And while there are those who will frown on Dundee making a signing just two months after going into administration and sacking 15 players they could not afford to pay, Jim is 100% convinced he is doing the right thing.

“Frankly, I think too many people have been jumping on the bandwagon and having a go at us and the phrase ‘People in glass houses . . .’ comes to mind,” he said.

“I have said all along that a lot about administration is wrong, but I know one thing — if it means saving jobs there is something good about it.

“And that is what we are trying to do here. People should remember that, although jobs have been lost, we are fighting to save many more. And if you take into account those in other businesses who would be affected if Dundee closed, we could be talking hundreds of jobs.

“People should remember that before they join the queue to have a go at us. If signing a player helps this club survive, whatever I think about the rights or wrongs of the law, it is something I will do.”

He also pointed out that, south of the border, where several clubs have called administrators in, there is a more understanding approach to Dundee’s situation.

“From a football sense, I understand why no one up here will do us any favours. But clubs could learn from England where they do not have a go at each other the way that’s been happening with us.

“I’ve been able to make this signing because football people at a club I know have done me a favour and I am grateful for that.

“In general down south, people on the football side of clubs are more sympathetic with managers in my position. They realise it is not people like us who are calling in administrators, and know all we are doing is our jobs. There a few up here who could learn from that attitude.”

Meanwhile, defender Jonay Hernandez, once a critic of administration, has backed his manager’s words. He admits his form suffered after November’s events, but believes he’s back to his best in time for Sunday’s clash.

As the Dark Blues teetered on the brink of liquidation, Hernandez was gutted to see close friends like Beto Carranza, Fabian Caballero and Georgi Nemsadze lose their jobs through not fault of their own.

In the weeks that followed, that preyed on his mind and he feels it was a factor in a run of disappointing performances.

“For sure, I know that about a month or so ago, without being injured, I was not running as fast as I felt I should, and I did not feel as fit as I normally do. Maybe the circumstances around Dundee at the time had a lot to do with that,” he said.

“I know I was really down because many of the players who were sacked were my friends. Maybe my mistake was to worry about them and even things like what would happen if I got injured, would the club just let me go, instead of my job as a professional player.

“Now, when I look at the situation, I am still upset for the players who had to leave, but I prefer that the club went into administration. Jobs were lost, but many more were saved and, if it was not for this, everyone would not have a job and the fans would have lost their club.”

A spokesman for Mr Burton said the key, as far as avoiding the points penalty is concerned, is to have the CVA process up and running. If that can be achieved by the deadline, then Dundee will escape the SPL sanction.

He said, “We have to propose a package, including repayments, acceptable to the creditors, and that also involves players who had to leave the club to reduce costs.

“Mr Burton is hopeful that can be achieved, and we are working towards the start of the CVA process as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, Dundee’s bid to survive administration has been boosted by the news the Dee4Life campaign is to donate £10,000 a month for the rest of the season.

The cash will be used to meet the costs of Dundee’s youth programme and ground staff wages.

Dee4Life has become one of the most successful fund-raising efforts in Scottish football, bringing in over £100,000, and Dens administrator Burton is delighted.

“This is a significant and welcome contribution to running costs which will greatly improve the club’s prospects of survival,” he said.

“I have been hugely impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the supporters. To have raised this kind of sum in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement. We will continue to work closely with supporters and the Dee4Life campaign to ensure money donated by fans is used in the most appropriate and effective ways possible.”

Dee4Life chairman George Knight said, “Dundee fans should take great pride in what their campaign has achieved in just two months.”

Fund raising will continue for the rest of the season. Forthcoming events include Tam Cowan evenings, a dinner, fashion show and ladies’ night.

In recognition of efforts that have been taking place, fans are set to be handed a place on the board if, and when, the club comes out of administration.

And Archibald believes those goals will have provided a big boost for both teams.

“You always get a big lift from the way we won against Aberdeen. It was great to win that way, especially for me because of what had happened.

“It gives you a massive boost and we’ll be going to Dens feeling confident. Dundee will feel exactly the same, though, so it should be a good game.”

The former Partick player regards the earlier 1-1 draw between the teams as his first taste of “real” derby action and can’t wait for more.

“At Thistle, games against Rangers and Celtic were not really regarded as derbies, and games against any other of the teams through there were low key affairs, usually in the First Division.

“There’s a big difference between a game in front of 4000 and the 12,000 at Tannadice. The atmosphere was more intense and I’m sure it’ll be the same at Dens. I’m looking forward to it, and the fact it’s there won’t make much of a difference.”

Boss Ian McCall is also looking forward to Sunday. "The two derbies since I’ve come here have been draws, so I would like to get a victory this time,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to it and feel we’re playing well. However, I know it’s a cliché, but this is the game where form counts for nothing.”

United have ruled out Chris Innes returning from injury, and he’ll join Jim McIntyre and Scott Paterson on the absentee list.