| Since the Dark Blues went into administration in November, the Jags have been to the forefront of those calling for clubs who take that path to be penalised via having points deducted.
That has not gone down well with Dundee fans, many of whom have accused the SPL’s basement club of acting out of self-interest, because they would be the outfit that benefited most from such a penalty.
Jim, a former Jag and who was born just a stone’s throw from their ground, has stayed out of such arguments when possible and wants his players to do the same.
“I never speak to the players about that kind of thing, so I don’t really know whether or not it will be an issue with them,” he said today.
“For me, the most important thing is to concentrate on your own club, take care of your own business and let people elsewhere do the same thing at theirs.
“That should be the same for the players and their job is to focus on playing and trying to win matches. Like everyone, they can have their opinions about what happens off the pitch, but when it comes to a game all they should be thinking about is what happens on it.
“I’m sure that will be the case and that is the way I want it.”
The Dens boss has also admitted that he is slightly bemused by the media hype surrounding this fixture. It is second-bottom against bottom, but he points to the size of the gap between the teams and, despite failing to win in the league since Thistle visited in October, his sights are still on finishing further up the table.
“It’s one of these situations where it is good for the Press to hype up the game, but if it was at the top of the table and there was a nine-point gap, everyone would be saying the league was over.
“It’s going to be very tough through there, but that’s not due to league positions, it’s because it is always a hard place to visit.”
On the injury front, defender Brent Sancho again remains doubtful, so chances are Dundee will go with the same side who started at Aberdeen last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Dundee have confirmed they have made an unsuccessful attempt to land Raith Rovers’ John Sutton on loan for the rest of the season.
Thistle will have ex-Dens man Jamie Langfield in goal. He signed up for the Jags late yesterday and will take over from Kenny Arthur, who pulled a hamstring last week. |
