“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.