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24 December 2003
SAD GEORGI HEADS HOME
 

GEORGI NEMSADZE . . . during happier times at Dens Park

 
Georgi Nemsadze turned his back on Scottish football for good today when he flew home to start a new career in eastern Europe (writes Tom Duthie).
The mercurial midfielder had his contract terminated when Dundee went into administration last month and has since had a week’s trial with Portsmouth.

He has also held tentative talks with several SPL clubs, but has decided he will instead be taking up one of a number of lucrative offers he has had from Russia.

“I will have Christmas in Georgia, but then I will go to Russia to play. I have three or four clubs who want me there and, until I decide which one I will join, I do not want to say who they are,” he said, as he packed his bags last night.

“I have also spoken to some Scottish clubs who wanted me, but here there is not the money I can get in Russia, and I must go where I can do best for my family.”

Nemsadze admitted he would have been happy had he been able to stay in Scotland and his departure from Dens remains a painful memory.

“I liked being at Dundee very much, we had a good team and it was a nice place to be, but what happened was sad.

“Now I am looking forward to having a team again and being able to return to playing, but I will miss Dundee.”

Of those still at Dens Park, several are doubtful for Sunday’s home clash with Rangers.

Ibrox signing target Gavin Rae has been given no better than a 50-50 chance of recovering from the hamstring problem that forced him to miss the draw at Aberdeen last weekend.

And an abductor muscle strain could rule out centre-half Tom Hutchinson, scorer of one of the goals at Pittodrie.

Jonay Hernandez, Mark Fotheringham and Nacho Novo have all had knocks, too, but they should be in their usual places.

The match is all-ticket and fans are reminded that the ticket office at Dens will be closed until Saturday.

Meanwhile, former Dark Blues striker Juan Sara has signed for Italian Serie C1 outfit Reggiana. The Argentinian, who holds an Italian passport, has signed a three-year deal.