This is what the manager had to say to the media in the Dens Park press room after the game this evening:

“It was a tight game.

“I thought we had some good moments in the first half. But it was a bit too frantic, a bit, we have a go, they have a go. I wanted to get a bit more control. I think we anticipated the system Neil went with, a system that worked so well for them at Ross County last week. We played a system that we hoped would nullify that and also ask questions of them. Neil changed it and we were then not getting quite as much control and I thought they finished the first half slightly the better team although Ryan Christie has had two or three chances.

“We made the change at half time with Kari Arnason coming on and with O’Connor moving alongside Shinnie. I thought we were far better, plus we get the goal early on. it was a scrappy goal but an important goal nonetheless.

“I think from then on in the home team is always going to have bits and pieces and the odd flurry of attacks. I thought we managed the game pretty well. In the later stages of the game we were stuck a bit between stick or twist – do we try and go all out to get the second goal or just manage the game and hopefully see it out. I thought by and large we did that apart from a couple of balls into the box from set plays (which caused a few problems late on).

“I thought we were better tonight. I thought the performances from individual players was a bit more like us. I thought the players took more responsibility for their own performances and by and large it was more of an Aberdeen type performance – It was a bit more normal practice coming away from home and winning a tight game.

“Dundee are a good team. Neil has got them going well. You can see they are a good side, they have players who can ask questions of you. But for most of the game we dealt with that.

“It was a very tight game but one we just managed to edge and maybe deserve (to win).

“There was a lot to consider this week.

“But the time from an official approach going in to the decision being made, it was less than 48 hours. There is not actually really any length of time there. It was just all the speculation that went on beforehand that has dragged it out.

“Like any walk of life when you have an opportunity to change your job or move on it is important that you do consider everything, and I did do that.

“It was just good to get back concentrating on the game tonight.

“After tonight hopefully we can concentrate on Aberdeen and it is important that we do focus on the team. The focus needs to be on players performances and winning games.

“I think it was an important win for the supporters who have been put through the ringer recently and have not seen the best of performances over the past couple of weeks.

“When your team are winning then supporters are happy. We are used to winning, there is an expectation here to win more games that we have shown recently.

“But we are still second in the league. We have a good team here and there is more to come. It was important that we sent the supporters home happy. It was clear from the warm up tonight that the supporters were eager to show their solidarity and their support for everyone here, especially the team during the game. I am delighted we managed to send everyone who is connected to Aberdeen home with smiles on their faces after winning an important three points.

“I do not really want to comment on the Rangers statement. I just want to concentrate on Aberdeen.

“I am a confident guy, I am confident in my ability. When you have had other clubs willing to pay the level of compensation for me in the last few months (that they have been) it shows that we are doing an alright job. I back myself and I back my team. But everyone has an opinion.

“There were lots of reasons (why Aberdeen were a better option). I considered a lot of things. But the one thing that underpinned the whole decision was not wanting to tarnish relationships that have been forged and built. I have huge respect for my players, my staff, my Chairman, my supporters. I was not prepared to rip that up and tarnish that reputation that we have developed here.

“Sometimes you just feel some things are really important. There are loads of reasons as I say but that was the main one.”

SC | Aberdeen v St Mirren | 12:15 KO on Saturday