'Hard work ahead' - Pressley bemoans Dundee loss

New Dundee head coach Steven Pressley stated his team should be "under no illusions how much work's required" following a 1-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat to Airdrieonians at Dens Park. This loss marked Pressley's first competitive match in charge since his surprising summer appointment, replacing Tony Docherty who had achieved a top-six finish and then avoided relegation in his two seasons.

Chris Mochrie's solitary goal secured the victory for Airdrieonians. Despite an improved second-half performance from Dundee, they couldn't find an equalizer. Pressley described the result as far from what they wanted, highlighting significant issues in both attacking and defending, admitting the team looked disjointed and not in sync.

Pressley attributed part of the poor display to limited preparation time, calling it a game with "real teething problems" and emphasizing that "every day on the training ground" is needed to improve. While expressing confidence in the current group of players and potential additions to fix the problems and stating he is "really excited" about the team, he stressed that progress will take time.

Dundee's next Group C fixtures are away to Alloa Athletic on Saturday, followed by a trip to Bonnyrigg Rose (22 July) and a home match against Montrose (26 July).