However, while most of the arrangements for that fixture had been undertaken by second-string coach Tony Docherty, the line-up was influenced by the new boss.

“Doc has done the preparations, but there were one or two things I asked for and I wanted to see some players in certain positions,” said Craig.

“It was a good chance for me to see some of the players in action, but the game does mean it will be later in the week before I have all the squad working in a group. Tomorrow, the ones who played will be doing recovery, so it will be Thursday and Friday when we are together and working for the weekend.”

And until he gets into a routine with his new charges, days off are going to be a thing of the past for the Tangerines.

“I think it is important we get to know each other and, while we are doing that, we will pretty much be in every day so I can have a good look at everyone. I do know most of the boys, but some of the very young ones I have not seen before, so I’ll take the chance to see the youths on Friday.”

Today’s training session was in Dundee, but that does not necessarily mean the training camp Craig Brewster preferred to use in St Andrews will be abandoned. That, and many other issues, will be assessed in the coming days and weeks, and decisions taken.

“It’s something I will look at, but it is too early to say yet what we’ll do. I have still to see the training pitches and, right now, I don’t know where most of them are,” confessed the new gaffer.

Of course, his biggest job will be assessing his playing staff between now and the January transfer window, when he knows he will have funds available to make signings if he deems them necessary.

With that in mind, he and Peter are likely to be on their travels most weeks to take in games and run the rule over potential targets. At the same time, all those already on the books will be given the chance to show they are worth their places.

With Rangers visiting Tannadice on Sunday, Craig could hardly have asked for a harder first game, and United are hopeful his debut will attract a large home support. Tickets are still available from the ticket office at Tannadice.

There is, though, some doubt over the game because of recent heavy rain that has left the Forthbank pitch, where the teams are due to play, sodden.

“They are having a look at the pitch later on and there might be a problem. Hopefully, if it stays dry, the game will go ahead,” said Alex today.

“I’m hoping it does, because there are a few boys I’d like to see get a run. There’s Jon, who is obviously in my thoughts for Saturday, and also Ross Harris and big Robert Campbell, who could do with a game.”

The Dark Blues will also have an Irish trialist in their ranks. A midfielder, who had a spell in England, has been brought over after a recommendation from one of the manager’s contacts on the Emerald Isle.

It is likely to be later in the week, meanwhile, before the chances of goalkeeper Ludovic Roy being fit are known.

He has not trained since pulling up in the warm-up prior to Saturday’s defeat at Partick Thistle with a hamstring problem, but is not being ruled out of a return against Gretna.

“It’s too early to say for sure when he will be back, but, right now, it does not look like a tear and that means he could have a chance,” added Alex.

“Peter and Willie are looking sharper by the day and could be involved on Saturday,” said Owen.