Dundee manager search latest as wait for new Dens boss explained.

The Dark Blues are still looking for Tony Docherty’s replacement.

Dundee are hoping to announce their new manager next week, as the club’s search for Tony Docherty’s successor moves on. The Dark Blues fired Docherty on Monday before accepting applications and screening through prospects. Talks have begun with people on managing director John Nelms’ long list, which will then be narrowed down to a short list and further interviews conducted. Nelms is meeting with potential managers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Dens Park hopes to reveal a new man by the end of next week. However, it is possible that it will extend beyond that.

Why is it taking so long?

Dundee chief Nelms is keen to cover all the bases in the search for Docherty’s replacement. There is precedent for this situation. Three of the last four years have seen the Dark Blues hire a new manager for the upcoming season. According to prior pursuit timelines, it will be some time before a fresh man takes his place. Following relegation from the Premiership and the dismissal of Mark McGhee on May 14, Gary Bowyer was appointed on June 8 – more than three weeks later. During this time, talks with Shaun Maloney broke down, and former Blackburn manager Steve Kean was also among the final possibilities for 2022.

Bowyer was fired on May 10, following his championship victory. Negotiations with Callum Davidson fell down during the search for his successor, and Tony Docherty was appointed as his replacement. His appointment occurred on May 29, less than three weeks following Bowyer’s departure. Taking three weeks as the normal time frame for a Dundee manager recruitment process, a new boss would be named around June 9. The club hopes that the procedure will be concluded before then.

Candidates

Shaun Maloney rapidly became the leader for the job and is still in consideration. The Dark Blues, however, say that there is no preferred choice while Nelms talks with a number of potential managers in the coming days. The large list includes at least ten names, possibly more, and will be cut down in the coming days. Former Dundee United midfielders Temuri Ketsbaia and Charlie Adam have expressed interest in the position, while former manager Robbie Neilson has stated that he is “definitely” interested. Ayr United manager Scott Brown and St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson are also high on the bookmakers’ runners and riders.

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