Dundee’s pursuit of Jack Ross is nearing the end game.
Courier Sport understands that St Mirren can’t come close to the financial package the Dark Blues are able to offer the man they want to succeed Neil McCann in the Dens Park dugout.
The Buddies have been playing hardball regarding official talks between Dundee chief executive John Nelms and Ross but this is not putting the Premiership side off.
Far from it.
The small compensation clause in his Buddies’ contract isn’t an issue and the noises from the Ross camp have given them encouragement that he is keen on the Dundee job.
There is some understandable reluctance from the 40-year-old to abandon a St Mirren project that has only just begun but it would take a significant change of heart for him now to stay in Paisley, such is the pull of getting his big chance in the top flight.
The smart money is on Ross returning from his family holiday in the next few days and being unveiled as the new Dundee manager.
If – more likely, when – this happens it will be a huge disappointment to former Dundee captain Gary Irvine.
Now a Saints player, he said: “I’ve got a massive connection to Dundee. I know the club and going on previous appointments, it looks like they want to go for that young manager who is up and coming.
“It’s no surprise there is a bit of interest given how well the team finished the season, he has come in and both he and team have earned a lot of plaudits for what we achieved in getting ourselves out of trouble.
“Obviously that has been recognised and it’s no surprise that when jobs do come up that he is linked with them.”
Irvine, who played for Dundee between 2010 and 2016, added: “The boys took to his training regime and drills really well.
“Coaching-wise, it’s something new and fresh and the boys bought into that.
“Eventually we managed to start getting the rewards on the pitch.
“I think it comes naturally to him as well, he likes to be involved with his players and the man-management side of it is there as well.
“He’s done everything right since he’s been here and it all managed to click into place.”
