Dundee expect midweek Rangers clash to go ahead as planned as John Nelms shoots down ‘contingencies’

Pitch covers have been down since Monday afternoon.

By George Cran

April 9 2024, 9:20am

Dens Park will now host Dundee v Rangers next week. Image: SNS

Dundee insist their full focus is on getting Wednesday’s Premiership clash with Rangers played as scheduled, despite the prospect of yet more rain to fall ahead of kick-off.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for Tayside on Tuesday.

And there is more wet weather forecast for Wednesday afternoon and evening, too.

It is their second attempt to face Philippe Clement’s Gers after the initial clash at Dens Park was called off amid controversy on Sunday March 17.

The Daily Record reported that contingency plans have been put in place by the Dark Blues, including pushing the match back to Thursday when the forecast is more favourable.

Rangers boss Phillipe Clement on the Dens Park pitch. Image: SNS — Rangers boss Phillipe Clement on the Dens Park pitch on March 17. Image: SNS

Or a worst-case scenario of playing behind closed doors at a neutral venue.

‘No other contingency plans’

However, the Dark Blues say only one plan is in place and that is to play the game as scheduled.

John Nelms told Sky Sports: “We’re as confident as we can be, we’ve done everything we can do to make the pitch playable.

“The covers are on.”

Nelms rejected suggestions that plans were in place to play the game on Thursday or at a neutral venue. But did suggest a second rescheduled date of next midweek.

“No absolutely not,” Nelms said.

“We want to play with our fans and all the fans, they are the reason why we do this.

“It needs to be entertaining for the fans.

“There are no other contingency plans for this, other than the 16th and 17th (of April).”

Despite needing two pitch inspections on Saturday and looking battered and bruised, the Dens Park pitch held up reasonably well during the weekend clash with Motherwell.

And the club’s expectation is the covers provided by Celtic will protect the surface from the worst of the weather ahead of kick-off.

Dundee’s weekend clash with Motherwell went ahead after two pitch inspections. Image: SNS

Ground staff worked on the pitch on Sunday and Monday when the weather was far more favourable before getting the covers down late afternoon on Monday.

Dens boss Tony Docherty said: “They are all working on the pitch. I am preparing my team for the game.

“I just know the game is on,”

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with an 8pm kick-off.