New Dundee boss Tony Docherty says he has the “right tools” to succeed at Dens Park as he makes his first step into management.
The 52-year-old has spent 16 years as an assistant manager, mostly under Derek McInnes, but has decided the time is right to step out on his own.
And he insists the facilities on offer at the Dens Park club are the perfect place for him to flourish.
Docherty’s immediate concern is getting the Dark Blues ready for their return to the Premiership.
Dundee won the Championship under Gary Bowyer and Docherty took time to acknowledge the work done by his predecessor.
The start of Bowyer’s reign last year saw Dundee move into a new facility at the Gardyne Campus of Dundee and Angus College.
Work has begun to improve the quality of the training pitches.
There is also a new pitch at Dens Park being laid after troubles with the surface last term while the new stadium project at Camperdown Park is still ongoing.
‘Reaping the rewards’
And Docherty feels like he’s joined a club on the up.
“The plans they have is a factor,” Docherty said when explaining why he took the job.
“Most important for me is the training facilities because that’s where I’ll be working day-to-day.
“The new stadium, if and when it happens, will be great but my interest is in the here and now.
“I have to say I’m delighted to come into a Premiership team.
“I have to give huge credit to the previous manager and his staff for getting up because I know how tough a gig that is.
“It’s such a tough division to get out of and now I’m reaping the rewards of that.”
Recruiting
Docherty has almost a blank canvas to work on at Dens Park with only five players signed up for next term after Cammy Kerr put pen to paper on a new deal on Tuesday.
Contract talks are ongoing with other players whose deals are expiring but Docherty reckons the quality of facility on offer will help attract new signings.
He added: “The day to day thing now, with the facilities and how to provide for the players is the most important thing.
“The new stadium will happen and hopefully I’ll be a part of that, but for now my immediate concern is recruiting players for next season.
“I have had a good look around here and the two pitches which are being worked on at the moment.
“And I have seen the (other training) facilities at the Riverside too, so I am happy with what’s there.
“The conversations I’ve had with Gordon (Strachan) and with John (Nelms) have satisfied me that going forward I have the right tools to make this work.
“I know the rigours of the Premiership and what it’s going to be like.
“I know what it requires so hopefully I have the knowledge and experience to guide us through that.”
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