Gary Bowyer’s first signing as Dundee manager is defender Tyler French.
The 23-year-old signed a two-year deal on Tuesday, joining up with his former Bradford City coach once more.
Having spent the majority of his career in the English non-leagues, French wasn’t exactly a household name around Dens Park before his move north.
But he is a player the Dark Blues have paid a fee to sign him from Wrexham.
So who is he?
‘Incredible physical attributes’
French moved up from non-league football, leaving a part-time job, into his first pro contract at Bradford City under Gary Bowyer at the age of 20.
Now 23, Bowyer has moved again to sign him from Wrexham and, though he has plenty still to learn, the Dundee boss is delighted to add him to the squad.
“Tyler is very level-headed and his background going from building conservatory bases to where he is in his career now is something he should be very proud of,” Bowyer said.
“He came on trial when I was at Bradford and he had this burning desire to be a professional footballer.
“What he has got is incredible physical attributes. He’s very quick, I’d say he’ll be one of the fastest here.
“And he’s getting better all the time.
“We’re fortunate we were able to get him out of Wrexham and there were other clubs interested.
“He showed a real commitment to come here and that was particularly impressive.
“He understands the work that has to take place here but he sees the benefit of being here.”
Hollywood stardust
After 18 months at Bradford, where he began to get regular action in his second season, French had an unusual move ahead of him.
There aren’t many footballers in the world whose signing was funded by Deadpool. Or the actor who played him anyway.
Superstar Ryan Reynolds and Hollywood pal Rob McElhenney hadn’t yet taken control of Wrexham when French arrived in Wales.
He had been released by Bradford City at the end of the January 2021 transfer window with the Welsh club keen to pick him up.
However, the takeover hadn’t yet been finalised. So Reynolds and McElhenney donated money to the club to ensure French and Dior Angus could be signed before the transfer deadline.
French played 17 times in his debut season and 24 last term after being in and out of the side.
Wrexham
French made an immediate impact at the Welsh club, though not a positive one, as he was sent off on debut just a day after signing.
But he became a regular for the rest of the campaign as the Dragons finished in eighth.
Under Phil Parkinson last term, French was in the side mainly at right-back or right wing-back before dropping out of the side in November.
He then didn’t appear much until an injury to Aaron Hayden saw him return late in the season to help the side finish second.
In his 24 appearances, there were 11 clean sheets.
And French had done enough to earn a contract extension in February.
Parkinson said at the time: “We wanted to give him that assurance that we feel, first he’s made a contribution this season and second, going forward he has a significant one to make.
“I feel with Tyler he has made a good contribution, and he’s been unlucky not to be involved more.
“He’s a young player, he’ll keep getting better and we are enjoying working with him.”
That had changed by the end of the campaign, however, when Dundee showed their interest.
After the move to Dens Park was agreed, Parkinson said: “I really wish Tyler all the best.
“He was keen to get more first-team football and I felt his opportunities were going to be limited with us this season.”
From non-league to brushing shoulders with the Hollywood elite, how will French fare in his next step as he takes on Scottish football?
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