Dundee Utd 4
St Johnstone 0
League (Premiership)

Manager's Programme Notes

Welcome back to Tannadlce again and we are determined to improve on the last home game against Inverness. Everyone was looking forward to it but we turned in a poor performance, and could have no complaints about losing, which was clearly very disappointing. For whatever reason, we seemed very edgy and too were out muscled quite a bit. Thankfully, against Hibs at Easter Road, it was a different story. We played well and should have taken all three points. We did the things that we didn't do the previous week against Inverness, passing the ball well and working hard for each other and most importantly we played well as a team. The only downside was that we didn't win! The game could have been over at half-time given the chances we had and even when we were down to ten men we still had chances to kill them off. And if we didn't take them, the good thing was that we created them. Conversely, Hibs weren't causing us any problems, but Gavin Gunning's sending off totally changed the direction of the match. They got a lift from it and it upset the balance of our team having to put Paul Paton to right-back and Sean Dillon back into the middle. We lost a wee bit of shape so it definitely did have an effect on the game. However,the goal we lost was still disappointing. Scott Robertson has a go and it has bounced back off their players into his path to give him another bite of the cherry. Although we have conceded two goals in the last two games, we have looked more solid defensively. It isn't a case of teams carving us open and so have good base to build on.

Today's visit of St Johnstone is a game very much in the mould of Inverness Caley Thistle one. Like them, Saints also have a very strong nucleus of last season's squad and it's no coincidence that the pair have started the season so well. The players know each other and carried on their good work of last season into the new campaign. They had a great result against Ross County last week so I know we have another tough game on our hands. Therefore, we must match them and at the same time make sure we do things properly and pass the ball with purpose and confidence. And if we do that,there is no reason why we can't collect the three points. Earlier this week I added Mark Wilson to our squad with the experience and ability he brings to the table. The short term deal will give him an opportunity to show there are no fitness concerns and his versatility is another important attribute. He is very comfortable at right back and left-back and also offers me the option of playing him in front of the back four. Not only that but he is the type of player who will help us get control of the ball and settle us down when required hence my delighted at his acquisition.