Dundee signing Tom Hateley aims to be 'driving force'
Tom Hateley believes he can make an impact all over the pitch for new club Dundee.
The 26-year-old has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons playing in Poland's top tier for Slask Wroclaw, but this week returned to Scotland to join Paul Hartley's side.
Hateley largely played at right-back during more than 170 appearances for Motherwell despite arriving at Fir Park as a holding midfielder.
But he believes that his time spent in European football has improved his game, so he can now contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Ahead of his potential Ladbrokes Premiership debut against Kilmarnock, Hateley said: Playing European football was always something I wanted to do. Whether you'd said to me Poland was the country I would have gone to I probably would have said no, but it was the call that came. And I didn't hesitate to take it, and it was a great experience for me.
Our manager at my last club wanted 60-80 per cent possession each game, so for me playing in the middle of the park I was on the ball a lot. I always wanted to develop that technical side of my game, and I feel that was the perfect opportunity and that's what I did.
I'll look to get on the football, I want to get around and make tackles, I've got assists and goals in me. I feel like I can bring a driving force into the team, somebody that's been here and played in the Scottish league. I like to try and lead by example.''
Dens Park boss Paul Hartley played in a similar role before he hung up his boots, and Hateley admits the chance to work under the former Scotland international played a significant part in his decision to join Dundee.
I had a really good meeting with the manager when I came across with my dad,'' he said.He was a big reason why I came here. Everybody wants to push on and improve, as a club, as footballers, as a squad. That was the impression that I got from speaking to the manager.
I play a similar position (to Hartley), he knows where I want to play. And from training for the last couple of days I feel like he can develop me into a better player from his experience. I'm always looking to improve, and I feel like he would be a very good manager for that.''