Pressley signs new Dundee deal but warns of pain ahead

Head coach Steven Pressley says signing a new contract with Dundee was the "right decision", despite "a lot of pain ahead" for the club.

The Dens Park outfit have not disclosed details of Pressley's new deal, but it is believed he remains on a one-year rolling contract.

The 52-year-old replaced Tony Docherty in June 2025 and guided Dundee to an eighth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season.

"We'd been discussing [a new contract] for some time," Pressley said. "And obviously I'm delighted to get that over the line.

"From just a personal perspective, it was really important. I've been living up here without my family and my wife for the best part of a year and I think sometimes people forget that managers are actually human beings."

Off the back of the new deal, Pressley's wife is now moving back up to Scotland and he says it was challenging living on his own.

"We're vulnerable," he said. "We have feelings like everybody else and the journey in life of a manager can be very difficult and very lonely at times.

"When you're quite isolated and away from the most important people in your life, it can be challenging."

Aside from the personal benefits, Pressley says Dundee suits him professionally and believes the club are moving in a positive direction, even though he has had to deal with several players leaving this summer.

Defenders Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio have moved to Stoke City and Charlton Athletic, respectively. Goalkeeper Jon McCracken left for Bradford City, while key loanees such as Yan Dhanda, Cameron Congreve and Tony Yogane have returned to their parent clubs.

"I'm very honest about situations," Pressley said. "I think there's still a lot of pain ahead for us. We've lost so many key, influential players from last year. To replace them is very difficult.

"We've brought in players that we have confidence in, but it'll take time to settle. That is one thing I can assure people, that it's going to take time. It did with players last season and it's going to take the same again this year.

"There has to be a degree of patience and understanding."

Pressley admits the backing of managing director John Nelms was key to him extending his stay, and says Motherwell's recent success can provide a blueprint for Dundee.

"I think there's a lot of scope for growth here," he said

"It's difficult to put a timescale on, but I think we've already got a club in Scotland that are a great example to others.

"Motherwell are commanding astronomical transfer fees for players. They're developing their club within. They've qualified for Europe. So that has to be an aspiration of ourselves."

Dundee open their Premiership season with a trip to champions Celtic on Monday night, an "enormous challenge" that Pressley is embracing.

"Celtic haven't lost an opening-day fixture at home for nearly 76 years," he said.

"But I also like those challenges. I think our players respond well to those challenges."