Dundee manager Paul Hartley is convinced the club’s American backers are the “real deal” and that they can help the club emulate Dundee United.
Hartley chose the occasion of his signing of a three-year contract extension to stress just how much faith he has in managing director John Nelms and US-based investor Tim Keyes.
The former Hearts player famously had his differences with the way Vladimir Romanov was running the Jam Tarts during his time there but it appears things couldn’t be more different between his Tynecastle turmoil and his Dens delight.
Indeed, Hartley believes all the pieces are now in place to enable Dundee to end United’s long period of dominance in the city.
He revealed that the high point of his managerial career came when his players ended their decade-plus wait for a win over the Tangerines when they triumphed 3-1 earlier this month.
He also stressed that he is determined to give it a real go between now and the end of the season to catch both United and St Johnstone in the league and finish in the fourth spot that may well bring European football.
“The Americans have put a lot of money in and have been a massive help to me during my time here,” said Hartley.
“They are the real deal.
“They have backed me 100%, giving me what I have asked for.
“I have a great relationship with John Nelms, who I see every day, and with Tim Keyes, who is across in America.
“Tim was over here the other week and we had a good sit-down and a discussion about what we are doing.
“Tim goes about his business quietly but he’s switched on and he just wants the best for the club.
“He’s very committed to Dundee.
“There is maybe not a lot said about the Americans but they are working hard in the background.
“They have steadied the ship at Dundee.”
Hartley revealed the confidence he has in what is happening off the park was a major factor in his agreeing the new deal.
“Having a relationship with the owners is so important,” he said.
“That’s what it’s all about. It’s the key thing for us, sitting down and discussing what we both want for the future.
“People will look at foreign owners and ask: ‘What are they in it for?’
“That is maybe even more the case here after two administrations.
“But I don’t think that will ever be the case again.
“That is why I am here.
“I have spoken to them and asked if the club will go back to the old ways but they have assured me it won’t.
“The investment is there for the long term.
“They have made a big investment in the club so they want to see us be a top-four side, win trophies and be stable.
“It will take a lot of hard work but I think in years to come we want to try and establish ourselves as a top-four team.
“We are also working on the infrastructure and our budget will be the same as other clubs as we all go after the same players.
“We also want to get a training ground because that’s what I think we need for the academy side of it.
“After two administrations, there has been a lot of work to do.
“But the finances are a massive thing for us. We are debt free and that’s huge.
“That will help us build for the years to come but the board won’t be stupid either and throw money at it.”
Hartley admitted Dundee still have some catching up to do as regards neighbours United but he does believe, with the support of the Americans and other directors, that they will get there one day.
“We want to compete with Dundee United, Aberdeen and Hearts now that they are coming up,” said Hartley.
“But we still have a long way to go to compete with United.
“They have good players and they have not become a bad team overnight.
“They lost a couple of their best players but they still have good ones there.
“We know that we still have a long way to go.
“We are trying to get closer and we are building things nice and slowly.
“The derby win was massive and it showed there is a lot of hope for the future.
“People had written us off because it has been so long since we won one.
“We want to compete with them across the road and give our fans a bit of hope.
“You saw last week what it meant to the supporters.”
The Dens men currently sit in sixth spot, five points behind the fourth-placed Tangerines and having played a game more.
However, Hartley believes it is not beyond his players to reel their rivals in.
“Now we will do our best to try to get into fourth,” he said.
“We will try as there are still 18 points left to play for.
“Who knows what can happen?”