Derek Lyle

Since the news came out that Derek Lyle has signed a pre contract agreement with Hamilton there has been much debate over the issue on Dee Mad. There have been a few posters who say they know why he's done so. My favourite theory is that he's aware that he's not gifted enough to be an SPL player and would like to stay in his natural environment of the SFL. Of course that argument has one vital flaw. He's signed for the club that's been top of the 1st almost all season and because they still lie 4 points in front, have to be favourites for promotion. Who knows what the reason is? (And now he's signed for the Accies, who cares?) Maybe it's geographical, financial, or some other personal or professional reason that the sunbed assassin wants to leave Dens. My opinion as soon as I heard he was on his way out was Lyle should never play again for Dundee. Not out of any motive for revenge at his perceived betrayal of DFC. Just because I don't believe, because he has already declared that his future interests lay elsewhere, and whether he's a total professional or not, that mentally he can truly give 100% for DFC. Because of the cup-tied status of our new signings, and the different nature of the competition, added to the fact that our striking opinion without the two newcomers are decidedly limited, I've softened the stance from Lyle never playing again for us, to never playing again for us in the league. In the league, it looks like Alex Rae has a dilemma most fans don't understand, it's clear that after recent team selections, Rae still rates Lyle in front of Jan or Jani. Not a great moral booster for those two. Does that do yet more harm to their form? What does it say playing a striker ahead of you, who has already declared he doesn't want to stay? I suppose Rae is charged with putting what he feels is his the strongest team out on the park every week no matter what the feelings of the players he's left out. Still it doesn't say much for the long-term prospects of either of the overlooked strikers. You've got to think that Jani especially, hasn't been given very much time on the park to prove his worth to the club. But really, if it all comes down to the last game against Hamilton, could Rae seriously pick Lyle to play? Would it be unfair to the player to play him in a game against his future employers, especially when the result may decide where he plays his football in future? Even more importantly, would it be fair to DFC or us, the fans? Of course every game until the end of the season is as important, and has a bearing on where Hamilton or DFC play next year. So, if that's the case, what's the difference picking him for the Hamilton game or any of the previous league games? Better, imho, to sit Lyle down, and explain he's still a Dee till the summer, let him train, and if we stay in the cup, pick him for those squads. But make it clear to him, the only way he'll be included in a league squad would be if we had an injury crisis that took out every player at the club, all the back room staff and the tea lady, and, only if that happened, would he ever be considered for a league game. Under the pre contract situation he has every right He has the right to sign elsewhere and secure his financial and professional future elsewhere. Just as long as he realises the club has the right to protect it's own interests. So,in conclusion, good-bye Derek Lyle, thanks for everything, don't let the door bang your arse on the way out. Here's to you still being an SFL player next season