Paul Hartley Ready For ‘Squeeze’ Next Season

[JoeCovenant]

Making the Premiership top six will be “a squeeze†next season, according to Dundee boss Paul Hartley.

The Dark Blues boss was deeply disappointed his side missed out on a place in the top half on the final day this campaign.

But he is under no illusions about what lies ahead, should they escape the distant threat of the relegation play-off this season.

The gaffer knows getting into the top six will be a much harder task, especially with the promotion of Old Firm giants Rangers, as well as the possibility of former club Hibs also coming up from the Championship.

However, he doesn’t think that’s such a bad thing.

“It will be another squeeze again next year,†said the Dee gaffer.

“Hopefully, we can go one better than this year and make it.

“Our aim is to make it, as it was this year, and to keep improving year on year.

“The league will be stronger next year. We know that.

“For the division it’s good to have your best teams in it.

“The crowds are better, it’s important we have a strong league.

“The league is strong this year and it will be even stronger next.â€

Although many are writing Dundee’s quarter-final conquerors Rangers off in this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic, Paul knows whatever the competition, the Light Blues supporters will not accept second best.

“They have a good squad,†he said.

“They will want to push Celtic. I’m sure they’ll add players, and they’ve got the fanbase. The size of the club they will not want to be sitting in the middle of the table.â€

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