Nevin backs Italian for job

Dundee are looking to the continent for a new manager

Motherwell player/chief executive Pat Nevin has wished former Tranmere team-mate Ivano Bonetti well if he takes up the challenge at Dundee.

Italian brothers, Ivano and Dario Bonetti, are set to take over the soon-to-be-vacant managerial roles at Dens Park.

The club is to part company with manager, Jocky Scott, and his assistant, Jimmy Bone, when their contracts expire in the summer.

Ivano Bonetti in his Grimsby days

Ivano Bonetti arrived at Prenton Park in 1996 where he took over the role occupied by Nevin.

Nevin said: "He was a very talented player. He has played for a lot of top clubs in Italy and his standard of play and fitness was exceptional.

"I believe he is still capable of playing. He always kept his body in good condition and he can still hack it at the top level in Scotland.

"I think he is about 35 or 36 now but he can still do a good job in the top flight at Dundee.

Fond memories

"He was well liked with the players at Tranmere and they have very fond memories of him.

"But I do feel sorry for Jocky and I hope he is back in the game very soon."

Scott's contract runs out on 9 July and it had been widely expected that he would leave at the end of the current season.

His position had become increasingly untenable after the board brought in new players without his knowledge or permission.

Pat Nevin: Praised Bonetti

Scott led his side to a 3-0 victory over city rivals Dundee United on Saturday, the first time they have beaten them at Dens Park since September 1989, and has enjoyed a season of relative success.

Dundee is the only team to have defeated champions Rangers in the league so far.

Scott said he was still in the dark as to why he was now surplus to requirements.

Badly-kept secret

He added: "I'm angry and resentful. What started off as the best week of the season with the derby win has turned into one of the worst days in my football career.

"I think it has been the worst-kept secret in Dundee my future was under review, but it does hurt that I wasn't told the truth when I asked for my future to be clarified quite a while ago."

However, the Dundee board has set its sights on challenging for a European spot and chief executive Peter Marr wants to bring in a big European name to manage the club.

In a statement, the club said: "The Dundee board today confirmed that they will not be renewing the contracts of Jocky Scott or Jimmy Bone when they expire in the summer.

"The board wishes to convey its sincere thanks to both men for their efforts during their time in charge of the team.

Scott has enjoyed relative success

"There is no doubt that both men have been instrumental in taking the club forward to the point where everyone's aspirations surpass mere Premier League survival.

"The decision not to proceed with the current management term is no reflection on the abilities of either man.

"The records of Jocky Scott and Jimmy Bone speak for themselves, but the unanimous decision of the board is that a change of direction at management level is the desired option.

"Dundee FC's primary goal for next season is to finish in the top six of the Scottish Premier League before the division splits in half.

"Thereafter the aim is to achieve a level of success and consistency year upon year that would guarantee European football at Dens Park each season.

"We do not believe that we are being unrealistic in striving to become the third force in Scottish football."

The club is expected to confirm the identity of the new management team in the near future.