Ryan Conroy says he jumped at the chance to sign for Dundee again because they’re are all geared up to win the First Division title next season.
The former Celtic starlet signed a new one-year deal 24 hours before the Dark Blues saw off Livingston to clinch the runners-up slot and finish the season with a flurry thanks to debut boy Jamie Reid’s second-half wonder goal.
Conroy has been a stand-out for Barry Smith’s side since Christmas onwards as he helped them mount a genuine title fight only for newly-crowned champions Ross County to prove relentless in their march towards the title.
Now Dundee are bidding to finally secure a long-awaited return to the top-flight having been absent since relegation in 2005 and playmaker Conroy is convinced their time is about to come.
He said: ”That’s the plan for next year to kick on. Hopefully we can go one better than this season. We know we’ve got a good enough team and we really believe in each other’s ability.
”We’ll go away now, have a good rest, and when we come back we’ll know what’s expected of us next season.
”We’re a big club when you look at our fan base and hopefully they’re happy after seeing us finishing second. We’ve got the structure to be an SPL team and that’s definitely our main objective for next term.”
He added: “I had no hesitation in signing for another year. This has been my first real year away from Celtic when I’ve not been on loan so it’s been good. It took me a while to get going but ever since Christmas I feel I’ve showed my true form.
”I’ve really enjoyed my football and can’t wait for next season to carry on from where we’ve left off.”
Despite their best efforts, Dundee were always playing catch-up with SPL new boys County and Conroy had no qualms congratulating the Staggies on their impressive achievement.
He said: ”County’s consistency has been amazing. For any team to go 34 games unbeaten is a great achievement. No matter what we had done I don’t think it would have made any difference.
”Even though we had a bad start, it would still have been very difficult trying to catch them. Fair play to them. The best team have won the league and now it’s up to us to try and assume that position next season.
”We’ve ended the season on a high. We’re happy enough with second. After all the club has been through off the park, to get the runners-up slot shows good progress.”
Dundee’s teenage winger Reid grabbed the limelight as his superb 48th-minute strike gave them victory. The 18-year-old looks is sure to play an even bigger role in next season’s promotion push and Conroy can vouch he’s got what it takes to make the step-up.
He said: ”Jamie scored an unbelievable goal. It’s fair to say he’s a real prospect. Jamie has trained with us a few times in the year and you can see he’s got undoubted ability. He’s got two great feet, is quick and can finish as he showed out here.
”I’m delighted for him to make such a big impact on his debut. He’s not scared. He’ll carry on taking on defenders even if he gets a few knocks so he’s obviously chuffed himself.”
Dundee boss Smith echoed Smith’s sentiments about the promising local lad who left Livingston keeper Andy McNeil helpless with his scorcher high into the net.
He said: ”Jamie did really well. It’s important we produce our own players for the future and seeing Jamie make his debut will hopefully encourage some of the other young lads to aim high.”