Paul Hartley is determined to give Dundee every chance of surviving in next season’s Premiership.
The former Celtic midfielder took over at Dens Park in mid season and steered the club to a final day title triumph to achieve the unique feat of winning promotion in three successive seasons after taking Alloa from Division Three to the SPFL Championship.
Two years ago Dundee were drafted into the then SPL at the last minute with Barry Smith assembling a squad for the First Division then having to abandon that plan as they became Club 12 to take the place of Rangers who went into liquidation.
Smith’s side barely stood a chance in the top flight which was hardly surprising when they were given three weeks notice to prepare with Hartley determined to ensure that there is no repeat next term.
“The last time we were in the SPL, we were parachuted in at the last minute,” the Dens Park boss recalled. “We didn’t have time to prepare a squad that can compete so we have to make sure we do have the players to do so this time.
“We are in talks with new players just now and have offered contracts to three of them. We will hold talks this week with another three players we would like to bring in.
“I don’t want to mention any names but we are really active just now and have been since the last game of the season. We haven’t really stopped. We have let a number of players go already and there are some who are still under contract for next season.
“We have offered deals to a couple of the players who are still here and we are waiting to hear back from them but we are really active trying to bring players into the squad.
“It is really important that we hit the ground running. I want to have the majority of players signed for pre-season.
“We are back on June 26, so it may or may not happen. We will get knocked back by players — that is just a fact — but we have a list of targets we are trying to bring in to the club. But I would like to have some business done within the next week in terms of players coming in.”
The SPFL will announce their fixtures for the new season on June 24.