Dundee Utd 5
Hibernian 0
League (Premier Division)

Manager's Programme Notes

Two wins, eight goals for and just one conceded is the healthy state of our Premier account after our two outings to date. I, honestly, couldn't have wished for a more satisfactory start to the defence of our title. Last week at Dens Park we continued our sequence of good results in derby clashes. However, even in victory, I felt we afforded Dundee the possibility of taking something from the match in the early stages. Their players' attitude is obviously one of desperation to bring to an end our run of successes, without us assisting them by playing too far below our potential. I just hope we never find ourselves in the same boat at some future date. Perhaps one of the most heartening features of the Dundee match was the performance of John Reilly. He followed up his two goals against Alloa with a repeat act at Dens Park. This will indeed be a vital season for John and, hopefully, the one in which he will prove a genuine candidate for a first team place. However, he must work hard to improve his ball control, thereby enhancing his link up with the rest of the side, and his first team prospects.

Our opening to the season has, I think, dispelled the myth that we are a one-mqp team. Up until a year ago we rarely achieved the important result Without Paul Sturrock in the ranks. However, our fine start to the season has, hopefully, made the players themselves realise we are no longer a one-man band. Nonetheless Paul's eventual return will be no less welcome as his experience will be an important factor in the battles that lie ahead. On Wednesday evening we travelled to Greenock where our approach at the start of that tie was a disgrace, something which cannot be tolerated at Tannadice these days. No matter how good our previous performances may have been, you are only as good as your last game. After playing sides of lesser quality at home, the players failed to show the necessary fight or determination away from home in front of a small crowd. Consequently, the point we took from Cappielow was no more than our overall display merited. Some of the players could well be believing too much of what they read in the Press, thereby thinking they have played better than they really have. An example of this is Billy Kirkwood, whose form since his display against West Ham has been a disappointment. Hibs' visit this afternoon sees a return of Premier action and consequently our attitude must be right from the first whistle if we are to secure both points. When Pat Stanton's side were here last March they recovered from a two-goal interval deficit to earn a point, and that should serve as a timely reminder ol the task that lies ahead in the ensuing ninety minutes.