Imari Samuels, who has committed to Dundee for the next two and a half years, wants to start his senior career.
In a derby victory over Dundee United, the former Brighton child made his debut for the Dark Blues off the bench.
Dens Park is an excellent place to start with one appearance and one derby victory.
He is now committed to building on that start, starting this afternoon against Hearts in the Premiership.
According to Samuels, “I know I have the qualities and the ability to do it – it is just showing it now.”
After two-and-a-half years at Brighton that resulted in only one senior appearance, the 21-year-old had other offers to pick from as he sought to gain more first-team experience.
However, he was persuaded to go north of the border by the endorsements of two former teammates from the England youth teams.
Daniel [Oyegoke], who was at Hearts but recently moved, was the person I spoke with. Samuels continued, “He was with me in the World Cup squad and he was really positive.”
Additionally, I had a pleasant conversation with Ethan Ingram from this location. Through the England setup, I got to know Ethan.
“He simply stated that it would be a positive experience and an opportunity for me to come up here and demonstrate my abilities.
“Why Dundee? I believe that the manager’s eagerness to move on gave me complete confidence that I would be trusted to perform my duties when I arrived.
He simply stated that he completely knew my potential but that I hadn’t previously been given a full opportunity after showing me snippets of me from the games he had watched.
“He simply told me to come here and demonstrate my abilities to everyone.”
Charlie Adam
Last season the full-back joined up with a former Dundee captain at Fleetwood Town as they battled relegation from League One.
After playing for his boyhood club for the last few years, Charlie Adam transitioned into coaching, joining Everton as their set-piece coach after leaving Fleetwood.
However, he took the time to wish Samuels well with the Dee.
The England U/20 international stated, “He sent me a message wishing me luck and he just said, go and show what you can do.”
I believe I played four games under Charlie, who was very player-oriented.
We already had a relationship because I knew him from my time at Reading.
“It was just unfortunate that the situation prevented me from actually playing.”
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