The Championship title race will reach its conclusion this weekend with Dundee, Hamilton Accies or Falkirk picking up the title and promotion to the Premiership.
The Dark Blues are in pole position with 66 points and a goal difference of +27, the New Douglas Park club sit second on 64 points with a +19 goal difference and third placed Falkirk have 63 points and a goal difference of +24.
Things were pretty tight over 20 years ago when Billy Dodds was part of a Dundee side that won the First Division despite winning only one of their last 6 games. At that time the Dark Blues saw off Partick Thistle and a late surge from Hamilton Accies to be the title winners.
Dodds said: “That was a really enjoyable season when Simon Stainrod was the manager of the club. We had real characters in the team like Ian McCall as well as Simon. There were other players round like Eddie Gallagher, Kevin Bremner and Alan Dinnie but we had the league won before the final day thankfully as I think we lost to Montrose that day.”
The former Scotland striker reckons that there will be pressure on Paul Hartley’s side to deliver as he explained: “There will be an 11,500 crowd desperate to see them beat Dumbarton and win the league. That is a huge backing which is great but it can also work against you. Dundee have been in front of similar crowds before and a big Dens Park crowd can have a nervous influence on the players.”
“The players may feel the pressure and just stumble their way through things. However I bet that the 11,500 and everyone else associated with Dundee would take a stumbling win and the three points. They could play really poorly and everyone would be delighted if they get over the finishing line with a win.”
Dodds reckons another Dundee title will be won as he explained: “I expect them to do it, I really do, but I do think that it will not be done with a really smooth performance. If there is any team you cannot afford to take lightly it is Dumbarton, especially when you consider what they did to Hamilton Accies last weekend in their 4-1 win.”
“Dundee will treat Dumbarton as very dangerous opponents but by hook or by crook I expect Dundee to win. It will be nervous as Dumbarton are a side that can score goals, however Dundee will take some comfort from the fact that Dumbarton can lose goals as well.”
Dodds, who has seen the Championship close up this season in his role as a coach with Queen of the South, added: “Dumbarton’s ‘Goals For’ column and their ‘Goals Against’ column speak for themselves. It will be an entertaining game but I cannot see Dundee having a nice solid and untroubled performance. I do not see them getting a 2-0 or 3-0 swash-buckling performance.”
“There will be some scary moments as Dumbarton will attack them. They will create chances and every time they do, everyone will start thinking about the big prize that is within touching distance.”
Dodds added: “It will be nervy but I reckon it will be a great day for Dundee and that they will get there. 1-0 will do them.”
Hamilton v Morton
Dodds said: “Morton have certainly had an influence in the last couple of weeks after beating Dundee and then drawing with Falkirk. However, I expect Hamilton to do their job.”
“Morton have had a freeness about them in recent weeks however there is a job to be done by Hamilton Accies and I expect them to do it. They will not want to walk off without having won and then walk off to hear that Dundee have drawn or lost.”
“Hamilton will beat Morton by a couple of goals but I think their day will end in disappointment as Dundee will win.”
Falkirk v Alloa
The Bairns have not topped the table since February and Dodds does not reckon that they will be top after the final game.
However whilst they may not win the title, Falkirk have another prize to go for and that is a passage to the second round of Play-Offs by finishing second.
The 45-year-old said: “I would reckon that Falkirk will have mixed emotions about this game. They could well have a hangover after drawing with Morton last week as that was a real chance to overtake Hamilton and move to within a point of Dundee.”
“Their goal difference is better than Hamilton’s but three worse than Dundee so they need a couple of goals and results to go their way as well.”
If they win 2-0 and Dundee lose 2-0 they are still dependant on Hamilton not winning so they may well feel that they have blown things. The Morton game was a missed opportunity for Falkirk as if they were a point behind Dundee there is a bit more pressure on Paul Hartley’s side to win.”
Dodds added: “It could be flat and they are facing a determined Alloa side that will be looking to see how Queen of the South are getting on at Cowdenbeath. If Cowdenbeath win, Alloa are in the relegation Play-Offs so the Wasps will be fighting to win this game.”
“Alternatively Falkirk could view second spot as a major prize as they would miss out on playing in the first round of the Play-Offs. That is a real incentive.”
“I can see Falkirk winning it as they are the better side but it will be a flat affair. They will do their job but Alloa will make it really difficult. A 2-1 for Falkirk and if we win at Cowdenbeath then Alloa have quickly to turn their attention to the Play-Offs.”
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