Nick Ross Sign's 2 Year Deal With The Dee.

[Ludo*1]

CC33, on 24 Jun 2015 - 5:07 PM, said:CC33, on 24 Jun 2015 - 5:07 PM, said:

Cant figuire out our stragety/ formation for next season - we`re a bit crammed in the middle are we no.

You rate him as a player ludo ?

Not seen him a great deal - but on the times I have done, I do rate him and ICT fans in general are disappointed he never found a way into their team as they seem to recognise him as a talent.

He adds creativity, that is one thing that is for sure, and other than Harkins we were badly missing that last season so I see his signing as a positive.

Let's face it though, Hartley's made a lot of signings this summer and the squad will be competitive, one or two will not be up to scratch, but that's just the process of bringing people in - it's a risk no matter how well you think you know a player. Any one of our signings could be our next fans favourite boo boy, or our next cult hero.

For what it's worth, Caley fans said he played wide right for them and done a good job there, but was not a conventional winger and liked to cut in and pass it.

[CC33]

I see what people are saying about lack of width and I'd like to see a winger sign however with the type of forward we have I don't think Hartley sees this as a priority.

Obviously he'll be thinking that our full backs will provide width.

I think meggatt and mcpake will start at centre half initially.

We diny really have a great deal of options for pace out wide.

I think given his signings Wattie - its really aw through the middle is the priority - reason i say that is cos i dont see actual wingers being signed

[Ivan Drago]

Just hope this signing doesn't end up giving us nightmares :-)

[petercaproni]

Personally speaking a fit GGH has imo got to start--I understand why he can sometimes be frustrating for some people but we have a player here that can turn a game in flash with his vision and skill and from whom many of our goals and near goals came last season--many players appear to work harder than GGH but as Bob Shankly used to say "working hard isn't running about and sweating, it's about doing the things that hurt the opposition--anyone can run about and sweat  but can they play?"--GGH CAN play--we need imo to build the side around him because he can definitely hurt the opposition. Needs to play imo. Paul Hartley is building a decent squad and there will be plenty of competition for places so exciting times ahead I think.  

[Ludo*1]

Maybe some of the Caley fans comments on him from their own forum will wet some more appetites.

This was back in April when he was linked with the likes of Ross County, they said:

'The guy is so reliable, whether starting, or off-the-bench and is a great example of how local boys can make it in the top league of Scottish football. He's only 23, yet has made around 170 appearances for his home club. Terrific ambassador, he'd certainly be our loss and some other club's gain.'

'Nick Ross has never let us down. For those who think he's still too lightweight, note how he bullied Broon on Sunday on at least 2 occasions. I like him, but I just don't know what position he plays best in. I suspect he fits better into a 4-4-2 than a 4-2-3-1 formation, so perhaps there's something for him if we use that more regularly. Really hoe he stays and would not be happy if he went OTB'

'I would hope there is a future for Nick at ICT.  I have been one who has been a bit critical of him in the past but I think there has been a very significant improvement in his play in the last year.  He has always been a player who has a great touch and rarely gives the ball away but in the past he has been rather weak in the challenge.  That is the element to his game that has changed and he is now much more effective in putting pressure on opponents with the ball and nicking the ball off them.  As a result, I think he is featuring more and more in Yogi's plans.

We have depth in midfield players and whilst he may not be a first choice at the moment, he is improving all the time.  He was the one sub used on Sunday and played very well.  He certainly gave Scott Brown a run for his money.  There is no reason why he shouldn't be able to feature more regularly in the first team next season and he would need to consider where he might fit in with other teams. '

'... his touch and vision to see a pass is his greatest assets.  Not the most physical of players but brings so much to the team in other areas. Fully deserves a new contract and a regular starting place in his best position which I believe is just off the front man.'

Now for some comments on their forum just after it was revealed he'd signed for us:

'I don't think we have had any other player who is so neat and tidy in possession. He rarely seems to give the ball away and that was a real asset to a team playing our kind of possession football.  Our loss is Dundee's gain, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are up challenging for Europe next season with all the signings they've made.'

'Really sad to see Nick Ross go - I hope we don't regret it! I thought he looked the real deal this year when he came on - worked hard tracking back and was no longer bullied off the ball (semi final against Broon springs to mind).'

'With Watkins away and Ofere too, I thought we'd have pulled out the stops to secure Nick.'

'Real shame to see Nick Ross go. His misfortune is that we've been blessed with some excellent players in his best positions in the past 3 years, but I'd still like us to have kept hold of him, especially with Marley gone.  '

'Very disappointing to hear that [He's joined Dundee]. Wish him success as long as it isn't at ICT's expense.'

'I think Nick will do very well and probably demonstrate that we ought to have yielded to his ambition for more first team starts.'

The odd bit of bitterness even creeping in, with posts such as:

'Imo i feel Nick has been foolish. Yes he hasnt been starting much these past two seasons, but we have lost some of those players who pushed him out and were looking to him to fill that void. This was his real chance to shine now with us, but he has naffed off to a mediocre club where he will have to start from the beginning and prove himself against a bigger squad.'

' think Dundee have got themselves an excellent bit of business with Nick Ross, few players can pick a pass and are as neat on the ball as him so i feel he will be a real asset for them. Sad to lose a local player but wish him well in the new challenge'

'After being on such a high with the Europa draw this has put me on a complete downer.  

He said it himself in his interview, he wanted to come in as a first team regular so obviously couldn't be promised this by Yogi for whatever reason.  Massive signing for Dundee and could see him doing well there but it's just a sideway step.  I can't believe that there was no way of convincing him to at least sign another year with the club to let him achieve first team football, get a taste of European football and then move on to a bigger opportunity. 

Seems like a real lack of ambition from both parties. 

Gutted. '

'Great signing for the Dees. Hartley is making some shrewd signings. I fully expect them to finish in the top six next season.'

Out of all the comments on the Caley forum spread across a few different threads, the absolutely only negative comment I could find was:

'Bad move in my opinion unless he has been guaranteed more game time. Even then, don't honestly think he is as big a loss as some make out. Really need to strengthen squad now for the coming season although probably too late for Europe.'

And that was truly, the worst comment I could find.

Hopefully that's maybe cheered a few up?

[Attilio]

Excellent work Ludo.  Sounds like a decent addition to our squad.

[Claverdee]

Maybe some of the Caley fans comments on him from their own forum will wet some more appetites.

This was back in April when he was linked with the likes of Ross County, they said:

'The guy is so reliable, whether starting, or off-the-bench and is a great example of how local boys can make it in the top league of Scottish football. He's only 23, yet has made around 170 appearances for his home club. Terrific ambassador, he'd certainly be our loss and some other club's gain.'

'Nick Ross has never let us down. For those who think he's still too lightweight, note how he bullied Broon on Sunday on at least 2 occasions. I like him, but I just don't know what position he plays best in. I suspect he fits better into a 4-4-2 than a 4-2-3-1 formation, so perhaps there's something for him if we use that more regularly. Really hoe he stays and would not be happy if he went OTB'

'I would hope there is a future for Nick at ICT.  I have been one who has been a bit critical of him in the past but I think there has been a very significant improvement in his play in the last year.  He has always been a player who has a great touch and rarely gives the ball away but in the past he has been rather weak in the challenge.  That is the element to his game that has changed and he is now much more effective in putting pressure on opponents with the ball and nicking the ball off them.  As a result, I think he is featuring more and more in Yogi's plans.

We have depth in midfield players and whilst he may not be a first choice at the moment, he is improving all the time.  He was the one sub used on Sunday and played very well.  He certainly gave Scott Brown a run for his money.  There is no reason why he shouldn't be able to feature more regularly in the first team next season and he would need to consider where he might fit in with other teams. '

'... his touch and vision to see a pass is his greatest assets.  Not the most physical of players but brings so much to the team in other areas. Fully deserves a new contract and a regular starting place in his best position which I believe is just off the front man.'

Now for some comments on their forum just after it was revealed he'd signed for us:

'I don't think we have had any other player who is so neat and tidy in possession. He rarely seems to give the ball away and that was a real asset to a team playing our kind of possession football.  Our loss is Dundee's gain, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are up challenging for Europe next season with all the signings they've made.'

'Really sad to see Nick Ross go - I hope we don't regret it! I thought he looked the real deal this year when he came on - worked hard tracking back and was no longer bullied off the ball (semi final against Broon springs to mind).'

'With Watkins away and Ofere too, I thought we'd have pulled out the stops to secure Nick.'

'Real shame to see Nick Ross go. His misfortune is that we've been blessed with some excellent players in his best positions in the past 3 years, but I'd still like us to have kept hold of him, especially with Marley gone.  '

'Very disappointing to hear that [He's joined Dundee]. Wish him success as long as it isn't at ICT's expense.'

'I think Nick will do very well and probably demonstrate that we ought to have yielded to his ambition for more first team starts.'

The odd bit of bitterness even creeping in, with posts such as:

'Imo i feel Nick has been foolish. Yes he hasnt been starting much these past two seasons, but we have lost some of those players who pushed him out and were looking to him to fill that void. This was his real chance to shine now with us, but he has naffed off to a mediocre club where he will have to start from the beginning and prove himself against a bigger squad.'

' think Dundee have got themselves an excellent bit of business with Nick Ross, few players can pick a pass and are as neat on the ball as him so i feel he will be a real asset for them. Sad to lose a local player but wish him well in the new challenge'

'After being on such a high with the Europa draw this has put me on a complete downer.  

He said it himself in his interview, he wanted to come in as a first team regular so obviously couldn't be promised this by Yogi for whatever reason.  Massive signing for Dundee and could see him doing well there but it's just a sideway step.  I can't believe that there was no way of convincing him to at least sign another year with the club to let him achieve first team football, get a taste of European football and then move on to a bigger opportunity. 

Seems like a real lack of ambition from both parties. 

Gutted. '

'Great signing for the Dees. Hartley is making some shrewd signings. I fully expect them to finish in the top six next season.'

Out of all the comments on the Caley forum spread across a few different threads, the absolutely only negative comment I could find was:

'Bad move in my opinion unless he has been guaranteed more game time. Even then, don't honestly think he is as big a loss as some make out. Really need to strengthen squad now for the coming season although probably too late for Europe.'

And that was truly, the worst comment I could find.

Hopefully that's maybe cheered a few up?

Cheered a few up ? With half of these c****,Are you hoping for miracles mate ?

I think Ross will prove to be an excellent signing for us,and I think we will have a formidable team next season. Well Done Dundee FC and Hartley

[Claverdee]

Just hope this signing doesn't end up giving us nightmares :-)

Dr Doom is alive and well,Magic !!

[deefly78]

Just hope this signing doesn't end up giving us nightmares :-)

😀 I see what you did here........

[SuperDee]

Very good signing today for us pleased with this 

[Cobra]

Personally speaking a fit GGH has imo got to start--I understand why he can sometimes be frustrating for some people but we have a player here that can turn a game in flash with his vision and skill and from whom many of our goals and near goals came last season--many players appear to work harder than GGH but as Bob Shankly used to say "working hard isn't running about and sweating, it's about doing the things that hurt the opposition--anyone can run about and sweat  but can they play?"--GGH CAN play--we need imo to build the side around him because he can definitely hurt the opposition. Needs to play imo. Paul Hartley is building a decent squad and there will be plenty of competition for places so exciting times ahead I think.  

Agree with this. Two moments of inspiration in the space of four minutes from Harkins against top of the league Hamilton gave us our first home win of the season. I don't think we could have unlocked Hamilton's defence without him that day.

 

I would love to see a trim Harkins on the park to face his old team on the opening day but the evidence since the red card at New Douglas Park points to Hartley seeing him as a rotation option to fill gaps rather than a key player.

 

Harkins started the 16 league games up to the sending off that infuriated Hartley and he started only 5 of 22 after that. I know he was injured for some of that, but he's been in and out the team ever since the red card. Hopefully pre-season will see a fresh start and a fit Harkins can get a run of games again.

[Dens Park Dynamo]

Another central mid

I just hate it that Dundee want a player Inverness dont - its hard for me to accept that esp a club the size o Inverness.

TBH it worrys me when we sign a player from another SPL club and i havent even heard off or my fitbaw knowledge is dwindling as getting older

Ur worried about signing players from other SPL clubs?

U wanting players from la liga or serie a?