| As the players arrived back today from their summer break, among their ranks were former Dundee pair Scott Robertson and Paul Dixon, German striker Andis Shala and Northern Ireland international keeper Michael McGovern, who joined the club from Celtic.
Also returning to Tannadice today, much to the delight of the manager, was Willo Flood, having completed a year-long extension of his loan deal from Cardiff.
It was feared the midfielder would be heading back to Wales when his deal expired at the end of last season. However, a determination on the part of the Tannadice management and board, and an eagerness by the player to return to Tayside, saw the popular 23-year-old join the rest of his team-mates as they were put through fitness tests at Dundee University today.
And Craig feels the desire shown by Flood to return to the club, epitomises the bond between the players.
He said, “It’s great to have Willo back, because for a while we didn’t think it was going to happen. But he enjoyed himself here last season and I think that showed in his performances.
“He’d spent a lot of time playing reserve football for Manchester City and Cardiff and we gave him the chance to play regular first-team football.
“That’s what we offer all the young lads coming in and I’m excited about the prospect of having a few more on board today.
“There is also great spirit in the dressing-room. Many of the guys are of a similar age and they really do get on like a house on fire. Hopefully, that will help the new lads settle in quickly.”
Following today’s fitness testing, the squad will report back tomorrow and will spend the majority of next week working out at St Andrews.
The manager, meanwhile, will step up his search for a striker over the weekend. |
