Premiership rival slams 'wrong' system after agreeing transfer compensation fee with Hibs for highly-rated ace
The former Hearts and Celtic man believes the current system is ‘flawed’ but was happy to get the deal over the line.
Dundee boss, Steven Pressley has been left discontent with a rule that allows players to feature for a fellow SPFL Premiership club, without the selling club receiving a fee first.
His comments came after an undisclosed compensation package was finally agreed between Dundee and Hibs for Josh Mulligan last week, five months after the versatile star made his Leith move. Since signing, Mulligan, who came through the academy at the Tayside outfit, has featured in all of Hibs’ matches so far this season, scoring two goals and registering three assists in the process.
Despite this, Pressley believes that because Dundee hadn’t been paid for his services, Mulligan shouldn’t have been allowed to play for Hibs until the deal was finalised. The Dens Park side are in a similar situation with Rangers midfielder, Lyall Cameron, where they are yet to receive any sort of fee, despite the 23-year old signing in June.
Pressley says system is ‘flawed’ but looks to reap the rewards in transfer window
Regarding the Mulligan saga, The Dark Blues boss said: “I think the current system's wrong. I don't think a player should be playing for an opponent or an opposition team without the selling club having received some form of compensation.
“The current system, in my opinion, is flawed. But it's nice for it to be settled. Hopefully we can utilise that income in January because we certainly know that we need to improve around recruitment. It's an area that, at present, there's quite a lot of focus on within the club.
“Hopefully, come January we're in a better position to make the correct decisions. The club are edging closer to bringing in a new head of recruitment. But there's been a shift in how we identify players and look at players. That's been moving. With a greater focus around the data, as well as watching players."
Mulligan will have ‘more to prove’ against former side
Ironically, the first team that Mulligan will face after the dotted line was finally signed on his Hibs deal, will be Dundee. In the reverse fixture of matchday one, Pressley’s side will now head to Easter Road as they aim to avenge their Dens Park defeat in August.
The Dundee boss believes that the 23-year old will have a point to prove against his old team. He said: "I know how highly Josh was rated within this building and, to be fair, he's settled in there (at Hibs) extremely well. I know this from past experience, when you play against your old club, you always have an extra edge. You have something more to prove."
Dundee have had a difficult start to the season under their new manager and now sit 11th place in the SPFL Premiership table. However, they have been known to step up a gear when their backs are against the wall, with almost half of their points being won against Old Firm sides. As for David Gray and Hibs, Saturday’s home tie gives them a chance to kick on from their 3-0 win against St Mirren in Paisley before the International break.