| Gone are influential pair Paul Gallacher and Charlie Miller, as well as Craig Easton and Jim Paterson, while heading in the other direction have been James Grady, with Paul Ritchie possibly following suit in the next few days.
And Archibald is convinced that the addition of these two, plus the talent that is already at Tannadice, provides plenty reason for optimism.
“We have lost a couple of quality players, but we still have a good pool. The only thing is that it is quite tight, but I think the same goes for most clubs now and, if we can steer clear of injuries and suspension, we have to feel we can finish in the top six again,” he said.
“It would help if we got off to a good start, because last year we struggled for points in the opening games. Even about October we were down near the bottom of the league and that just made finishing in the top six an even better achievement.
“We can make things easier for ourselves by picking up points right away, and that’s the aim.”
Archibald admits a visit to the synthetic surface at Dunfermline would not have been his choice for the first league game — three visits there last term all ended in defeat. He is viewing tomorrow as a chance to start putting the record straight.
“When you think of the start of the season, you are thinking of a nice day and a good grass pitch, so we don’t really want to be starting down there.
“We’ve played on the pitch a few times now, though, so we’ve no complaints and we just have to get on with it and try to get the three points.”
Attempts to fix up Ritchie are continuing, though, even if he was signed before tomorrow, he would not be involved in the United starting line-up.
“It’s something we are still working on, but it is still not certain we will get him because he does have a few options,” said Ian McCall today.
“I’ve looked at him in training and he is extremely fit. The only thing he has been lacking is games, so he would not be on duty at East End Park.”
Hosts Dunfermline have no injury worries. Craig Brewster has made a quick recovery from his knee operation and, although he won’t start the game, he’ll be on the bench.
Derek and Darren Young have also proved their fitness and will also be in the squad.
“I’m happy with our preparation. We worked hard before we went to Holland and the games we played there got our fitness levels up,” said boss Davie Hay.
“Now we’re just looking forward to tomorrow, then we’ll turn our thoughts towards our midweek UEFA Cup tie against Hafnafjordur. Paul Hegarty watched them on Wednesday night and will run the rule over them again on Sunday.” |
