Dundee will kick-off their SPL promotion bid against Queen of the South today with a rat in the camp.
However, before the Dark Blues fans start worrying that someone at Dens is leaking inside info to their first division opponents, they can rest assured that the “rat” in question is the innocent victim of some mischief-making by assistant manager Billy Dodds.
It is very much a new-look squad that boss Gordon Chisholm has carefully assembled since the disappointing end to last season which culminated in Inverness, and not long-term favourites Dundee, clinching promotion.
One of those new boys, former Celtic player Nicky Riley, has adapted well to life at the club and chipped in with two well-taken goals last weekend against Montrose in the Co-operative Cup.
Now, as he looks forward to taking part against Queens today, he revealed he has not been enjoying the life of Riley after joker Dodds landed him with the new nickname.
“I am not sure why he started calling me ‘The Rat’ and I am scared to ask him,” said Riley. “But apparently it’s to do with the way I play. People think they are by me, then I get back to stick out a leg.
“It is not the best nickname I can think of and when I said to him, ‘I’m scared this is going to stick,’ he said, ‘I will make sure it sticks.’
“Seriously, though, Doddsie is great to work with. His banter is good and he always keeps things fun and interesting in training.
“But he is taking this rat thing too far. This is my first nickname but I am really hoping it does not catch on.”
Happy was not a word that could have been used to describe relations between Queen of the South and Dundee this week after news leaked of Chisholm’s interest in his former left-back Bob Harris.
Queens issued an angry response which should bring added spice to today’s game.
However, Riley admitted he was just concentrating on adapting to the pace of the first division and renewing his fledgling understanding with Leigh Griffiths.
“I am really enjoying playing with Leigh and he sent in a great ball for my second goal against Montrose last weekend,” he added.
“Hopefully, we can keep that going.
“Last year, he scored a lot of the goals here but I think it is a big bonus that he is also creating them as well.
“It is the start of the league season on Saturday and a big game for us,” he said.
“It is good to be at home and hopefully, we will get the right result.
“The lads have not really been telling me what it is like in the first division but they do not have to. I know it is a tough league and there are a fair number of good teams in it, with a lot of them pushing for promotion.”
Queen of the South have not lost at Dens for nearly two years and the man who played a big part in putting together that unbeaten run is now in the home dug-out.
“I was responsible for Queen of the South having a good record against Dundee, so hopefully I can be responsible for them not having a good record now,” smiled Chisholm.
“They have good players I should know, I signed most of them.
“They are a big threat and this week has probably told you what I think of some of their players.”
Queens boss Kenny Brannigan is putting friendship to one side in this game, saying, “I always consider Gordon a mate and not just an old boss, but I would love to beat him in this match and get us off to a good start.”
Brannigan is looking to add to his pool ahead of kick-off as he travels north without four players, with winger Willie McLaren suspended and injuries ruling out defender Derek Lilley and front-men Allan Johnstone and Sean O’Connor.
Goalkeeper David Hutton is available after injury, with Brannigan saying, “I am looking to get a new signing on board as we are down to only nine fit outfield players.”Hart leavesMeanwhile, Dundee have announced that Richie Hart has left the club by mutual consent.
The midfielder went out on loan to Swedish side SK Ostersunds in June but will not return to Dens as originally intended in January.
The official Ostersunds website states that Hart has left the club to return home for personal reasons.