Dundee 3
Hibernian 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Newspaper extract from Steve Bruce - The Courier .

Given a change in financial circumstances and a continuation of the player's current form, Dundee look set to try to sign Iain Ferguson on a permanent basis.

The current loan arrangement with Rangers leaves the Dark Blues in a "Catch 22" situation. The better Ferguson performs for them the quicker he's likely to attract the attention of other clubs.

Already, since returning to Dens, the £150,000-rated striker has been the subject of a bid by Dundee United, which failed when Ferguson indicated he wanted to stay put in the hope of securing a move to England.

Although Dundee have banked £275,000 from the sale of Robert Connor, Fergie is presently out of their price range as that money is being used to make inroads into the club's overdraft.

However, manager Jocky Scott revealed, "If he does well here and the cost is within our budget at the time another club makes an offer, we'll compete for him."

Whatever the Ferguson situation it is certain Jocky couldn't have wished for a better start to his managerial career.

With three matches gone, four points are in the bag, a trip to Parkhead is out of the way and the goal difference is positive not to mention the fact his first two signings have been an instant success.

Their goals apart, "new boys" Ferguson and Ian Angus produced fine performances in the 3-0 win over Hibs.

After Friday's transfer dealings it was important Dundee beat Hibs if only to prove to the fans there is life after Robert Connor.

The display was controlled rather than spectacular, but the goals were fit to grace any occasion.

Iain Ferguson's opener came after a slip by Sneddon. The "loan Ranger" failed with his first attempt, shooting against Rough, but undeterred gathered the rebound and netted from the 18-yard line.

The second and third arrived courtesy of a couple of enforced substitutions. Stewart Forsyth, on for the tiring John Brown, foxed Hibs' defence with a superb pass which sent Angus away and the debut boy rounded Rough and netted cool as you like.

Graham Harvey, who had earlier replaced George McGeachie, struck with three minutes remaining, dribbling his way past three defenders and planting the ball in the far corner of the net.