Dundee manager Steven Pressley, smiling with a tote bag in hand, took his team to the derby on the short walk from Tannadice. This time last year, Pressley was met with outrage when he joined the Dens Park club as he struggled to win over the reaction of Dundee fans. He then faced difficulties, including consecutive defeats against lower league teams, elimination from the League Cup and a five-game winless start to the Scottish Premiership season. The fourth of this five-game series ended with a 2-0 defeat against rivals Dundee United. The pressure was increasing. But a year later, the same scoreline went in favor of Pressley's team, and the former defender had a run of success that was contrary to what was initially expected from him. The derby loss last August left Dundee second bottom of the table. On Saturday, the away fans left Tannadice with the joy of finishing second.

"I'm extremely proud of this group of players," Pressley said in an interview with BBC Scotland, emphasizing that derby matches are never won with tactical details, but with spirit and determination. Pressley praised the character of his players at Tannadice after the match, but also stated that they actually failed to follow the instructions he gave them. "To be honest, we didn't execute any part [of our game plan]. But what was evident in our performance was the perseverance and determination that your fans are always proud of."

Following the end of last season, which saw Dundee stay relegated with three wins in their last four league games, Pressley's side have now won five of their last seven Scottish Premiership games. As usual, the manager was cautious about his team's prospects following this win, but behind closed doors they are known to be determined to improve on last season's eighth-place finish. "The most pleasing thing is that all three league games have been extremely tough," said Pressley, "but at the moment there is a spirit and solidarity between us which is helping us a lot."Pressley, who was considered a joke figure this time last year, is a big reason why his players enjoy playing under him. However, this should not overshadow his ability as a coach on the field; Because he has improved in this regard at Premier League club Brentford for more than four years. Pressley's contacts in England have helped Dundee make magic in the loan market over the past year. However, the majority of the team is made up of parts borrowed from Scottish football. "Pressley is a master who instills confidence in players and creates a positive environment for them to develop," former Falkirk player Ryan Flynn said in an interview with BBC Scotland.