While the damage was done by a knee to the side of his head, some observers believed the accident was triggered by the 22-year-old slipping on the new surface at East End, which only last week was branded dangerous by Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

Dundee’s main concern, both at the time and again today, was the well-being of their player, and boss Jim Duffy was happy to report his condition was much improved after spending the night under observation in hospital in Dunfermline.

“Soapy should get out of hospital later today and that is good news. It was very worrying at the time, though, because he was unconscious for a long time and then sick when he came round,” said Jim.

“He’ll have a sore head for a few days and I think the rules mean that, having been severely concussed, he can’t play for two or three weeks.”

Jim was not at last night’s game and, therefore, was unable to comment on the circumstances of the accident, but he will be looking into the matter.

“Some of the boys who were close to it have said what they think happened, but really it will only be once we speak to Soapy that we might be able to get an idea what actually caused it,” he added.

“It was an accident and no blame should be attached to the player he collided with — I know who it was, but don’t think it would be fair to name him.”

Jim was also concerned that the game resumed after such a long and unfortunate delay.

“There were a lot of young boys on the park and to see something like that was upsetting. Dunfermline were already 4-1 up and I really don’t see why, at that level, the game could not have been abandoned and the result go to them.

“No one really felt like playing on after seeing him lying there, though I am not having a go at the referee because he was only following the rules.”

Targeted will be 1000 organisations and, in return for a donation of £250 or more, they will have their names displayed on a huge scroll planned for the Bobby Cox Stand.

Team boss Jim Duffy is leading the appeal by writing directly to the business community, while over 50 prominent local businessmen have volunteered to assist by approaching friends and colleagues across the city.

Plans will be finalised tonight for what could be the final step to secure survival.

“The Dee4Life Campaign run by the supporters has been very successful and has already raised over £130,000, which the fans have agreed to should help fund the Dens Park youth programme,” said Dens owner Peter Marr.

“As a club, however, we’re acutely conscious that we cannot expect our supporters to carry such a major fund-raising burden when they must exploit the same reservoir of fans’ goodwill time and again.

“Great progress has been made to stave off the threat of liquidation — but to survive, and retain our place at the heart of the community, we must raise £350,000 by May 2004.

“That’s why, as a club, we will directly seek the support of the Dundee business community to recognise and match the fantastic contribution already made by the supporters.

“We know that both clubs in Dundee generate income, profile and prestige for the city as a whole and the initial feedback we had had from the business community about this idea is very positive.”

The Scroll of Honour will prominently record the names of every business or individual who agrees to make a contribution to this vital fund-raising effort.

All monies received from this appeal will go directly to the administrator and will be used to ensure the club can win its battle to survive.

All donors will also receive a personalised Scroll of Honour and recognition in the club programme.

There are three potential levels of donation — Platinum (£1000), Gold (£500) and Silver (£250)

Anyone wishing more information about the Scroll of Honour appeal should contact Dave Forbes at the Commercial Dept., Dundee Football Club. Phone 01382 884450.

Not only, however, are they unlikely to become involved at Dens — Jim Duffy is the man both administrators and directors want to remain in charge for a long time to come.

“Everyone played well, but Eastie was excellent and even scored a 25-yarder with his left foot, which you won’t see too often. Collin Samuel also looked more like the player I know he is and that was encouraging,” said Ian.

Samuel has been worked hard in training and United are may take other measures to ensure they get the best out of the Trinidad and Tobago man.

“We are thinking about moving him into digs to make sure he is looked after properly. What we tend to forget is that he is still quite young and living a long way from home,” he explained.