Dundee: Manager Steven Pressley signs new contract

Aside from the personal benefits, Pressley says Dundee suits him professionally and believes the club are moving in a positive direction, even though he has had to deal with several players leaving this summer.

Defenders Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio have moved to Stoke City and Charlton Athletic, respectively. Goalkeeper Jon McCracken left for Bradford City, while key loanees such as Yan Dhanda, Cameron Congreve and Tony Yogane have returned to their parent clubs.

“I’m very honest about situations,” Pressley said. “I think there’s still a lot of pain ahead for us. We’ve lost so many key, influential players from last year. To replace them is very difficult.

“We’ve brought in players that we have confidence in, but it’ll take time to settle. That is one thing I can assure people, that it’s going to take time. It did with players last season and it’s going to take the same again this year.

“There has to be a degree of patience and understanding.”

Pressley admits the backing of managing director John Nelms was key to him extending his stay, and says Motherwell’s recent success can provide a blueprint for Dundee.

“I think there’s a lot of scope for growth here,” he said

“It’s difficult to put a timescale on, but I think we’ve already got a club in Scotland that are a great example to others.

“Motherwell are commanding astronomical transfer fees for players. They’re developing their club within. They’ve qualified for Europe. So that has to be an aspiration of ourselves.”

Dundee open their Premiership season with a trip to champions Celtic on Monday night, an “enormous challenge” that Pressley is embracing.

“Celtic haven’t lost an opening-day fixture at home for nearly 76 years,” he said.

“But I also like those challenges. I think our players respond well to those challenges.”