Dundee fans must see big picture, says Paul Hartley

[News Bot]

Dundee’s League Cup hopes are hanging by a thread but boss Paul Hartley has urged fans to see the bigger picture.

The Dark Blues crashed to a shock 2-1 loss at Peterhead last night, which all but ends their chances of making the last 16.

Sitting on just four points after three games, Dundee could, mathematically, still be able to qualify with a win over Forfar at Dens Park at the weekend.

But with two teams already sitting equal or above their maximum tally of seven, and a host of others on six and five, it would take a remarkable turnaround in results to see the Dark Blues sneak through to the knockout stages through the backdoor, as one of the four best second-placed clubs.

Despite the disappointment of almost being out of one of the cups, which Paul had earmarked for success this campaign, before the end of July, the gaffer is urging punters to stay calm.

“It is disappointing there is no doubt about that,” he said.

“But one thing we also have to do is make sure we look at the bigger picture.

“All we can do now is go and win the next game.”

Paul has often talked of striking a balance in the competition this summer, especially with it starting so early.

So when he speaks of the bigger picture he is referring to the minutes gained by players at such an early stage. That will be little comfort to fans, though. And he accepts that.

He also accepts that his side, despite dominating possession, just did not do enough to win the game at Peterhead.

He said: “I think the first half we were OK. We were in control of the game.

“The problem we had was that we didn’t take the chances that fell our way.

“And then, in their first attack, they scored. I am disappointed we couldn’t break them down after that. When you come away to Peterhead you know it is going to be difficult.

“The key thing was to try and move the ball quickly and take our chances when they came. We had to be better in the final third.

“We were OK at half-time, we were totally in control of the game. If people were at the game they know that.

“We had enough of the ball but no cutting edge.

“The onus was on us to break them down and we couldn’t.”

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