Dundee Utd 0
Raith Rovers 0
League Cup (Quarter Final 1st Leg)

Manager's Programme Notes

Having finally got back into the swing of things at Premier League level at the weekend, we get back into Bell's League Cup business here tonight when First Division Raith Rovers are our quarter-final first leg opponents. Needless to say we take pleasure in welcoming back to Tannadice our former players Allan Forsyth and Gordon Wallace the latter being a regular here at the 'ground — until the p'a'st few days that is! As you have obviously noticed we have been finding things pretty difficult to achieve in the transfer market recently. In fact, as far as we have been concerned our bid for new faces is beginning to run into the saga category. You, the fan's, will doubtless be getting a bit fed up with all the excuses forwarded in explanation of our failures in the transfer market recently. However, once the telephone bill for all my player enquiries comes into the club, and I find myself in the dole queue, then you might be convinced of the authenticity of the search. As you may have already guessed concerning the Sullivan deal from which I backed down, there were other reason's for his failure to arrive at Tannadice.

And our latest interest in Chelsea's Eamonn Bannon has also found problem's, this time the difference in basic wages is the biggest hurdle. I just hope that these efforts to strengthen the staff, and the difficulties encountered, are understood fully by you, the fans, and that you also realise that new faces are required because of the fact that the age gap between those in the side at present and those challenging in the reserves is so great. Those youngsters undoubtedly have promise but it could be another couple of years before that potential is fulfilled to the standard required at Premier League level. Saturday's 4-0 win over Kilmamock brought to an end an unfortunate spell for the side — but even better is required. Inconsistency on the part of many individuals in the side was the root cau'se of our recent problems and although things changed for the better against Killie, I will not be convinced unless it i's maintained. Tonight we look to gaining a first leg lead over Raith which will enable us to travel to Kirkcaldy in a fortnight's time free of the pressures which so often play a major part at this stage of any competition.