The issue of who becomes Dundee’s next assistant manager is set to run into next week.
But while some Dundee fans have, now well-documented, objections to it being Billy Dodds, new boss Jim McIntyre’s long-time No 2 could still be the man.
As Jim revealed to the Tele, McIntyre would like that to happen but he’s well aware Dodds’ decision to vote against a CVA to get the club out of administration back in 2011 because it would leave him out of pocket to the tune of six figures, has made the matter difficult for all concerned.
And Dens managing director John Nelms, while stressing ultimately the appointment had to be down to the new boss, has admitted he believes it would be “tough” for Dodds to return for a second spell as assistant manager.
That could see Dundee look to other candidates and the manager’s former Dundee United team-mate Barry Robson, now a coach at Aberdeen, could be in the running.
Another alternative could be Dens legend and former manager Barry Smith, who recently left Raith Rovers. Unlike Dodds, his would probably be an arrival that would unite the support in approval.
The fact, though, the manager has worked so well with Dodds in the past means finding a way for both sides to forgive and forget past disagreements are still being considered.
And while some fans view Dodds and his boss at the time, Gordon Chisholm, as hate figures who were prepared to see their club closed, the Tele understands that’s not necessarily the opinion of those who were inside Dens at the time, battling to secure Dundee’s future.
While they would have preferred to have had both on side, the pair’s stance was regarded as a protest vote and not an attempt to kill the club off.
Even so, as Nelms admitted, finding a solution that would lead to Dodds’ return would not be easy.
“It is a very sensitive issue – even more sensitive than I would have expected,” he said.
“I wasn’t here at the time but I have taken a lot of advice and talked a lot of people.
“I have spoken to Billy as well because I want his side of things, I want the full picture.
“The fans, based on the information they have, have every right to not want him through the door.
“But it’s a tough one. There are candidates out there but Jim and Billy came as a team – and that’s his No 1 candidate.”
Right now the manager’s focus is on his first game, at Livingston today, and the bid to pick up points that could get the team off the bottom of the Premiership.
He’s looking forward to the backing Dundee will get from what could be a sizeable travelling support.
And he wants his players to make sure they give them something to shout about.
“One of the attractions of this job is that support but, as ever, it’s up to us to get them up and out of their seats by playing well,” he said.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.