Lockwood has joined Dundee after being on loan to Barnet last season

By Jim Spence

Bob Brannan is to stand down as Dundee chairman but will continue on the board, while backer Calum Melville has reaffirmed his financial commitment.

Friday's signing of former Colchester left-back Matt Lockwood could prove to be one of Brannan's last acts in the post as he is due to resign next week.

But Melville has announced that he will be committed to the First Division club for another three to five years.

The Aberdeen-based director has already pumped around £1.3m into the club.

However, his business often means he cannot attend matches, prompting some speculation that his interest was waning more than a year since becoming involved.

Melville has invested heavily in Dundee for more than a year

Dundee had hoped that, with Melville's money allowing the squad to be significantly strengthened last season, Brannon's last year as chairman would be marked by promotion.

A substantial lead was squandered under manager Jocky Scott and his successor, Gordon Chisholm, failed to arrest the slump in form as Inverness Caledonian Thistle won the title and a place in the Scottish Premier League.

Melville, though, is expected to be at Dens Park for the game against Ross County on Saturday, when he will re-iterate his intention to continue to back the club financially, albeit not on the same scale as previously.

Meanwhile, Lockwood has signed a short-term contract after impressing in training with Dundee this week.

The 33-year-old started his career with Queens Park Rangers before moving to Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient and Nottingham Forest.

He spent the tail-end of last season on loan to Barnet after a similar spell with Dagenham & Redbridge.

However, Chisholm told BBC Scotland: "He's an experienced defender who has played at a good level throughout his career."

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