As of today, around 3000 tickets had been sold, and Dundee believe that, despite an average price increase of 30%, the target of matching last year’s total sales figure remains achievable.

The traditional late rush in the run up to the opening league match should provide a boost, and sales usually continue for a few weeks into the season, but the message from Bob Brannan was simple — the sooner the better.

Having learned from the mistakes that led to administration and debts well in excess of £20 million, a strict budget is now in force and only actual, not anticipated, income will be spent.

“If compared against the profile of last year, our sales are reasonably encouraging, but we really could do with people coming to the aid of the party as soon as they can,” said Brannan.

“And while we are pleased with sales so far, perhaps a way of putting the figure into perspective is to point out that Falkirk, who we played last Sunday for the opening of their new stadium, have sold 2600 season tickets as a First Division club.”

He could not stress strongly enough that every penny of new income could prove vital as the club battle to put together a squad capable of being successful in the top flight.

“We have made a few signings, but it is fair to say that the squad is still a little light. Jim (Duffy) would like one or two additional players and, if we can get a bit more money in, it might be that he can get them.”

Failure to reach the 3700 target, which, given the price hikes, was regarded by some as a big ask, will not be disastrous and, while it has taken slightly longer than anticipated, Dundee remain on course to emerge from administration by the end of August.

“Regarding that, while we are still in administration, the administrator is largely out of the business now. Peter (Marr) is active in its running and the rest of us are giving our support.

“Issues still to be resolved are technical regarding the restructuring of the capital base of the club and not anything drastic.

“We would have liked to have emerged from administration in time for the first league game, but my intuition is that it will take a few weeks longer. That is not a definite guarantee, but I would expect the new board to be in place during August.”

Season tickets were sent out today for those fans who have already purchased their briefs.

“Neil has been working very hard and has come through it without any reaction, so he could play over at Tayport,” confirmed coach Ray Farningham.

“He has been doing a lot of fitness work to make up for what he missed out on while he was injured, so he’s still a bit behind in terms of ball work.

“But if he can play Sunday and work all next week, he could still make the squad for the league opener against Hearts.”

The Dundee line-up will consist mainly of younger players, but others like Barrett who are in need of games will be included.

That means winger Iain Anderson will almost certainly be in the starting XI., while midfielder Mark Fotheringham could also feature.

Meanwhile, the Dark Blues are still refusing to confirm Trinidad and Tobago international keeper Kelvin Jack will be joining them in time for the new campaign.

Jack, who was with Reading last season, is being strongly linked with a switch to Dens, but in advance of any deal — which would hinge on him being allowed to keep his work permit — being finalised, Dundee are refusing to say he will be on his way next week.

The Englishman admits he has been happy with his form, but the fact that, so far, he has not recorded a clean sheet has not pleased him.

And, after losing to Blackpool at Tannadice on Wednesday night, friendly or not, he has targeted victory as a major priority against the Dutch.

“I feel I’ve done OK in our build-up games and I have always believed that I was good enough to take over from ‘Gall’ when he left,” said the 32-year-old.

“Things have been going well for me, but I do feel I need a clean sheet just to give my confidence a boost before the season starts, and getting one tomorrow would be nice.”

If that comes with a goal or two at the other end, Bullock will be even happier. After the midweek reversal, he feels the players owe the fans a good performance tomorrow.

“Against Blackpool, you couldn’t say we looked like a team who had lost only one game at home this year. We were very flat and the way we played was disappointing.

“I know that, at this stage, results are not the most important thing, but you still do not want to lose games, particularly on your own ground, so we want a win against Den Haag.

“They should be a good test for us because they come from a good league and, like most foreign teams, will be well organised and technically very good. It’ll also be a chance for the fans to see a different style of play.”

Boss Ian McCall’s hopes of getting a new face in time for this game are fading, though he remains confident of getting a couple of players in time for next week’s league curtain-raiser at Dunfermline.

“At this stage, I do not see us completing any deals in time for tomorrow, but we still have irons in the fire and it is a matter of making sure we get the right people,” explained Ian, who wants a couple of defenders in to bolster the squad.

Centre-half David McCracken, who missed Wednesday’s meeting with Blackpool after picking up a strain during last weekend’s open-day work-out, has made the squad for tomorrow, though it is still not certain he will start.

“He’s getting better and it was never anything serious, but I would still say he is 50-50 and we will check on him again before we make a final decision,” added Ian.

Included in the Den Haag ranks will be ex-Celtic attacker Jamie Smith and there is an outside chance former Rangers striker Michael Mols could turn out as a trialist. He has been training with Den Haag recently.

Kick off is at 3 pm, with prices at £10 for adults and £6 for concessions. Season tickets are not valid for this game.

Forsyth hurt a thigh in training yesterday and, although an X-ray revealed Hardy’s injured toe isn’t broken, there is deep bruising, which is keeping him out.

But there’s better news of Kevin Rutkiewicz and David Hannah. Both are back in training and, providing they show no ill-effects, will be in the squad.

Trialists Chris McLeod and Alan Reid are still training with Saints, but it’s likely to be next week before the club decides whether or not to sign the pair.

The Perth club have been linked with available Aberdeen forward Leigh Hinds, but Saints team boss John Connolly dismissed any notion that the player was McDiarmid Park-bound.

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