Old-School Dee: The proper delights of Dundee FC

Words: Glenn Poulton

Images: Glenn Poulton

Around 15 years ago, while working in Dundee, I ticked off my first Scottish ground in Dundee United's, Tannadice Park.

It was a long time coming to make the extra 200 yards up the road to Dens Park, home of Dundee FC.

Recently The Dee have announced plans for a new all-singing, all-dancing 12,500 multi-purpose stadium in another part of the city, so now was a good a time as any to finally tick off the second of the three grounds on this street in Dundee before it is gone forever.

Modern stadia do nothing for me, give me the old-school towering floodlights with housing estates as a backdrop every time and that is exactly what Dens Park has been for over 125 years now. Proper.

Boxing Day 2023 for a game against Celtic turned out to be a typical run of the mill league game with regards the score and how the match played out generally but for the three of us visiting for Sheffield, the £32 entrance fee even came with a paper ticket which is a rarity in itself.

A purchase of a £3 printed programme, proved I still know how to treat myself!

©Glenn Poulton/ Terrace Edition. Dundee FC.

The old-school vibe of Dens Park was great to see, from the scaffold gantry clinging to south east stand roof for the TV cameras, to the pie kiosks placed outside of the stand.

Both ends behind either goal were brought up to SPL standards in 1998 with both identical 3,000 capacity all-seater stands being knocked down and rebuilt in just 82 days following a promotion to the newly named Scottish Premier League.

A new club shop and ticket office were further additions.

The Archibald-Leitch built main stand with its iconic chevron design is going to be replicated at the new stadium according to the club's announcement pre-Christmas.

A couple of pints of Guinness in The Athletic Bar before kick-off, only a stone’s throw from the ground before a festive Turkey Balti pie at half-time made for an all-round happy hopping Boxing Day. The pub was mixed with both home and away supporters, who I imagine were all just happy for some 3pm football.

The third ground on that stretch of the road is Gussie Park, now named Foundation Park and is home to Dundee United women's team who play in the top division. In 2023 they opened the new 200 seater stand which sits bang opposite Tannadice Park.

Nothing ever lasts forever but Dens Park continues to offer a path to football’s past.