New Dundee signing Ryan Conroy has revealed he would love to win promotion with the Dark Blues to show former boss Neil Lennon he made a big mistake letting him leave Parkhead.
Conroy, who was released by Celtic at the end of last season, was officially unveiled at Dens alongside Dundee “old boys,” strikers Steven Milne and Jake Hyde.
Chances to shine at Parkhead were few and far between for Conroy and he spent much of the last couple of seasons out on loan at Queen of the South and Partick Thistle.
Now, the 24-year-old is determined to hit the ground running with Barry Smith’s side and hopefully help Dundee finally win promotion back to the SPL.
“I came up to Dens a couple of weeks ago and had a look about,” he said. “But I think I already had it in my head that I would like to sign here as I know what a good club it is and I had met the manager as well.
“Dundee showed what they were capable of when they went on that incredible unbeaten run last season and I am delighted to now be part of the team here.
“They have a great chance of promotion this year with the squad they have. There were a couple of other clubs interested in me but as soon as I heard Dundee were trying to sign me, I was 99% certain I would be coming here.
“I know a few of the lads here, especially Nicky Riley and Gary Irvine from our time at Celtic together. There are so many good players at Celtic, it is ridiculous.
“I had a chance under Gordon Strachan and had a couple of games but it was because somebody was injured so I knew, when he came back, I was just going to be left out again.Regular chance”I think I have been ready for first-team football for the last three years and I want to be playing regularly but that was not going to happen at Celtic.
“Neil Lennon was reserve coach for a while before becoming manager at Parkhead and I get on really well with him. However, I knew I was not going to play at Celtic, so it was time to move away.
“There are no hard feelings between me and Neil but I would like nothing better than to win promotion here and to head back to Celtic Park in the SPL as a Dundee player.”
Conroy revealed that there was a chance he could have joined Dundee last season after holding talks with former boss Gordon Chisholm.
That move fell through but, having now signed up at Dens, he is hoping to fill the boots of departing fans’ favourite Craig Forsyth who is set to sign for Championship side Watford.
“I could have come here last year,” he added. “I had a chat with Gordon Chisholm before I went to Queen of the South but, for one reason and another, it did not happen.
“Last season was all about survival, but hopefully the new campaign will be all about promotion. I just want to play every week. It looks like Craig Forsyth is leaving for Watford and hopefully I can come in and do a job for the team, doing the same as he was doing.”
Conroy’s new boss Smith declared his delight at the triple signing swoop.
He admitted that he had been tracking Conroy for some time, while he knows all about Milne having played alongside him during the striker’s first spell at the club. Hyde, of course, played three games as a trialist for the Dark Blues last season before signing for Dunfermline.
“I think we have made three good signings,” said Smith. “Obviously, I have known Steven for a long time. I played with him and I know he will score goals.
“Jake came in and impressed us last season while I have had Ryan watched for some time and he is a good addition to the squad. All three of them know what the first division is about.
“You always need options as you have to change things at times and we could not do that last season. We are always looking to add more but the budget is quite tight.”