Paul Hartley Eyes Four Dundee Summer Signings On Pre-Contract Deals

[JoeCovenant]

Dundee are done for business in the January window after the capture of Spanish striker Arturo, according to Paul Hartley. But that does not mean the hard work is over for the gaffer.

Despite the winter window still having more than a week to run, Paul, whose side were beaten 1-0 by Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Friday evening, admits the club are already looking to the summer.

The Dark Blues manager revealed the club are locked in negotiations with four end-of-season transfer targets, with the hope of getting them tied down on pre-contracts, much like they did with Scott Bain, Rory Loy and Greg Stewart.

“We are trying to get players tied down,†he said. “If we can get our business done early with pre-contracts we will be happy. This is something we are working on already. We are trying to get the three or four in who we want. The earlier they are tied down the better.â€

Dundee’s new Spanish striker Arturo Juan Rodríguez Perez-Reverte in training.

He continued: “We don’t expect many changes in the summer. We want three or four in and that’s it. There has been a massive turnaround in players over the last two years and we would like to get away from that.â€

As for this window, the departure of Kevin Thomson has not changed Paul’s thinking.

He says it’s unlikely there will be any more new faces coming into the club.

“With the signing of Arturo that’s us done I think,†said Paul. “I really wouldn’t expect anyone else to come in. I don’t like the window in the first place. It doesn’t suit us. It’s a difficult window to bring players in and hang on to them.â€

And hang on to their players Dundee will, according to Paul. There may be interest from England as well as Championship leaders Rangers in Greg Stewart and it’s likely Kane Hemmings form will not have gone unnoticed but Paul says the duo are going nowhere.

“We want to hang on to all of our players at this club,†he said. “Things can happen, obviously. I don’t have any fears just now because we are under absolutely no pressure to sell, that’s for sure.â€

Another issue Paul will have to deal with, as well as adding new faces, is in negotiating new contracts for current key members of the squad, including Gary Harkins, Paul McGowan and Paul McGinn.

“Most of our players are tied down for another year or two. That’s healthy,†said Paul. “We’re going to look at the situation in the coming weeks. If you are out of contract you are within your rights to talk to other clubs. We know that, we understand it. But we want to hang on to our better players.â€

Meanwhile, reflecting on the game itself, despite defeat Paul was happy with how his players performed against the Dons.

He said: “Overall the players’ attitude was brilliant. You have to remember we were playing against a very good side. I was pleased with how we played. Aberdeen knew they were in a game. Our form over the last four or five weeks has been pleasing.â€

Kevin Holt, who took a hefty blow to the face from Shay Logan, should be OK for tonight’s clash with Falkirk, despite him being removed on Friday night.

“He should be OK for tonight. He got a little cut on his ear. I don’t think there was any malice in the challenge.â€

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Edited 26 January 2016 by JoeCovenant

[gedee]

There seems to be a sense of confidence and steadiness about the above article.

By that, I don't mean PH is totally complacement with the progress to date, but I

do kinda feel that DFC are going the right way. (Others of course, may not agree)

When I look at the problems and disagreements, between chairmen/ managers/

players/fans, in some other Clubs, I think, although we are far from perfect, we're

generally in a healthy position..and at least not going through the whole week, in

continuous panic mode.Things of course can change very quickly in football, but

that is how i see it at present.  Still think communication between Club and fans,

could be improved. But the point I'm trying to make here is, PH appears to have

the backing of the Club in most things apertaining to football & the good of DFC.

Slow & steady will do me If we can pick up two wins this week, well.......