‘Optimism high as Dundee look for long-awaited Tannadice win’

Last season, Dundee sent shockwaves through Scottish football by securing a top-six spot in our first season back in the top flight. That success has laid the foundations for Tony Docherty to build on as he eyes another ambitious Premiership campaign.

This summer transfer window has seen the club bring in six new signings, including a permanent deal for goalkeeper Jon McCracken, who deputised admirably for Trevor Carson in the latter stages of last season.

Simon Murray has returned to his true colours after recording the best year of his career to date with 23 goals at Ross County. The 32-year-old red-head is aging like a fine wine and still shows incredible energy alongside continuing improvements to his overall game. He is a much more mature striker compared to how he performed for the club in his first stint, six years ago. His goal-scoring abilities might be just what the team needs to reach the next level.

Another summer recruit who is one to watch is Ethan Ingram. He declined a contract extension at West Bromwich Albion to fulfil his craving for first-team football, and has been very impressive across our League Cup group-stage matches. After the success of Owen Beck last season, dare I suggest we might be in for a sequel on the opposite side of the pitch!

While it makes a great team on paper, all that matter is that it makes for a great team on grass, and so far, there’s nothing to gripe about. A perfect record in the League Cup group stage, with sharp and relentless displays, has us looking like sharks who’ve had their first taste of blood.

This has charged a lot of optimism before our league opener against arch-rivals Dundee United, who we hope to defeat to claim our first victory at Tannadice in almost two decades.

I’m hoping Dundee can go one better than last season and claim a fifth-place finish and a European spot.

We are also due a strong run in any of the cups – our last semi-final came in 2006 – so I’m hopeful the luck of the draw will be on our side for a change so we can visit Hampden once again.

The club is in a really good place right now; I think all other Dees share the same excitement I have about this season.

Predicted league finish: Fifth.

Standout player will be: Ethan Ingram.

Game most looking forward to: Dundee United at Tannadice.