Neil McCann unhappy after fixture change leaves Dundee facing tough run

McCann wanted to play their postponed trip to Celitc played either this week or next.

Published 9th Mar 2018

Dundee manager Neil McCann has criticised the rescheduling of their postponed trip to Celtic Park after his team were handed the task of facing three of Scotland's biggest clubs in six days.

McCann wanted the game played either this week or next, when both teams are free, but the Scottish Professional Football League has organised the fixture for April 4.

"I think the rearranged fixture with Celtic is really poor, the timing of it,'' said McCann, whose team can leapfrog St Johnstone when they meet on Saturday.

"We had a week this week where we could have played it, but Celtic didn't want it because they have the Old Firm game coming up and wanted a clear run at it.

"Next week could have been pencilled in quite easily had it not been a cup replay, because it was Morton's replay time. So why not then?

"Instead they saw fit to rearrange the game so that we play Hearts on the Sunday - because it's televised - we go to Celtic Park on the Wednesday and then Ibrox on Saturday.

"In six days we have those three teams. I think it's poor from the powers that be."

Meanwhile, McCann has reassured fans that Dundee are financially solid despite posting losses of about ÂŁ350,000 for last season.

The club last week admitted they would continue to make losses until a new television deal brings in more revenue, unless they manage to add 1,000 more fans to their home gates.

McCann said: "Anybody who knows what is going on at the club recently, with the sale of Jack Hendry and the rest of it, I wouldn't think we will be struggling by any stretch.

"The conversations I've had with (directors) John Nelms and Tim Keyes would not suggest there are any problems here. It's all good and we are progressing."

The club previously announced their intention to move from Dens Park with plans for a new stadium being drawn up.

"We have shown our hand in where we want to go as a club," McCann said.

"I've always been pretty consistent with my message about where I see the club going, but you have to put in foundations if you want to build a good house, and we've tried to do that this season.

"We've changed I believe how we play here, performed well without getting the results and you want the structure outside the playing department to want to go in that direction, and I think it's plain to see where we want to take Dundee.

"I don't see any problems to stop us getting there financially."