Tuesday 31st May 2016
HE arrived back in Scotland yesterday with his batteries re-charged, and having brought the sun back with him.
Now, for Stevie Aitken, it’s all about bringing players to the Sons.
The gaffer is back from his break in Turkey and has already been in conversation with his staff and possible signings.
And although quite happy with how things progressed last week, with assistant Stevie Farrell overseeing matters, it is hoped that further business will be done.
He said: “There’s nothing concrete to report at the moment. I’ve spent today catching up with Stevie and Stuart Millar, and with existing and potential new players.
“Tomorrow we will press ahead and continue with our efforts, and hopefully there will be something to report soon.
“I’m delighted with were we are in terms of squad building at the moment, compared to last season where we only had about two players signed at this point.
“It’s difficult at the end of May because players don’t like to commit at that time. We are quite happy with the number we have re-signed and signed.”
Stevie also now knows that Dundee, Peterhead, Forfar and East Fife will be Sons’ first four opponents of the season in the League Cup – not necessarily in that order.
But the draw against the Dark Blues will not affect the friendly with them at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium on Tuesday, June 28. That match will still take place.
He continued: “It is surprising that we are in the northern section but it is what it is and we just have to get on with it.
“Every game in the group will be tough. Dundee will probably be the favourites to win the group, and the others will view us as a side they can match.
“Peterhead will be a tough place to go if we are away there, and we know about East Fife from last season.
“The friendly with Dundee will stay the same. Paul Hartley is happy to play it and it is right at the start of pre-season, so things will be different for both teams when we meet in the League Cup.
“We are also getting friendlies confirmed with a couple of other teams and something should happen with that within the next few days.”
Stevie is also mindful of the commitments of players away from the game, especially with pre-season just around the corner.
He added: “Pre-season has been planned weeks in advance and we’re itching to get back into it. There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes.
“The early start can cause problems with part-time players, especially ones who have kids at school who will just be starting their summer holidays when the season starts.
“If we are away to Peterhead in midweek then that will be a big problem getting people off work, but we have to get on with it.”
Andy Galloway