Tony Docherty rues Rangers 'fluke' that cost Dundee as he vents 'there's no way Cantwell meant that'

Tony Docherty declared himself delighted with Dundee’s campaign - then admitted he’s greedy for more next season.

The Dens Park outfit upset the odds to finish in the top six on their return to the Premiership. Their 5-2 defeat to Rangers ruled out their faint hopes of qualifying for Europe for the first time since 2003. But their boss is still “hugely proud” of what the Dark Blues have achieved this term.

He said: “Teams can win two or three games and get to a cup final but over a league campaign, to get into the top six is fantastic. We’ve fallen short defensively after the split against some top opposition but everything happens for a reasons and it’s good for me to see that going into next season. I don’t think anybody would have given us a chance. I know at the start of the season we were the favourites to be relegated.

“So to get into the top six was a fantastic achievement and that just illustrates to me know where we need to get better for next season and that’s what we will endeavour to do.”

Doc’s side looked on course for a famous win at Ibrox after going two-up through Jordan McGhee and Antonio Portales. The Dundee gaffer just wishes his side had held on to that lead until half-time.

Ross McCausland was able to pull one back before the break before Gers ran away with it in the second period. He said: “It was a fantastic first half display. We were on control of the game and when Rangers were in possession I thought we were excellent.

“When we had the ball we were brave and clinical. It was a top performance but I think we had to get in at half-time with that 2-0 lead. The Ross McCausland goal just before half-time changes the dynamic. We came out for the second half but I do think we need to do better again. It was a very preventable equaliser. We need to stop the ball coming in and defend our box better.

“As for the third, there’s no way Cantwell’s meant that. It’s a fluke. At 3-2 I went two strikers up because we needed to try and win the game but that opened us up a but and the game ran away from us.”