Dundee and transfer windows are never a smooth process.
Fans will be hard pushed to remember a deadline day that didn’t stretch agonisingly to the final seconds of the day – and beyond.
Gary Bowyer’s second transfer window as Dens Park boss was a busy one, the shape of the squad has changed quite dramatically.
The Dundee manager said on a number of occasions that whoever did the best business in January would come out top of the Championship in May.
So how are the Dark Blues shaping up now?
OUTS
Niall McGinn
Transfer business started off slow at Dens Park but it had been clear for months that Niall McGinn would be moving on.
Bowyer stressed there had been no bust-up but the Northern Ireland international was frozen out completely.
For player and club a parting of ways was inevitable.
Verdict: Exit best for all parties
Derick Osei
Former France U/20 international Osei did make an impact after signing as a free agent.
Three goals in nine games is a good return for any striker but it was clear early on he didn’t have the quality Dundee needed.
Despite his short time at the club, Osei did grab a vital goal – equalising late on at Queen’s Park – and that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Verdict: Not good enough
Joe Grayson
A stellar debut against Arbroath promised much from the former Blackburn Rovers youngster.
However, he wasn’t able to back that up consistently and fell out of the team.
Verdict: Didn’t show enough
Zak Rudden
When taking chances is an issue for a team, letting one of the top scorers go raises questions.
Boss Bowyer spoke of not standing in a player’s way who wants to move up a division and there is truth to that.
However, if Dundee really felt Rudden was the man to lead them to the title this season anything but a big bid from St Johnstone would have been rebuffed.
Rudden was on eight goals in 27 appearances this term but had found goals in the league dry up of late, aside from a couple of penalties.
Letting him go would be a gamble – unless replacements were an improvement.
Verdict: Good deal overall
INS
Kwame Thomas
Dundee’s first January signing didn’t arrive until the 19th of the month.
Despite a disappointing start with a missed penalty in a Scottish Cup defeat to St Mirren, Thomas has certainly added something.
An old-fashioned targetman, the former Derby County kid has brought real presence to the top end of the pitch.
Match fitness is still being sought but certainly a sizeable upgrade on Osei. How many goals he manages remains to be seen but if he’s setting team-mates up then all is well.
Verdict: Strong start
Sam Fisher
Recalled from an impressive loan stint at League One table-toppers Dunfermline, Fisher was brought back to give defensive cover.
But he showed on his return to the Dark Blues against Queen’s Park that he has plenty to offer when starting.
Verdict: Good option to have
Barry Maguire
The flurry of action late in the window began with the arrival of Motherwell midfielder Barry Maguire.
He can also play in defence if required and brings strength and assurance to the middle of the park.
Maguire was decent on debut against Queen’s Park and played his part in the key second goal.
Verdict: A good signing
Ryan Clampin
An unknown for many north of the border, Clampin arrived as long-awaited competition at left-back for Jordan Marshall.
The Dark Blues have been short of options there for some time but Clampin’s brief time on the pitch has been positive with a superb assist against Queen’s Park.
A pacey full-back who likes to attack, the Colchester United man looks an exciting option.
Verdict: Promising
Luke Hannant
Another largely unknown talent from Colchester, Hannant looks to be a useful pick-up.
An attacking midfielder who can play off both flanks and in midfield gives Bowyer a range of options.
Hannant has been playing regularly this season in League Two as well so match fitness won’t be a problem.
Verdict: Wait and see
Lorent Tolaj
Brighton prospect Tolaj doesn’t have much pedigree in senior football to speak of but the Premier League club have shown amazing ability in scouting over recent years.
Having been at Bowyer’s former club Salford City this season, the Dens boss will have done his homework.
Verdict: Wait and see
Zach Robinson
The big one.
Robinson had grown into such an important player for Dundee this season so it was a big blow when AFC Wimbledon recalled him early in the month.
The striker had been out injured for a number of weeks with the Dark Blues in winning form.
But they were still missing his presence and goalscoring ability.
He was already signing of the season – to get him back is a major, major boost.
Verdict: Big moment in the campaign
Overall?
Though we are still to see what qualities some of the new signings will bring this season, it’s clear the squad is in a better place now than at the start of the window.
Robinson left and returned but there are now a host of attacking options at Bowyer’s disposal.
Rudden has departed but been replaced by three out-and-out forwards and an attacking midfielder.
Central midfield has been bolstered with an extra defensive option in Maguire if required while there are now two left-backs to choose from.
Matches and titles aren’t won on paper but Dundee look in good shape now to tackle the Championship promotion challenge.
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