Mark McGhee replacing James McPake has been the big talking point at Dundee ahead of their Celtic Park visit this week.
It’s a move that took most Scottish football observers by surprise. It certainly shocked the Dundee supporters. But it seems the players were left as upset as anyone.
Niall McGinn spoke earlier this week about finding out on Sky Sports News, while Josh Mulligan has now shared how much of a hole McPake’s exit leaves for some of the players.
Speaking to The Courier, the young midfielder said: “It was a big shock and I didn’t see it coming. I think that was the same for everyone. A few of the boys were all together at the time at a cafe after training and it just came out of nowhere.
“We found out a wee bit before the tweet (announcing McPake’s departure) went out and the boys couldn’t believe it.
“He had been coaching me since I was about 15 or 16 – a long time. He would come up and see how we were doing, taking sessions, before he took us full-time with the Under-18s.
“Me and the old gaffer were quite close. He was close with all the young lads so we are a wee bit upset. But at the same time, that’s just what happens in football and you get on with it and look forward.”
We can’t write off Dundee today. Celtic would have been heavy favourites regardless of the McGhee/McPake situation, but today is all about how the Bhoys react to Thursday.
However, Dundee fans have to be hoping McGhee has managed to rally the group ahead of this one, because morale through the week doesn’t sound like it’s been great.
If we can get an early goal today, it could be a very long afternoon for the visitors. A big statement win after the European disappointment would be fine medicine for us.
In other news, 3 returns, new attack; Celtic Predicted XI vs Dundee.
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