Docherty Discusses Club’s Future Stability and Sustainability Following Training Centre Approval

“We just want to make sure the boys are rewarded for what they have done at this football club.” Tony Docherty expressed optimism that the recent “fantastic” approval of their new Riverside training centre will positively influence current contract discussions involving several players. According to reports, 13 players’ contracts are set to expire at the conclusion of the season; however, Docherty stated he is at ease with the circumstances and confirmed that “talks are ongoing”. If these players remain with the club, they will benefit from enhanced facilities. Dundee City Council granted approval earlier this week for the planning application concerning a new football training centre and community hub, to be located at the city’s Riverside pitches. “These boys deserve it,” Docherty remarked while previewing Saturday’s match against Aberdeen. He added, “We have good facilities here, but to get approval for going into your own training ground is fantastic news. “It can contribute towards the ongoing talks and we just want to make sure the boys are rewarded for what they have done at this football club.” Docherty characterized this development as a “massive” step for the club, indicating he is “OK” with the current status of many members of his squad. He further stated, “It is important you look at each individual one, all the players are getting spoken to and it is important there is stability within the football club.” Docherty recalled, “It was well documented when I came in there were only three signed players, so we have managed in that first season to build up a core of players. “It is steady improvement every year and we are working very much on that basis to create that stability and that sustainability and that involves these contract extensions.” “These things are ongoing. We don’t want to put ourselves out there and mention any more than we need to but talks are ongoing,” he concluded.