The start of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season has been anything but smooth for Dundee FC. Under the new management of Steven Pressley, the team has already faced significant challenges, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning their readiness for the grueling campaign ahead.

A Rocky Start

Dundee's season began with a 2-1 loss to Hibernian at Dens Park, a result that was somewhat expected but still disappointing. Pressley's pre-match comments hinted at a lack of confidence, and the performance on the pitch did little to dispel those concerns. "We're nowhere near where we need to be," Pressley admitted, a statement that has become a recurring theme in the early weeks of the season.

The Docherty Decision

Tony Docherty's dismissal after securing Dundee's top-flight status last season remains a contentious issue. Many, including BBC Sport Scotland pundit Michael Stewart, believe the decision was harsh. "Everybody outwith thinks that sacking was harsh," Stewart said. The appointment of Pressley, who had been out of management for six years, added another layer of uncertainty.

League Cup Catastrophe

Pressley's tenure began with a humiliating loss to Airdrieonians in the Premier Sports Cup, followed by a defeat to League One side Alloa Athletic. A narrow 3-1 win over Lowland League side Bonnyrigg Rose, who were relegated from the SPFL last season, did little to boost morale. A 5-0 victory over Montrose offered a glimmer of hope, but the loss to Hibs brought the team back down to earth.

Behind the Scenes

Pressley has been candid about the challenges he faces. The spine of the team was dismantled over the summer, with key players like Lyall Cameron, Josh Mulligan, and Joe Shaughnessy departing. Pressley has brought in seven new recruits but insists the squad is still six players short of being complete. "I came in here and I had some ideas about how I thought we could move forward," Pressley explained. "Then working with the players and seeing their strengths and their weaknesses, I've had to adapt."

What Lies Ahead

Dundee's upcoming fixtures are daunting, with matches against Rangers at Ibrox and Kilmarnock at Rugby Park looming large. The Dundee derby adds another layer of pressure. Pressley has called for patience from the Dundee faithful, but in the fast-paced world of modern football, patience is a rare commodity.

Conclusion

Dundee's early struggles under Steven Pressley are a cause for concern. With a squad still in transition and a challenging fixture list ahead, the road to redemption will be anything but easy. Whether Pressley can turn things around remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dundee is far from ready.