There is always a heavy price to pay for relegation from the top flight in Scotland, and that was felt by Dundee manager Tommy Gemmell.
A cutting, dated April 25, 1980, and under the heading ‘Gemmell Leaves Dens’, said:
Tommy Gemmell’s reign as Dundee manager came to an end yesterday morning when he offered his resignation to the Dundee Board at the club offices in Reform Street, and it was accepted.
Gemmell then left for Dens to clear his desk out before heading for his hotel home in Errol, his short career as Dundee boss over, and the club back in the First Division where they were when he succeeded Davie White in June 1977.
Dundee are to advertise for his replacement and are after a top-class tracksuit manager.
Coach Hugh Robertson will be in charge of the team for the last two games against Kilmarnock at Dens Park tomorrow and for Celtic’s return visit next Wednesday (both were 2-0 defeats).
In a statement made by the board yesterday, the club made it clear they are to continue as full-timers, despite the fact their two seasons in the First Division last time cost them around £400,000.
Chairman Ian Gellatly had no qualms arriving at this decision, even though it was felt by many that Dundee might be tempted to turn to part-time football now they have been relegated.
“We will continue as a full-time club,” he said. “Dundee have a wonderful support and deserve full-time football. We will endeavour to make all the financial arrangements necessary to make this possible.”
Meantime, there is tremendous speculation about who will succeed Gemmell.
The writer then goes on to offer names such as Raith Rovers manager Gordon Wallace, Keith boss Bobby Wilson, former St Johnstone manager Alex Stuart — all former Dundee players.
Others mentioned as possibles in the article were former Hibs boss Eddie Turnbull, along with Dundonian Peter Lorimer, who was playing in the later stages of his career in Canada.
History now shows that none of the above got the nod, the gig eventually being offered to and accepted by former Dundee United goalkeeper Donald Mackay.
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