AT THE

OPEN DAY

Saturday 8th July 2006 saw Cahirman Mao and Secretary Jabba make the long journey south to Dens Park to collect the framed signed top of our sponsored player for last season, Scott Robertson. And they were to be well rewarded for their efforts.

Arriving in plenty of time (Jabba was driving!) a quick visit to the Dundee shop for ‘It’s Ure Dundee’ tee shirts it was on to the Captain’s Lounge for the presentations.

Soft drinks were laid on for those attending and it was to be some time before the players arrived. They were still at training!! Good use was made of the spare time as they presented the Highland Dark Blue's cheque for £1500 to Paul Murphy of the Dundee Supporters Association.

The DSA were collecting all their affiliated clubs’ monies before making a final presentation to the Dee4Life Trust before the end of July.

Watching preparations for the afternoon’s Open Day the guys noticed that a Dundee Legend was warming up to go between the posts for the Beat the Goalie Competition. None other than the famous Pat Linney, now 70 years old (this week).

He was even wearing a Speroni top!!

Time marched on and there was still no sign of the players. Alex Rae must be working them hard. A couple of (small) sausage rolls kept hunger at bay when at last some of the players started appearing. First there were a couple of the younger players including Brian Deasley – well it was the school holidays..!!

Then Big Lee made a tentative appearance before making his way out to meet the fans.

At last Scott Robertson and the rest appeared and we were presented with not one but TWO framed signed tops – the Home and Away versions..!! We sponsored him Home and Away last season. “One for your bedroom wall Mao and one for mine?” pleaded Jabba.

A good lad is Scott. Not a problem to pose outside for photos with both Mao and Jabba. Spoke about the training and how hard it was but, more interestingly, how enjoyable it was.

Storing the prized tops back in the Captain’s Lounge our boy's made their way out to the pitch to see the players. Mao couldn’t resist playing a past manager by leaning against the outside of the dug-out. “He can sue for defamation of character!” was the shout from watching officials..!!

It was almost like a General Election at the front of the Bobby Cox Stand as the squad of players lined up to give autographs and have photos taken holding all the weans..!!

Our boys managed to get close enough for a couple of shots including one of ‘Slim’ Bobby Mann..!! Looked to have lost a lot of weight… but still 10 minutes over 100 yards..!

Can’t be described as a defining moment of the day but our boys managed to have a wee word with new manager, Alex Rae. Doesn’t look like he’ll manage a visit to the Highlands, at least not during the season. He’s obviously still staying in the West as he made the point of emphasising his 12 hour day. Could be taken two ways. Can’t see him lasting long doing those sort of hours, or, good to see him making that sort of commitment? Take your pick.

Sitting in the stands watching the afternoons events unfold – including ‘Speroni’ getting one straight in the face, who should they be joined by but our very own ‘Spudoni’ Paul Kerr..!!

Time was wearing on and with a long journey ahead the boys made their way back to the Captain’s Lounge to pick up the tops. They couldn’t have timed it better as they were met by none other than Dave MacKinnon the new Chief Executive of Dundee FC and his lovely wife Judith…!!

Dave was only too pleased to spend a few minutes talking about the current situation. Talked about the training, playing 8 against 8 and getting the players’ fitness levels up by working with the ball rather than just running etc. They have noticed that the younger players don’t seem to know where they should be on the pitch – might explain some of the performances from last season? They will work on this and are also looking to play a tight 4-4-2 trying not to lose so many goals..! Funny, because Mao had thought that the Dens Road side of the pitch had been widened, with more turf off the pitch. But what it looks like is the pitch has been brought in a few yards, perhaps to minimum width, to help facilitate the new 4-4-2 formation. Someone at Dens using their brains for once…?? Dave (to his new friends) explained about the tight budget and the need to bring in a couple of strikers if possible, but it may mean someone has to come off the wage bill first. Good to see him being so open about the situation – first time for everything..!!

Time for our boys to say their farewells, to Kirsty for her hospitality, and to Spud for joining in the fun. Heading up the road after a tiring but worthwhile day, Mao even did his best to stay awake.

Needless to say the two signed tops are now pwoudly displayed on their bedroom walls. Well, the rest of you did get the chance to go……!!!

At the AGM on 7th August the tops will be on display. Suggestions for the final destinations of the tops on a postcard please….

JABBA

ALL FOTTEES ARE COPYRIGHT OF JABBATOURS (PHOTOGRAHY DIVISION) AND REFLECT THE QAULITY AND PROFESSIONALISM WITH WHICH HE CARRIES OUT ALL HIS HDB COMMITMENTS.......HE DID HOWEVER REQUEST CAHIRMAN MARK TAKE ONE PICTURE....................................................

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