Dundee 2
Hibernian 0
League (Premier Division)

Manager's Programme Notes

There is little doubt that before the game, we would all have accepted a point from a visit to Pittodrie. But as those of you who were there will readily appreciate that point should really have been two.

But we still regard our dividend as a good one and I'm sure it will give us all a boost for the games ahead. I've felt for some time that we've been needing a result like that and now we've got one, it's important we make the most of it.

It was certainly the right time to achieve it and what is just as important is the manner in which the draw was achieved. The defence did very well and there was an all-round steadiness about our performance which was very satisfactory indeed.

Certainly, a goal would have been welcome, but nevertheless I'm now looking to the players to attain the level of consistency I've always been looking for.

We did better than many teams do against the Dons and it was encouraging to see that we were able to manufacture a fair number of chances against such an accomplished team.

Since that game we've had a rest from Premier League action and I'm certain this will do everyone a bit of good, especially the former part-time players who are now beginning to show their worth to the team.

I can see signs now that players are beginning to settle in - Robert Connor has asserted himself and shown us all what he can do and Stuart Rafferty and John Brown have also indicated how much they have to offer.

There are signs of improvement too when we look at some of the more established players - Tosh McKinlay for instance had his best game for quite some time at Pittodrie.

Bobby Glennie and Jim Smith have had their setbacks at Dens in that they've learned there is no guarantee of first team football. But they've shown they're prepared to battle for their place and they now know the level of performance that's required to keep them there.

Another shining example is George McGeachie who has been consistent from the word go and I'm told that he's having his best season at Dens which tells its own story.

Yes, it's been a long year since I joined the club but the signs are encouraging. The players have been looking forward to today's game against Hibs with eager anticipation and they're keen to dispell the belief being put about that we can't get results against the Easter Road outfit.

Certainly, we'll be going into this game in a better frame of mind when you consider that on past occasions we've always been chasing them.

Now, we have the three-point cushion over them and this can be the difference in approach between night and day.

The boot is on the other foot today but that does not mean we will be giving them any less respect. The players know full well that a good result today can set us up nicely for the Ne'er Day trip to Dumbarton and the next match here at Dens, a week today against Rangers.

In closing I'm delighted to offer all our supporters my very best wishes for a much happier 1985. The staff and players are determined to make it happen that way.