Toughest of tests awaits free-scoring Dundee

To say last season was a rollercoaster for Dundee is an understatement. The number of ups and downs would put fairground rides to shame.

However, it was ultimately a relatively successful campaign as Steven Pressley’s rebuilt squad finished a creditable eighth, delivering a good brand of football along the way.

The challenge this time round is to build on, and better, what they achieved last term.

Once again he is having to preside over a significant squad turnaround with a host of key players, like Luke Graham, Tony Yogane, Cameron Congreve and Jon McCracken having departed.

But having proved he has an eye for a player over the past 12 months, the Dark Blues faithful will be hoping Pressley can show that quality again by assembling a group capable of challenging for a top-six place.

One thing that is very different for the head coach this time round is he has the fans on his side, something that wasn’t the case following his surprise appointment last summer.

Whether that continues will of course be determined by results. Dundee certainly appear to have discovered their scoring touch early on having rattled in 14 goals in their four League Cup group games – more than any other team.

And they will be hoping that is a sign of things to come. They will need to be clinical in front of goal, and tight at the back, when they open their league campaign with the toughest of tests – away to champions Celtic on Monday night.