The following article appeared in today's Sun, and was written by Sports Columnist Derek McGregor:-
from left in front |
Peter Marr admits he’s never felt happier about the state of his beloved Dundee – but he knows it could all change in an instant.
The Dens Park chief is delighted at the way his choice of Jim Duffy as Manager to replace Ivano Bonetti has worked out.
And with every member of his senior management team at the club pulling in the one direction it appears the good times are about to roll for Dundee.
Marr is even dreaming of a first Scottish Cup triumph since 1910 with Duffy’s side facing Falkirk in the quarter finals on March 22.
Despite it all, the construction and property tycoon still has the nagging fear that the club’s best team for years is going to be broken up in the summer.
It guts Marr to even think about it because right now he’s convinced gaffer Duffy’s moulding a magnificent outfit, from the inspiring Julian Speroni in goal to striker Steve Lovell in attack.
The harsh economics of football life mean Marr simply can’t ignore his annual need to sell one major player – or maybe even two – to balance the books.
Son-in-law Rab Douglas and Claudio Caniggia between them have raked in close to £2.5 million in transfer fees from Celtic and Rangers.
Now, the vultures from top clubs are hovering over the likes of Speroni, Lee Wilkie and Giorgi Nemsadze.
It’s sickening news for Dundee fans but what reassures Marr is Duffy’s contacts and talent to judge a player. It makes the chief executive, who spends much of his time in his Majorca villa, confident anyone sold can be replaced.
He said, "a lot of scouts are watching our games. I believe for the recent Partick Thistle game at Firhill there were something like 15 clubs represented.
"But even if we lose a few Duff can bring in good replacements.
"Steve Lovell, Tom Hutchinson, Jonay Hernandez, Brady and Mark Burchill – who WILL score goals for us when he plays – are quality signings for the club. These guys have come here because of Duff’s contacts. He has a real eye for a player.
"That’s very reassuring because I believe there’s every chance we are going to lose one or two in the summer. Just about every club needs at least one decent sale every year and we are no different.
"It’s not ideal. I appreciate that. But, the financial situation makes it a fact of life.
Marr added: "I don’t have too much to do with the club these days although, of course, I will have daily decisions to make. But Duff just gets on with it while the likes of Jim Connor work extremely hard behind the scenes to keep it all ticking over nicely. Other people have been at Dens a long time and go about their jobs brilliantly. It all makes it relatively easy for me.
"My son Paul has left the club to concentrate on other things. He was director of football but Duff can just about handle everything now.
"That’s the way he likes it and I’m happy to go along with that.
Winning Over 
The Punters?
"Duff’s settled back in really well and he doesn’t ask for too much. He’s doing an excellent job and the team’s looking really good.
"I have always allowed the managers to get on with it to a certain extent. It’s only when I feel things aren’t right that I step in.
"I am really confident in Duff. His capabilities, his contacts and the way he goes about the job makes me feel good about the future.
"I knew Bonetti was leaving long before he did. I had to consider alternatives and Duff’s name was prominent in my mind. I had also considered Ian McCall, but, without being disrespectful, I wasn’t sure how he would be with the foreigners.
"I was also aware Dundee United wanted Duff to lead their youth set up. I am glad he came here.
"He’s got the foreign lads playing out of their skin, something the previous manager failed to do on a consistent basis. And if you also look at the younger players – guys like Wilkie, Lee Mair and even Zurab Khizanishvilli – you see that they are better for Duff being the Manager.
"Gavin Rae’s also coming back into top form. Duff’s also worked hard with Nemsadze and Fabian Caballero to get their confidence and fitness levels to what they should be.
"Fabian’s lighter than he’s ever been and has responded to Duff.
"The biggest disappointment for me this season has been the fact Beto Carranza hasn’t been fit.
"He’s a wide left player, a position we’re short in, and someone who is a real entertainer.
"Speroni has been a revelation this season, he’s a top class keeper.
"He’s also been fortunate that he’s got a better defence in front of him than Robert had."
Tax implications mean exile Marr is restricted to a certain amount of days in the country every year – but May 31 WON’T be a problem if his Scottish Cup Final dream is realised even if he has to enter Scotland in disguise!
Marr added: "Falkirk is a massive game. In a way that is a real test of how good the team is.
"Falkirk are flying and you just have to look at how they demolished Hearts to realise what they are capable of.
"But this is as far as we’ve been in the Cup for a long time – and I see no reason why we can’t go all the way to the final.
"Hopefully, our attitude at Brockville will be spot on. We need to give them the respect they are due."