Unveiling the new trophy on the top of the Law, all parties involved agreed they were looking forward to the inaugural event.

Lord Provost Letford said, “The collective pulse will be racing from the very first kick of the opening match and that excitement will only build.

Dundee boss Jim Duffy said, “This promises to be a great showcase for football in the city no matter your allegiance.”

United gaffer Gordon Chisholm echoed those sentiments, saying, “The Discovery Cup promises to be a great curtain-raiser to the season for the fans and the teams.”

The format sees games being played at Tannadice on the Staurday, with the English pair facing each other before a mouth-watering Dundee derby.

Then, 24 hours later, the action reverts to Dens Park when the winners of those games will meet in the final, preceded by a third/fourth place play-off.

“The board decided that the matter be referred to a specially convened sub-committee of the board for determination. This sub-committee will be chaired by Lord Ranald MacLean, with other members being John McBeth (ex-Clyde) and Dick Shaw (QOS).

“Dundee FC understands that arrangements are being put in place for a hearing at the earliest possible opportunity.”

A spokesman for Dundee FC said, “We welcome confirmation from the Scottish FA of their intention to investigate this matter and look forward to being advised of a date for a hearing in due course.”

After promptings from Dundee, the national body decided to investigate alleged irregularities regarding the Moroccan’s signing for the Almondvale outfit at the tail end of last season.

Livi were fined £15,000 by the SPL board for “serious breaches” of their rules, but Dundee felt strongly that the punishment was far too lenient. That saw them raise the matter with the SFA, who agreed to investigate.

And, should the ruling body decide Livi’s action was more serious than a technical breach of rules, they have the power to dock the West Lothian club points. Were that to happen, Dundee could be sensationally reinstated to the top-flight for next season.

And, with less than a month to go until the start of the new season, boss Gordon Chisholm is frantically searching for someone to fill the breach.

Former custodian of the gloves at Tannadice Paul Gallacher has been linked with a move back to his old stomping ground from Norwich, while Dunfermline’s Derek Stillie and former Dundee keeper Julian Speroni are also believed to be in the frame.

However, it’s ex-Scotland Under-21 keeper Samson, who had a spell on loan at St Johnstone last season, who has emerged as a strong candidate to fill one of the vacant keepers’ jerseys.

“Our goalkeeping coach Bobby Geddes had the lad recommended to him by Jim Stewart ,” said Gordon this morning. “He’ll come in for a few days this week and we’ll see how things go. There’s certainly no harm in having a look.”

Meanwhile, teenage defender Garry Kenneth has been rewarded for his end-of-season form, which saw him break into the first team and play in the Scottish Cup Final.

The 18-year-old Dundonian has agreed terms on a new improved three-year contract.

Mark Wilson and Lee Miller are expected to join the rest of the squad in training tomorrow after being given extra time off due to their international commitments.

The manager will also re-start talks with Wilson, with a view to extending the wing-back’s contract which only has a year to run.

“Talks have been ongoing for a while now and it’s no secret we are keen to get the boy signed up,” said Gordon.

Meanwhile, the fight to keep Jason Scotland at Tannadice continues.

The Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs has set up an official petition appeal, which is being publicised on the club’s official website, in respect of the Trinidadian international being refused a new work permit.

Already, approaching 2000 names have been gathered and this will serve to complement and reinforce the other online petition started last week.

Copies of the petition will also be available for signature in the club shop and the reception area at Tannadice.