Dundee are edging closer to appointing their new manager and have narrowed down their list of preferred candidates to just two – James McPake and Jim Goodwin.
Both have been interviewed by Dens managing director John Nelms and a three-man panel with a final decision likely within the next 48 hours.
However, an announcement could be made as early as today with Dundee looking to appoint the successor to the sacked Jim McIntyre sooner rather than later.
The Dark Blues only eight recognised first-team players signed and the clock is ticking for the new man to have a squad in place before the start of pre-season training next month.
So although Nelms is determined to get the manager appointment spot on, he is aware that the club cannot let the situation drag on too much longer, especially as Dundee try to shift season tickets for a campaign in the Championship.
Youth coach McPake took temporary charge of the first team for the last game of the Premiership season two Saturdays ago against St Mirren and is understood to have impressed the club’s hierarchy for the way he conducted himself during what was a difficult situation.
The 34-year-old was a fans’ favourite at Dens until he was forced to give up playing due to a serious knee injury.
Former St Mirren midfielder Goodwin was appointed Alloa boss in October, 2016 and helped the Wasps win promotion to the Championship in the summer of 2018.
They were favourites to come straight back down but the 37-year-old Irishman kept the Clackmannanshire club up despite operating with a shoestring budget.
Now, either Goodwin or McPake will be named the new Dundee boss with one prominent bookmaker already making the former the overwhelming odds-on favourite.
Kenny Miller was another to be interviewed but the veteran Dark Blue striker is understood to have missed out.
Former Ross County boss Derek Adams ruled himself out of the running for the position on Friday although he was not regarded as one of the front-runners for consideration by Dundee.
Meanwhile, with Dundee United failing to win promotion on Sunday after losing on penalties to St Mirren in the Premiership play-off final, Dundee have announced gate prices for derbies at Dens next season.
In a statement, the club said: “With the conclusion of the SPFL Premiership play-off yesterday the competing teams in the 2019/20 Championship are now known.
“The Board of Directors have taken the decision to further extend the ‘Super Early Bird’ Season Ticket price until early June and now can confirm pay at the gate prices for next season.
“The matches against Dundee United will be Category A matches (£26) while all other league fixtures will be Category B (£24).
“This means the current season ticket prices represent a saving of £76 for adults.
“Under 12s Season Tickets are still priced at just £1. Season Ticket prices of the current period are as follows: Adult – £360, U/18s – £130, O/65 and FTE – £250, Disabled – £250, U/12 – £1.”
Season books can be purchased from the ticket office inside Dundee Direct or call 01382 889966.
