| The race to bring the ex-Dunfermline man back from his unhappy spell at Plymouth Argyle has become a straight contest between the Tangerines and Hearts, with whom he has had talks over the weekend and has promised an answer by tonight.
Although the Tynecastle men boast a healthier league position, United boss Ian McCall was reasonably optimistic about getting his man. He stressed that had nothing to do with reports his club were prepared to pay a huge wage to clinch the deal.
“I don’t know where these stories have come from and I don’t know why they have to be written, but I can say we are not offering Stevie anything like the money that has been talked about in some places,” said Ian.
“What we have put together is a package that represents a decent wage for a good player, but, more than that, the reason I believe we have a chance of getting him is the work we have done in persuading him this is the place to come to.
“The chairman and the directors have worked very hard to sell the club to him and outlined the direction it is heading in. I’ve also had a chat with him about the football side and I believe I have convinced him we are going in the right direction — I think it also helps that I know the boy.”
Once an answer is received from Crawford, attention will shift to bringing ex-Dundee defender Lee Mair back from Stockport County and tying up Paul Ritchie on a long-term deal.
“What I can say about Lee Mair is that I have now had a chat with his agent and the boy himself, and that is something where there might be developments on later in the week.
“We are also hopeful about Paul’s situation. A bit was said when he did not sign straight away when we offered him a new deal, but I did not have a problem with that.
“He wanted time to think and make sure he was doing what was best for him and his family and I understand that completely. I’ve always felt he would sign on for us and now I think that is close to happening.”
Meanwhile, Karim Kerkar has left the club after rejecting the offer of a contract to the end of the month.
There were no fresh injury problems from Saturday’s draw with title-chasing Rangers and, as his attention turned to this weekend’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup trip to Gretna, Ian travelled to watch the Third Division leaders in action at Queen’s Park.
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