“The magnificent gesture made by the Gretna chairman in allowing fans in for free now, unfortunately, counts for nothing in terms of finance as many of our supporters will have made two trips to the game by Monday.

“That’s something in the region of a 320-mile round trip — twice!

“With the cost of petrol and other expenses, fans are already well out of pocket.

“I’m not just thinking of our fans from the Dundee area. We have fans clubs from out-of-town, like the A90 Supporters Club, who come from Aberdeen.

“It all could have been prevented. We emailed the SFA at 10 am yesterday morning suggesting the game should be off, but they didn’t respond. We have emailed them again today, seeking assurance that a decision on Monday’s game be taken early (if the weather is still bad), and we have specifically asked them this time to ‘respond and confirm’.”

The spokesman was at pains to point out that United had no grievance with Gretna over this matter, but entirely with the SFA.

Meanwhile, Dundee United new boy Lee Mair was set to make his first appearance in a United jersey today in a closed-door game against St Johnstone.

Defender Mair, recently signed from Stockport County, was looking to sharpen up his match fitness in the hope of pushing himself into the Tangerines squad for the visit to Hearts on Saturday.

Also taking part this afternoon were Chris Innes, Scott Paterson, Andy McLaren and Collin Samuel, who have all been told they are free to leave the club.

St Johnstone have already been credited with an interest in Samuel, who moved to United in a £100,000 deal from Falkirk in July 2003. However, Saints boss John Connolly has denied any link. Blackpool boss Colin Hendry is also believed to be keen on the player.

Jim said, “Ramon is a talented player and I have made enquiries about him, but there is nothing more to report.”

Duffy revealed yesterday that two defenders — a Norwegian and a Greek — were currently on trial at the club.

Today, there was further speculation about another defender, who has vast experience of the English Premiership, possibly joining up, but the manager was keeping tight-lipped.

He added, “As I’ve already said, until there is something concrete I won’t be saying anything. I won’t comment on rumours because there are too many flying about at the moment.”

Meanwhile, it’s reported Dundee have told Neil Jablonski he is free to leave the club.

The 21-year-old midfielder has failed to command a regular place in the Dark Blues’ first team.

The Dark Blues have reminded fans that children under the age of 16 will get into Dens on Saturday for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult (maximum two children per adult).

Inverness Caley are the visitors and Dundee are keen to encourage a big home support for such a crucial fixture.

The deal also applies to away fans, who will occupy sections A, B and C of the main stand, while Dundee supporters will get a rare opportunity to sit in the Bob Shankly stand.

Connolly said, “This is the ideal chance to have a look at the two of them.”

Saints’ are still talking to different players with a view to bringing them in to McDiarmid Park during the January transfer window, but John said, “getting them to sign is proving to be slow.”

Meanwhile, one player who looks certain to be on his way out of McDiarmid Park on loan is teenage defender Steven Fraser.

He’s recently completed a month’s loan with Arbroath, but John has intimated that a couple of other clubs are keen to take the youngster until the end of the season.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s home league game against Falkirk, Saints hope Michael Moore will be fit enough to play following the dead leg he suffered in the Scottish Cup defeat against ICT.