Dundee defender Craig McKeown has warned Dark Blues fans to be prepared for the possibility of their record-breaking team being scattered to the four winds in a couple of months’ time.
The optimist in McKeown would like to think that the current squad, which surpassed the legendary 1962 title-winning side’s run of 19 games unbeaten at the weekend, will stick together for another campaign, but the realist in him knows that scenario is highly unlikely.
As such, the message to the Dens Park faithful is this savour this team while it’s still here.
The centre-back admitted, “There are a number of boys in the squad who could definitely step up a level.
“It’s unfortunate for the football club that they’re not tied up on longer deals.
“There could be a lot of cherry-picking in the summer. If boys are to move on to a higher level they will deserve it.
“The run we’ve been on and the form that’s been shown has been phenomenal. If anybody’s future lies elsewhere, then I’ll wish them all the best.
“We just need to enjoy the rest of the season as a team and the supporters need to enjoy seeing these players while they’re here.
“Finances will dictate where some players’ futures lie. Until we know what division we’re going to be in next season the club won’t be able to make any plans.
“If would definitely be a shame if the team dismantles at the end of the season. The supporters would be upset and so would the boys if that happened.
“Right now we’ve still got a job to do to make sure Dundee Football Club is in the first division next season.”
One of those who would be capable of adjusting to life in the SPL is striker Sean Higgins, according to McKeown.
He said, “At the start of the season he didn’t get the rub of the green in front of goal, but now he’s getting the goals he deserves.
“He’s got fantastic ability, can finish, has two good feet and has a great touch. Higgy’s definitely one who could play at a higher level.”
Not that Higgins’ on-field performances are likely to stop him getting the dreaded camouflage all-in-one outfit which is awarded to the Dundee player voted the worst performer that week by his team-mates.
It’s an unwanted honour that McKeown himself currently has, he admitted.
“We’ve got this suit which you have to wear in training if you’re voted the worst player, but a lot of off field stuff is starting to come into play.
“I’ve actually got it just now for taking a cheeseboard to the pre-match meal before our game at Cowdenbeath.
“I wasn’t involved that day but I went along to support the boys. I stopped at a service station on the way up the road at Cumbernauld and thought I quite fancy a bit of biscuits and cheese.
“I’ve got some real stick for it. I think some of the lads have never seen nice cheese in their lives.
“I just said to them, ‘I’m not in the squad’. So I tucked into my Wensleydale and cranberry while they were having their scrambled eggs and beans.
“I picked it up for that and have been wearing it this week. I don’t think it’s fair that non-footballing factors have come into play, but if that’s the case my vote will definitely go to Higgins.”
The reason for that is the steak that the former Ross County man wore in his boot to protect a bruised foot during the Queen of the South match on Saturday.
McKeown said, “Higgy’s been getting pelters. Wearing a steak on your foot I’ve heard it all now. Who knows what was down the other sock.
“Mind you, he can put whatever he wants down it on Saturday if he scores again. To be fair, it couldn’t be happening to a nicer guy. He’s in great form and is reaping the rewards for it.”