Dundee 4
Clydebank 0
League (Premier Division)

Manager's Programme Notes

We had a good result away from home last week and although that pleased me I was also pleased by the performances of the players who had come into the team for the game against St. Mirren. Prior to the game at Love Street we had a number of injuries which meant that players who do not always get a regular game were asked to do a specific job. Last Saturday's result proves that we have players who can come into the side and do the job that is asked of them. That can only benefit the Club as it gives me extra options and I also know that I can field these players again and know that they will get on with the job. Our 2-1 win was a bonus on another front in that we gained a point on Rangers and moved further away from the clubs below us.

I hope that our injury situation clears up as we still have a lot to play for and we will be better equipped to face the tasks ahead with as many fit players as possible. Up to date we have been fortunate as far as injuries are concerned but it makes the job more difficult when a number of injuries come along at the same time.

Today we face Clydebank in a match that we are expected to win. Up until now we have won matches at Dens that we were expected to win and I hope that we can continue today. Again it is a case of having a good record in beating sides that we are expected to and the players know that they are out there to do a job. We won well against Clydebank when they last visited Dens and although it took us a while that day to score we did the job and picked up both points. After last Saturday's boost by winning at Love Street the players will be keen to go out and carry on from there.

If the players who played last Saturday take the field today they will know that they are playing for their places and if I do make changes the players who come will know that I have at my disposal players who will do a job for the Club. That is a good problem to have. Stephen Campbell is a good example as he played well during the 25 minutes he was on the field and his inclusion should encourage others to battle away for a place. As a result of his contribution I would have no qualms about giving him another opportunity in the first team. It is now up to the younger players and those on the fringe to prove that they can afford afford a real challenge to the mores established member of the side.