Hearts 54 +7 (from 29 games)4. Hibs 43 05. ICT 42 +146. Rangers 42 +5 (from 29 games)</pre>

retired_eneko5613

20th April 2015

Dear Diary,

Managerial life in this, my last season, continues to be "interesting". There are good times, lots of them, but there are bad times as well. Some of those bad times are pretty damn irritating, especially when they don't come from any fault of your own or your players. But more of that in due time, let's pick up where we left off.

With no league match scheduled for the weekend, a strange decision given our game in hand, we could only sit and wait for the UEFA Cup draw. The first fax through the machine, however, was the international callups for the Euro Qualifier and U21 game in Germany. Mark Wilson once more made it into the full squad, with Dickson, Clark, Easton and Shearer making the younger squad.

The UEFA Cup Quarter Final draw eventually arrived, and it was another shocker. Sure, there are only big sides left at this stage, but to draw Leeds United, Champions League Quarter Finalists for the last two seasons, was possibly one of the two or three outcomes to avoid. Still, we had no choice but to grit our teeth and head south.

This was one game I was prepared to defend out. Leeds were heading for another top 4 Premiership finish, with 50 times capped captain Jim Dolby leading the line, and goals coming from 34 year old Alan Smith. But they had done it mainly on the strength of their defence. So it was probably no surprise that this game ended 0-0, with the side sharing just three shots on target. Mark Grant again pulled up during the game, and although it seemed like a run of the mill strain, a scan revealed a torn groin muscle and Grant will miss the rest of the season.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">12/3 Leeds United 0 Dundee 0 UEFA Cup 5th Quarter Final 1st Leg</pre>
With so many important games coming up, and despite having four other capable strikers in McLean, Mitchell, Walker and MacDonald, I made the decision that I needed extra cover. So in came Oldham's Martin Anderson on loan until the end of the season. The 19 year old scored three for the U21 side last year, and undoubtably has ability.

Anderson got his first chance, alongside Andy Walker, in the medium-strength side fielded against Ayr United. On paper, it looked a straightforward progression to the semi-final, but for most of the first half it was anything but. Ayr held out well, until the very last minute of the half, when the referee decided that their keeper had brought down new boy Anderson. It looked suspicious, even to me, and with Wilson rested for the Uefa Cup, Andy Walker stepped up and slammed the penalty home. The second half was a different matter, with Walker doubling the lead early on, Anderson making his mark now he had managed to stay on his feet, and Alex Holmes knocking in an all too rare fourth.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">15/3 Dundee 4 Ayr United 0 (Walker 45pen, 49, Anderson 61, Holmes 75) Scottish Cup 5th Round</pre>
We'll have to beat Rangers in the Semi Final if we want to get to our first Scottish Cup Final in three seasons.

A training injury to ICT's Darren Knox meant a late call up to the U21 squad for ex ICT, now Dundee's Gary King. Only as third choice, but good experience regardless.

No Alan Smith in the Leeds squad which travelled up to Dens Park for the second leg, and it showed as their interplay up front lacked any sort of smoothness. We had a cautions approach to the game early on, but quickly found ourselves with more space and time on the ball than we expected. So we pushed forwards, and five minutes before half time Martin Gallacher picked up a loose ball in the box and hammered home the only goal of the game.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/3 Dundee 1 Leeds United 0 (Gallacher 40) Agg: 1-0. UEFA Cup Quarter Final 2nd Leg</pre>
Hearts win convincingly, 4-1 on aggregate, over Benfica to keep the Scottish interest high, but the Semi Final draw keeps us apart. It's German opposition for us in 1.FC Köln.

Speaking of Germany, there was the opportunity to watch the Under 21s and the Senior side against them in Glasgow, as the domestic programme took a break for a week. Dickson, Shearer and Clark all get game time as the Under 21s ease to a 3-1 victory. The senior side, in the match that matters, fair worse, losing 3-0. Mark Wilson makes the bench, but manager Kevin McAllister never looks like making a defensive substitutions.

Returning to the league, we moved from the sublime (9 days off) to the ridiculous (2 games in 3 days). First up is a trip to Hearts, where Andy Walker continued our winning streak with the only goal of another fairly dour game. We didn't look strong, but we have developed that knack of getting wins when under pressure.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">28/3 Hearts 0 Dundee 1 (Walker 41) 2nd</pre>
Then it was all change where possible, to give us the best possible chance in the biggie against Celtic. If we won this match, it would really close up the gap at the top. And this is where the biggest irritation came. It seems that every game we play against the Green and White half of Glasgow's Old Firm, there is a dodgy decision somewhere that generally speaking costs us the game. This time, again, it was a penalty midway through the second half. McLean had given us the lead, which had been pulled back in the second, but there is a massive difference in a match like this between a point each and a 3-0 split of the spoils. It's one of the few things that makes me glad to be ending my involvement with football management.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">30/3 Dundee 1 Celtic 2 (McLean 17, Pinho (53), Boateg (73pen)) 2nd</pre>
Now I've got that rant off my chest, It's worth mentioning that the defeat to Celtic brought our unbeaten run to an end, at 20 games. Quite impressive.

It was time to forget those domestic annoyances for a while, and take ourselves off to Germany, where we looked tired and presented little going forward. The defensive line held strong, though, and despite conceding with five minutes to go, we were not disgraced. Nor were we out of the competition yet.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">2/4 1.FC Köln 1 Dundee 0 (Ott (84)) UEFA Cup Semi Final 1st Leg</pre>
Straight back to winning ways in the league as well, with a comfortable win over next to bottom Dunfermline, who were still threatened with relegation if Falkirk could string a couple of results together. The goals included a rare headed effort from Peter Hegarty early in the game.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5/4 Dundee 3 Dunfermline 1 (Hegarty 8, Walker 55, Anderson 72, Rudden (81)) 2nd</pre>
Thus the scheduled programme of pre-split league games came to an end. However, we still had one to play, and it wasn't due to be played for a fortnight. Some clubs were going to have a long wait before they could play their final five fixtures!

One of the stranger managerial moves of the season saw defending champions Caley Thistle, currently struggling to make the top six, poach current Sandy Clark from league leaders Celtic. Quite how Sandy decided on that move I don't know. Celtic eventually replaced him with Brian Flynn from Tottenham, but not before they'd faced us managerless in the League Cup Final.

It was a MacDonald who opened the scoring in our fourth consecutive League Cup final, but unfortunately not ours. Rather, it was Paul MacDonald, who's signature we lost the race for last summer, mainly due to Celtic's ability to pay £12,000+ per week in wages. McLean equalised with a bullet header half way through the first half, and after that the game settled down. It was just a matter of waiting for the referee to decide that it was time Celtic got the winner. But it never came. Not in normal time, anyway, and when extra time came we seemed to be the stronger. Dick, Anderson and Easton combined to give us the advantage, and then McLean gave us an insurmountable lead four minutes later. That was McLean's 18th of the season, his best performance for the club. Yet again we get to take the League Cup back to Dens Park with us.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">8/4 Celtic 1 Dundee 3 (MacDonald (8), McLean 25, Easton 99, McLean 103) League Cup Final</pre>
There was another international selection held, which this time only had a small Dundee representation. No-one in the senior squad, and only Dickson, Easton and Shearer with the Under 21s. Still, it's only a friendly against Greece

Buoyed by the League Cup win, we're straight into another tense situation - the Scottish Cup semi against Rangers. The Almondvale Stadium, Livingston is the FA's strange choice of venue, limiting the capacity somewhat. We fielded another somewhat mix and match side, with one eye on Thursdays UEFA Cup match, and it certainly wasn't the prettiest of affairs! Tiredness was really starting to bite for some of our lads, and our lateness in the challenge contributed to the five yellow cards we picked up. Rangers opened the scoring in the second half, but a rebound picked up by Hegarty equalised and marked five goals in the season for the left winger. So we'll all be back here in three days time, just two days before facing the Germans again
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">11/4 Dundee 1 Rangers 1 (Hermans (56), Hegarty 69 - 5th of the season) Scottish Cup Semi Final</pre>
Not surprisingly, there were changes for the replay. Wilson had to move to right back, not his natural position, but the one in which he originally played for me. Starts for Ogunmade and John Rae wouldn't have instilled confidence in the supporters. Both sides were tired on this occasion, though, and we probably slightly the stronger. The game was decided by a single goal, which was special for one play at least. Colin Clark's first career goal, and the Man of the Match award as well.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">14/4 Rangers 0 Dundee 1 (Clark 45 - 1st for club) Scottish Cup Semi Final Replay</pre>
Arbroath await in the final, after a replay against Motherwell. It'll be their first ever Scottish Cup final appearance.

Having done the best we could to protect our European squad, we head out to try to overcome the deficit from the away leg. Köln had their own troubles to deal with, losing midfielder Mike Röber to a back injury in only the third minute, but their heavily English influenced side - including such well know internationals as Jermaine Defoe, Luke Chadwick and Paul Reid, still held a threat. MacDonald and Easton may have been the players who scored the goals, but the real hero was Neil Alexander, saving bravely twice in the last couple of minutes, as the Germans came looking for the vital away goal.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">16/4 Dundee 2 1.FC Köln 0 (MacDonald 39, Easton 76 - 5th of the season) Agg: 2-1. UEFA Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg</pre>
With the cups out of the way, it was about time we stopped keeping everyone else waiting, and finished off the first part of our league programme. Arbroath were at Dens Park, in a game billed as a warm up for the cup final. We were more interested in closing to within seven points of the leaders, and simultaneously giving ourselves a thirteen point cushion back to third place. It looked like we'd managed it, with Andy Walker's 10th goal of the season just after the hour mark - his best performance for three years, but it was yet another old name who came back to bite me in the last few minutes - Simon Lynch, signed by me for Southampton, tapping home after a headed down corner.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19/4 Dundee 1 Arbroath 1 (Walker 61 - 10th of the season, Lynch (84)) 2nd</pre>
With just the final five Champions Group games to play, realistically you wouldn't expect the top three positions to alter.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 33 games1. Celtic 80 +362. Dundee 71 +323. Hearts 60 +84. Rangers 48 +55. Hibs 47 06. ICT 45 +14</pre>

retired_eneko5613

26th April 2015

Dear Diary,

Usual pattern to the Champions Group fixtures: Hearts (A), Hibs (A), ICT (H), Rangers (H), Celtic (H). However, unless Celtic drop 6 points more than us early on, it's going to be quite pointless. If they do, well - a potential Championship decider at Dens Park? Big news this year, though, is that the games will be played two a week due to the delay in getting to this point.

The Under 21 team win 3-0 against Greece, with Shearer scoring and winning the man of the match, Dickson captain and Easton also playing. Mark Wilson was a late call up to the senior squad, but was the only unused outfield sub as they also won 3-0.

The last visit of the season to Tynecastle looked to be going well when Anderson broke clear from Hegarty's pin point pass early in the game, but it turned sour when Hearts' captain Dean Morgan snuck free of a snoozing Dundee defence to equalise with three minutes to go.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">25/4 Hearts 1 Dundee 1 (Anderson 8, Morgan (87)) 2nd</pre>
The other two games resulted in 0-0 draws, so it's as you were.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL. After 34 games1. Celtic 81 +362. Dundee 72 +323. Hearts 61 +84. Rangers 49 +55. Hibs 48 06. ICT 46 +14</pre>

retired_eneko5613

30th April 2015

Dear Diary,

Back to Edinburgh again, to Easter Road this time. With both sides struggling against tiredness, the first half was virtually a write off. It took a set piece, immediately after the restart, to open the scoring for Hibs. At least that seemed to spur us on, and a good period of play led to the equaliser coming from John Rae, another first career goal. He probably won't score many better than that, a fine curling shot from the edge of the area. Defensive concentration again lapsed towards the end, and out of favour Michael Lloyd rose highest to head the winner for the home side in the last minute.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">29/4 Hibs 2 Dundee 1 (Delaney (46), John Rae 74 - first for the club, Lloyd (90)) 2nd</pre>
A 1-0 win for Rangers against Hearts confirmed our Champions League place, whilst a cracking 4-2 for Sandy Clark's Caley Thistle over his former side Celtic kept the Championship race open, mathematically at least.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL After 35 games1. Celtic 81 +342. Dundee 72 +313. Hearts 61 +74. Rangers 52 +65. Hibs 51 +16. ICT 49 +16</pre>

retired_eneko5613

2nd May 2015

Dear Diary,

A win, at last, but it's too late. Martin Gallacher, on as a second half substitute scored his 5th of the season, and the only goal of the game, with a freekick reminiscent of those he was scoring in his first season at the club. The freekick came about when Nathan Evans was sent off for a two footed challenge on Alex Holmes, and with only ten men there was no way back for Caley.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">2/5 Dundee 1 ICT 0 (Gallacher 66 - 5th of season) 2nd</pre>
A single goal from José MarÃ*a Aria was enough to clinch the title for Celtic, with a 1-0 win over Hearts, rendering the last two games of the season pointless. Hibs beat Rangers 2-0 to temporarily at least take 4th place. Whilst there was to be no League title for us, we were on the verge of winning something - for being the dirtiest side on record. Mark Dick's yellow card took us to 54 for the season, and along with 4 reds this was one of those records we didn't really want.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">SPL After 36 games1. Celtic 84 +352. Dundee 75 +323. Hearts 61 +64. Hibs 54 +35. Rangers 52 +46. ICT 49 +15</pre>