Rangers travel to Dens Park tomorrow for more Scottish Premiership action, and ahead of the match Inside Ibrox spoke with Ethan Hampton, Dundee fan, DeeTV commentator and admin of Dens Park Choir, to get the Dundee supporter perspective before kick-off.
For Dundee supporters, the campaign so far has fallen short of the expectations set when Tony Docherty was dismissed.
His sacking sent a message that simply surviving would not be accepted after the top six heights achieved by the club the season prior, and the follow-up appointment of Steven Pressley came with pressure to push Dundee into the top six.
“Fans aren't particularly satisfied with what we've been seeing this season,” Ethan said.
“When Docherty was sacked, the message was that mediocrity will not be rewarded, so the bar for Presley was top six.
“Right now we look more like a side fighting to stay in the league.”
There have been glimpses of a more solid Dundee, though, and Ethan was quick to point out that the team were sitting as high as third during the Falkirk match, where a, in his opinion, missed VAR penalty decision proved decisive.
Support still split on Steven Pressley
Pressley’s tenure so far has divided the fanbase.
Ethan said: “We've played very well against Rangers and Celtic but have been tragic in other games.
“Some fans think the expectations aren’t being met.”
However, Ethan feels Pressley’s honesty has earned him some credit:
“He says the same things in victory as he does in defeat.
“He’s not tried to run away from anything and he’s said from day one this will take time.”
On the differences in the team under Pressley he said: “We are more defensively stable compared to last season.
“The big issue is creating chances. When we struggle to create, we struggle full stop.”
How Dundee will approach the match?
Expect Dundee to stay compact and try to transition quickly when possession turns over.
“We play with a back three, we’ll look to absorb pressure and hit Rangers on the break, we have got good attacking players but the issue is chance creation,” Ethan explained.
Danger men?
The main threat for the Dark Blues is clear in Ethan’s mind: “It’s all about Cameron Congreve.
“If he’s lively, we’re lively. If he’s quiet, Dundee are quiet.”
Ethan also highlighted Joe Westley and Simon Murray:
Rangers travel to Dens Park tomorrow for more Scottish Premiership action, and ahead of the match Inside Ibrox spoke with Ethan Hampton, Dundee fan, DeeTV commentator and admin of Dens Park Choir, to get the Dundee supporter perspective before kick-off.
For Dundee supporters, the campaign so far has fallen short of the expectations set when Tony Docherty was dismissed.
His sacking sent a message that simply surviving would not be accepted after the top six heights achieved by the club the season prior, and the follow-up appointment of Steven Pressley came with pressure to push Dundee into the top six.
“Fans aren't particularly satisfied with what we've been seeing this season,” Ethan said.
“When Docherty was sacked, the message was that mediocrity will not be rewarded, so the bar for Presley was top six.
“Right now we look more like a side fighting to stay in the league.”
There have been glimpses of a more solid Dundee, though, and Ethan was quick to point out that the team were sitting as high as third during the Falkirk match, where a, in his opinion, missed VAR penalty decision proved decisive.
Support still split on Steven Pressley
Pressley’s tenure so far has divided the fanbase.
Ethan said: “We've played very well against Rangers and Celtic but have been tragic in other games.
“Some fans think the expectations aren’t being met.”
However, Ethan feels Pressley’s honesty has earned him some credit:
“He says the same things in victory as he does in defeat.
“He’s not tried to run away from anything and he’s said from day one this will take time.”
On the differences in the team under Pressley he said: “We are more defensively stable compared to last season.
“The big issue is creating chances. When we struggle to create, we struggle full stop.”
How Dundee will approach the match?
Expect Dundee to stay compact and try to transition quickly when possession turns over.
“We play with a back three, we’ll look to absorb pressure and hit Rangers on the break, we have got good attacking players but the issue is chance creation,” Ethan explained.
Danger men?
The main threat for the Dark Blues is clear in Ethan’s mind: “It’s all about Cameron Congreve.
“If he’s lively, we’re lively. If he’s quiet, Dundee are quiet.”
Ethan also highlighted Joe Westley and Simon Murray:
• Joe Westley: brings creativity and can unlock defences.
• Simon Murray: aggressive presser and poacher; always a danger in the box.
Confidence ahead of the clash?
Dundee drew 1–1 at Ibrox earlier this season, and Ethan believes this fixture suits them stylistically.
He clarified by saying: “Our best performances have been against Celtic and Rangers, teams who dominate the ball and struggle against a low block.”
Fatigue may also play a role: “It might be the best time to play Rangers after two intense matches in quick succession.”
But opinion among fans remains mixed: “Some will be confident because of our home form, others will be dreading it after the 4–0 defeat to Hearts.
“It can fall either way.”
Dundee are unbeaten in their last three home games, including wins over Livingston and Celtic, and a draw with Motherwell, and they will believe they can make life difficult again.
It will be up to Rangers, and Danny Rohl to ensure they do not give them that opportunity.