Dundee chief executive Harry MacLean has launched a staunch defence of his club’s conduct during the transfer saga surrounding Craig Forsyth.
The 22-year-old midfielder has finally decided to join English Championship side Watford and has headed south for a medical at Vicarage Road.
Despite Forsyth being a free agent, the blow of losing such a key man will be cushioned for the Dens men by a substantial compensation fee due to his age.
However, the Dundee have been irked by comments coming out of Crystal Palace, who were also keen on signing him.
Palace boss Dougie Freedman suggested that they had not bothered to reply to a bid made by the Eagles.
He said, “We made an offer to the club and to the player and we left it with them. Nothing’s come back from them yet so it looks like that one is dead in the water.”
However, MacLean countered that the Dark Blues did accept an offer from Palace, believed to have been made over a month ago.
He also suggested it was their own failure to meet Forsyth’s personal demands that scuppered the deal and let the Hornets in.’Disappointed'”We at Dundee have been disappointed to read those comments from Dougie Freedman given that we have been entirely professional throughout our dealings with Crystal Palace,” said MacLean.
“Those quotes attributed to him regarding Dundee are both misleading and untrue.
“We did respond to Crystal Palace’s original bid, which we turned down, then after negotiations we accepted a much improved second offer in writing to Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander.
“Further to that, I believe that Crystal Palace were unable to agree personal terms with Craig.”
In contrast, MacLean had praise for the way Watford have handled themselves in winning Forsyth’s signature.
“They have been excellent to deal with and we have accepted their transfer package for Craig,” said MacLean.
“I understand they have agreed terms with him and that he will be travelling to Watford for a medical early this week.
“We wish him all the best for the future.”East Fife tournamentMeanwhile, the format for the East Fife tournament that Dundee are taking part in at New Bayview has been announced.
On Saturday, July 16, the hosts will meet Fife neighbours Raith Rovers in the opening game at 1pm, with the Dark Blues facing Paul Sturrock’s Southend United at 3.15pm.
The two losing sides will meet the following day in a third-place play-off that kicks off 1pm, with the final kicking off at 3.15pm.