My pal in Dundee has just informed me of this:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport</a> ... y-1.358212
Premier League giants Manchester City will take on Dundee in a pre-season glamour friendly.
The Dark Blues today announced that the English top flight champions elect will visit Dens Park on Sunday July 13.
International stars such as Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany look set to grace the Dens turf as part of the Citizens’ tour north of the border.
More than a dozen Scottish clubs have been in negotiations to play Manuel Pellegrini’s City, who will spend a week training in St Andrews this summer prior to jetting off to the US.
So newly-promoted Dundee have pulled off a major coup in securing the game, which is thought to be part of a two game programme in Scotland.
Manager Paul Hartley could not hide his delight at the news.
And he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“To have such a challenge match against a team of the calibre of Manchester City at the beginning of next season shows exactly how big our club have been thinking recently,” said Paul.
“I look forward to matching our squad of players against Manchester City.”
Chief executive Scot Gardiner, who with other officials at the club has been working on securing the visit of the Etihad outfit since January, admitted it’s amazing news for the club.
And Gardiner revealed it’s just the start of what is set to be a very exciting summer for Dark Blues fans.
He said: “We’re thrilled to play against Manchester City in our opening game of next season.
“Paul and his team will face a fantastic test.
“I’m particularly pleased for our fans and indeed football fans across Scotland who will have a rare chance to see Manuel Pelligrini’s side of superstars up close and personal at Dens Park.”
Gardiner’s opposite number at the English League Cup winners, Ferran Soriano, added: “Manchester City is deeply proud of its historic ties with Scotland, having had many greats such as Willie Donachie, Paul Dickov and Colin Hendry wear the Club crest.
“The manager and players alike are extremely excited about visiting Dundee, to not only see our loyal fans, but also prepare for the new season against strong opposition who richly deserve their title as SPFL Championship champions.
“Dundee is a club steeped in history, so it’s sure to be a great game of football with a fantastic atmosphere for both sets of fans in Dens Park.”
This won’t be the first time the pair have met.
Back in 1965 goals from Carl Bertelsen and Andy Penman gave the Dark Blues victory at Maine Road.
In 1986 the pair met twice in a month the first a 2-2 draw in Bobby Glennie’s testimonial and then again played out a 1-1 draw during the Dark Blues tour of the North America.
*Season ticket holders will be guaranteed a seat and also discounted admittance for the fixture.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport</a> ... y-1.358212
Premier League giants Manchester City will take on Dundee in a pre-season glamour friendly.
The Dark Blues today announced that the English top flight champions elect will visit Dens Park on Sunday July 13.
International stars such as Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany look set to grace the Dens turf as part of the Citizens’ tour north of the border.
More than a dozen Scottish clubs have been in negotiations to play Manuel Pellegrini’s City, who will spend a week training in St Andrews this summer prior to jetting off to the US.
So newly-promoted Dundee have pulled off a major coup in securing the game, which is thought to be part of a two game programme in Scotland.
Manager Paul Hartley could not hide his delight at the news.
And he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“To have such a challenge match against a team of the calibre of Manchester City at the beginning of next season shows exactly how big our club have been thinking recently,” said Paul.
“I look forward to matching our squad of players against Manchester City.”
Chief executive Scot Gardiner, who with other officials at the club has been working on securing the visit of the Etihad outfit since January, admitted it’s amazing news for the club.
And Gardiner revealed it’s just the start of what is set to be a very exciting summer for Dark Blues fans.
He said: “We’re thrilled to play against Manchester City in our opening game of next season.
“Paul and his team will face a fantastic test.
“I’m particularly pleased for our fans and indeed football fans across Scotland who will have a rare chance to see Manuel Pelligrini’s side of superstars up close and personal at Dens Park.”
Gardiner’s opposite number at the English League Cup winners, Ferran Soriano, added: “Manchester City is deeply proud of its historic ties with Scotland, having had many greats such as Willie Donachie, Paul Dickov and Colin Hendry wear the Club crest.
“The manager and players alike are extremely excited about visiting Dundee, to not only see our loyal fans, but also prepare for the new season against strong opposition who richly deserve their title as SPFL Championship champions.
“Dundee is a club steeped in history, so it’s sure to be a great game of football with a fantastic atmosphere for both sets of fans in Dens Park.”
This won’t be the first time the pair have met.
Back in 1965 goals from Carl Bertelsen and Andy Penman gave the Dark Blues victory at Maine Road.
In 1986 the pair met twice in a month the first a 2-2 draw in Bobby Glennie’s testimonial and then again played out a 1-1 draw during the Dark Blues tour of the North America.
*Season ticket holders will be guaranteed a seat and also discounted admittance for the fixture.