‘Hard work ahead’ – Pressley bemoans Dundee loss.

After Dundee’s home Premier Sports Cup loss to Airdrieonians, new head coach Steven Pressley stated that the club should be “under no illusions about how much work is required.”

The Premiership side suffered defeat in Pressley’s first competitive encounter in charge, with an improved second half failing to offset Chris Mochrie’s one goal.

Former Falkirk and Coventry City manager Pressley succeeded Tony Docherty in the Dens Park dugout this summer, a somewhat surprising appointment following an equally eye-opening dismissal.

Docherty avoided relegation in his second season in command following a top-six finish in his debut season. “Obviously, the result is far from what we wanted,” Pressley told BBC Scotland.

“It showed how much work we still have ahead of us. On numerous times, our attacking and defending elements were out of sync.

“We didn’t have enough time, and it showed in our performance. We felt fragmented at times. Every day on the training ground will help us put some of these things into action. “I hope we have no illusions about how much effort is required.

“I am aware of that.” Dundee’s next Group C game is on Saturday against Alloa Athletic, followed by a trip to Bonnyrigg Rose on July 22 and Montrose at Dens Park on July 26. “Today was the first time the real ball came out and there were some real teething problems in our display,” according to Pressley.

“I’m optimistic that with this collection of players and a few additions, we can make things right.