Dundee’s job next season is to win promotion.
It comes with the territory; when the Dark Blues are in the Championship, fans expect to go up.
Whoever else might be there doesn’t matter, the pressure is on at Dens Park from the start.
Big changes were set in motion even before last season ended.
However, this rebuild is completely different to the one needed when James McPake took over from Jim McIntyre.
Back then, almost an entirely new squad was required for Dundee.
This time, the group is largely in place.
On paper right now, before any transfers have even taken place, it looks in reasonable shape to face up to the Championship campaign ahead.
But where does their new manager/head coach – whoever he is – need to strengthen?
Striker
Danny Mullen has left but the squad was already a striker short in the second half of the last campaign.
Cillian Sheridan will return to fitness, likely in time for pre-season, but adding goals is a must this summer.
Zak Rudden has already proved he can score goals in the Championship and has impressed in recent games.
But he’s also looked raw at times.
If Sheridan is fit and ready, maybe one addition up top will do, but two could be needed.
A physical presence to lead the line has to be a priority. That’s something the Dark Blues badly lacked last term.
Centre-back
Lee Ashcroft’s long-term absence last season showed the squad needs an extra centre-back.
Liam Fontaine’s departure and the end of Zeno Ibsen Rossi’s loan have made that need even more pressing.
Jordan McGhee stepped in last season but is more suited to full-back or midfield.
There is always uncertainty after a long-term injury like Ashcroft’s, so bringing in another centre-back option – at least one – is a must.
A backup, whether youngster or a grizzled veteran, would be handy too.
Left-back
Jordan Marshall is Dundee’s undisputed first-choice left-back.
He was a standout at Championship level for years before getting a taste of the top flight last term.
But his all-action nature means he’s prone to muscle injuries and cover will be needed.
Cammy Kerr has stepped in manfully at times, but the lack of a left-footed option has cost the team in attack.
It has proved a tricky position to fill over the past couple of years but some back-up is needed, especially with Christie Elliott and Declan McDaid leaving.
Midfield
The middle of the park is far less of a worry. Bringing in a centre-back means McGhee can be utilised in the middle once more – a position he excelled in as Dundee won promotion.
Yes – the absence of Charlie Adam will be felt in that midfield, while Paul McGowan, who turns 35 this season, will need a bit of help to guide the younger talents around him.
This part of the squad remains relatively strong, but when weighing up potential transfers, the new Dee boss is likely to want some midfield back-up.
Character
Most important of all is personality.
Adam was a major influence in the Dens Park dressing room, as well as on the pitch.
There are a lot of talented youngsters coming to the fore, but they need help from older players.
A bit of experience would be handy in the Championship, where things do not always go to plan.
This is a big summer for Dundee as they change the set-up behind the scenes.
As much as they need to get that structure in place, getting their on-field recruitment right at the same time is essential.
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