Mark Kerr keen to repay Barry Smith for finally sealing Dundee deal

By EUAN MCARTHUR
Published on 14/09/2012 00:00

NEW Dundee recruit Mark Kerr last night pledged to repay manager Barry Smith after watching his move to Tayside rivals St Johnstone collapse.

The former Dundee United, Aberdeen and Dunfermline midfielder completed his move to the SPL newcomers yesterday and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Motherwell at Dens Park.

Kerr, 30, was all set to make his Saints debut against old club United two weeks ago until a last-minute hitch scuppered the deal. Now he’s vowing to pay back Dens Park manager Smith for handing him the chance to finally kickstart his career after leaving Dunfermline at the end of last season.

Kerr said: “Different things happened a couple of weeks ago but Barry has been very straightforward with me. At St Johnstone there was a deal done. I had done my medical and was on the park before the game with Dundee United and then it just never happened.

“I don’t know what happened between the manager and the chairman. The manager was fine but I didn’t speak to the chairman. It didn’t come off but I’m delighted to sign for Dundee.

“Now I’m just going to give 100 per cent and hopefully help the lads have a good season.

“The gaffer here has been brilliant. He’s wanted me all along and that means a lot. He’s been very straight with me and hasn’t tried to use my situation against me as I was a free agent so I want to do my best for him.”

Kerr was in limbo over the summer and admits it was a nightmare not knowing where his future lay. He added: “It’s been the worst summer I can remember. In the past I’ve always had a contract but this time it was different so it was difficult.

“I’ve trained with teams for three days and the managers have said there’d be a deal and then there wasn’t.

“Sometimes that’s how things go in football but that’s all behind me now and I want to look to the future.”

Kerr brings a wealth of experience to Dundee, who have been crying out for a streetwise figure as they bid to kick on following their first win away to Hearts recently. And he added: “The boys are buzzing. They got a good win down at Hearts in their last game so are raring to go.

“They seem to be quite happy with the way they are playing and are looking to build on this.

“It’s going to be hard but hopefully it will be enjoyable and I can play my part in helping us stay up. I think I brought some know-how to my last club. The boys at Dunfermline would probably say that.

“The other boys who’ve all come recently have brought in a decent level of experience which you need in the SPL.

“Over the past few weeks, they’ve added a good bit of experience so that can augur well.”