Ex Hearts man admits thoughts of leaving league rival as hard winter times left 'difficult' ultimatum
It’s been a rollercoaster first season in charge for the Dundee boss
Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley has admitted at one stage of the season he thought of leaving his post as Dundee manager after some ‘difficult’ periods - only to be saved by his players.
The 52-year old took the reins at Dens Park last summer and had his back to wall from the get-go against supporters who were perhaps looking for a more glamorous appointment. After a tough start to life on Tayside, Pressley’s side turned their fortunes around midway through the season as he builds an exciting young squad. A final day win over Aberdeen, sprung The Dee’s to an eventual eighth place finish, as they now look ahead to the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite the change in narrative surrounding the former Scotland international, he has admitted that during some of the ‘dark, cold mornings’ that he considered quitting. However, after a positive end to the season, he’s happy that the efforts of his players convinced him otherwise.
Pressley on ‘dark’ Dundee times
He said: "You come in in November and December on dark, cold mornings and the team is struggling, it's difficult. Many Monday mornings the players were the ones that kept me going. They've remained very focused, very much behind what we're trying to do, and I'm grateful for that.
“There were times where I did consider (quitting) but I think that's natural. Also, when you feel the struggle, it makes you want to make things better all the time. And that's our job for next season, all of these things we've got to do to keep moving the club forward.”
The Dundee gaffer was ‘delighted’ to end the season on a high against the Dons, in a 3-2 victory capped off with a last minute winner from Ryan Astley. Pressley said the result ‘typified’ all the hard work he and the player had put in over the course of the campaign.
Successful finale justifies call to stay
After the Aberdeen win, the former Jambos defender said: "I'm delighted. I was relatively satisfied with a number of aspects of our performance. I just didn't think we had that aggression in defending our own box, which has been a feature of our performances this year. And to lose a goal from a set play where we've been strong. I was disappointed with that aspect.
"In typical fashion the players responded how they have all season to adversity by coming back to win the game. Scoring a late goal, with the player that scored it, and the team as well, typified our season. I'm really proud of the group. To finish eighth in a hugely challenging season is a decent achievement. We want to keep improving but it's given us a platform to continue to grow."