Dundee manager James McPake has dedicated the 3-0 win over Motherwell to Dens Park legend Doug Cowie after the club’s all-time record appearance holder died at age 95.
Cowie made 446 appearances in dark blue and won two League Cups for Dundee – as well as representing Scotland at two World Cups – and McPake thinks his side’s performance was “a fitting tribute” although he insists they can still get better.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Luke McCowan and Danny Mullen goals had Dundee 2-0 up at the break before Ryan Sweeney netted a third shortly after the restart and McPake wasn’t happy with the officials after ruling out a “perfectly good” Mullen effort with the scores still level.
However, it was Dens Park icon Cowie that was forefront in McPake’s thoughts after watching his side stroll past a Motherwell side who have been fairly solid in recent weeks.
“It was a fitting tribute to Doug and you could feel the atmosphere in the stands,” McPake said.
“I mentioned it in my team-talk and that win was for a real legend of this football club. We work out of the room that was the Doug Cowie lounge.
“That was in our minds for the game and we got the win. Was it close to perfect? There are still things we can get better at.
“I also wish officials would get calls right. Danny Mullen scores a perfectly good goal at 0-0. First goals in games are massively important and he was onside.
“The officials got it wrong and I am annoyed because he deserved more than one goal.
“When managers make mistakes, we get hung out to dry. But I have seen the replay and for the life of me, I don’t get why we didn’t get the goal.”
McPake spent some time at home ill this week, passing responsibility over to his assistant manager and coaching staff and the Dundee boss had a special word for them after the 3-0 win increased their gap to Ross County at the bottom of the table, adding: “I need to give the coaches a special mention as I wasn’t there for a few days.
“They took training and set the team up right. Maybe I should just stay away now!”
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