When a manager faces the level of criticism Steven Pressley has endured in recent months, any success deserves significant recognition. His summer appointment at Dundee was met with media scepticism, fan anger, and outright ridicule in some quarters.
A Rocky Start and Unseen Foundations
Pressley's subsequent struggle for positive results did little to calm the doubts about his personality, tactics, and time out of the game. It appeared he was fighting a losing battle from the outset. However, what many observers missed was the crucial fact that, despite external noise, Pressley retained the full support of his dressing room.
This unity allowed Dundee to hang on, keeping their heads above water in the Scottish Premiership. With morale bolstered by struggles elsewhere, notably at Livingston and Kilmarnock, the team built a platform. They were ready to pounce when the festive fixture list presented a golden opportunity.
The Festive Game-Changer
The period straddling Hogmanay proved transformative for Pressley and his club. Having managed just three wins in the first five months of the season, Dundee remarkably matched that tally in just seven days.
It began with a 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Dens Park on December 27, followed by another win against Kilmarnock last midweek. The statement victory, however, the one that proved the revival was no fluke, came at Tannadice Park yesterday. Ashley Hay’s strike just before half-time secured a deserved 1-0 win over city rivals Dundee United.
This derby triumph has utterly transformed the mood surrounding the manager, his players, and the club's supporters. The league table now tells a very different story: Dundee are 13 points clear of bottom side Livingston and nine above second-bottom Kilmarnock.
Building Blocks and Bright Futures
While challenges remain—with upcoming fixtures against Hearts and Rangers—this is a moment for Pressley to take pride. He is delivering on his promise to build a team focused on development. The emerging structure, which initially couldn't translate into wins, is now allowing individuals to flourish.
Defenders Billy Koumetio and Luke Graham are maturing rapidly, with Graham even attracting interest from Aberdeen. On the wing, Tony Yogane is flourishing, while midfielder Yan Dhanda is finally finding his form. Hay's derby winner sealed a third consecutive Premiership victory for the first time since 2014.
The result prompted several of Pressley's most vocal critics to offer apologies on social media. As delirious away fans celebrated at Tannadice, the manager remained characteristically dignified, almost expressionless as he took in the scene. After a turbulent few months, things are finally looking up for Steven Pressley and Dundee.
