Dundee boss Paul Hartley has poured cold water on an alleged link between the club and a Dutch consortium investing in the Dark Blues’ youth set-up.
Reports emerged yesterday suggesting Dundee had held talks with a group from the Netherlands keen to become involved with the development of the club’s young players with a Dutch coach already apparently lined up to replace Gerry Creaney who left his post as head of youth at Dens on Tuesday.
However, Hartley admitted that was all news to him.
He said: “I think it is a load of rubbish, to be honest. The first I saw of it was in the wee clips this morning.
“I don’t know anything about a Dutch consortium or coach.
“Obviously, Gerry is away so I think John (Nelms) and myself will sit down and discuss what we are going to do but there will probably be nothing done until after the New Year.”
When asked why Creaney had left, Hartley said: “I think it was just a different direction in terms of the people at the top.
“My main focus is the first team. Obviously, I have a bit of input into the youth side of it but it was a decision the club made.”
Earlier this week, Dundee were also linked with playing a league game in America against Celtic.
The Dark Blues did finally confirm that talks were indeed at a very early stage between the clubs.
Hartley admitted he did not know the fine details of the discussions but he insisted he would have no problem taking his team to the States if the game was ever given the green light.
He said: “It is something we don’t know too much about but it could be interesting if it happens, taking the Scottish game somewhere else.
“We are trying to make the product in Scotland better and like Celtic have said, it is something we have to explore in terms of revenue and trying to make our game better.
“If it happens, great. Wherever we are asked to play we will go there.
“As a manager and as a group of players, if you are asked to go and play somewhere then you go.
“I have played in America before with Celtic in Chicago against the MLS All Stars.
“The ground was packed as Celtic are a big brand there.
“But there is no reason why we can’t explore our club brand also.
“Scottish clubs have been craving to do something different. We cannot just get by on TV money and revenue so clubs have to try to look elsewhere.
“If it does happen, great. If it doesn’t, fine. At least the clubs are trying to think outside the box and let more people see the Scottish game.”
With all that had been happening off the field this week, it was almost easy to forget that Dundee have a vitally-important league game tonight against an in-form St Johnstone side at McDiarmid Park.
However, Hartley admits his players are fully focused on the Tayside derby.
He said: “It should be a good game against a high-flying St Johnstone team that are doing really well.
“They are strong and deserve all the plaudits they are getting.
“But I think we are only the second team to take points off Hearts at Tynecastle.
“So it was a good performance from us last week.
“The players are really excited about it (Saints game).
“It is on the TV and should be a great atmosphere in front of a big crowd.
“It is a local derby so it has the makings of a good game.”
Hartley has a fully-fit squad to choose from for the game.