Dundee midfielder Simon Ferry is a firm believer that pre-season encounters aren’t a mere irrelevance, and cites his own personal experience with Swindon as proof that it can act as the catalyst for a successful season.
The Dark Blues are now three games undefeated following Saturday’s hard-fought victory away to League Two outfitMorecambe as they gear up for their eagerly anticipated return to the Scottish top flight.
Paul Hartley’s side, who began their round of pre-season fixtures with a victory over English Premiership champions Manchester City at Dens Park, aren’t about to get carried away but aim to hold their own in Scotland’s top tier after winning promotion from the Championship in dramatic circumstances on the final day of last season.
Ex-Celtic kid Ferry, who set up team-mate Martin Boyle to make it 3-2 against the spirited Shrimps, believes hitting form even this early can provide them with the platform for a successful season as he took time out to reflect on his memorable Swindon experience.
Ferry said: “We want to be in that winning mentality. That’s what it’s all about.
“The last thing we would have wanted was to start the season with five defeats in pre-season. Once you start on a good run, you can be hard to stop which I know from personal experience.
“So I think it means a lot to get into good habits early on as there’s quite a few new faces here, including myself obviously.
“I remember during my time at Swindon a while back, we started well in pre-season and manged to take it into the new season.
“We went on an 18-game unbeaten run, which was great for confidence. We had a good season back then and the foundation was definitely laid in pre-season.
“There’s no way we would have like to be going into the new season without winning a game, with the boys were still getting to know each other.
“We’ve got two games left now Hearts on Tuesday and then Sheffield United on Friday night so back-to-back wins would be ideal.
“We’re been playing good level of opposition, not to forget Man City, and that’s what the lads need, so it augurs well for what lies ahead.”
Former Swindon and Portsmouth play-maker Ferry impressed as a second-half substitute and fed Boyle, who regained the lead for the Scottish Premiership new boys in 71 minutes.
The 26-year-old summer signing from Pompey, who returned to his native City of Discovery following his switch back in June, is excited about the Taysiders’ crack at the top flight and is promising to be fully fit for when the competitive action gets under way next month.
Ferry said: “I’m feeling good. I’m getting stronger each day. I’ve still got a bit of work to do because I missed a wee bit over in Budapest due to injury.
“That’s my first game in three or four months so I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. The more games I can get under my belt between now and the start of the season, the better it will be for me.
“I want to play in the next two this week, Hearts and then Sheffield United. I’m buzzing and just can’t wait for the season to get under way.”
Dundee had to rally as they fought back after Morecambe striker Padraig Amond gave the English outfit a whirlwind second minute lead, shooting past Kyle Letheren from Shaun Beeley’s long punt forward.
Dundee levelled in 25 minutes through trialist Kieron Cadogan, whose spectacular 25-yard effort fizzed low into the far corner.
Gary Harkins put the Dark Blues in front in 39 minutes with a calm finish past home keeper Andreas Arestidou from close-range.
Morecambe equalised in 67 minutes when substitute Ryan Edwards headed home from Laurence Wilson’s cross.
Dundee moved ahead 71 minutes when Boyle finished from Ferry’s weighted through pass, before Peter MacDonald rounded things off in injury time with a low finish from Paul McGinn’s cut-back.
Ferry was no stranger to the Globe Arena and admits he never once enjoyed facing Morecambe on their own turf, so knows Dundee did well to come through their latest test in Lancashire in the countdown to the big kick-off.
He said: “I used to hate coming here to Morecambe. I suppose that’s a compliment. I’ve been here a few times before when I was down in England and it’s never easy.
“They’re always big, strong and physical and don’t give you any time on the ball. This was a really good test for us which we had to adapt to.
“We’re pleased to have come through it and the gaffer is quite happy with how things are shaping up.”