Off and on over the summer, millionaire John Bennett has been linked with a takeover and last week that led to speculation Alex would be replaced if the former Dundee United director took charge.

The gaffer prefers to concentrate on his team and leave board room matters to his directors, but, in the wake of the 3-0 defeat against First Division leaders Livingston, he has admitted the situation is a distraction.

“Of course it is and, of course, it would be better if this was settled quickly, but there is nothing else myself or the players can do other than get on with our jobs,” he admitted.

Refusing to discuss the Bennett saga and his own position, Alex reflected on Saturday’s defeat and called for perspective from fans who booed the team off.

“We went into Saturday looking to go top. We didn’t and don’t think I’m not disappointed and it didn’t ruin my weekend, because it did,” he added. “I don’t like getting turned over, and it isn’t something I am going to accept, but there has to be a sense of reality.

“People were calling for my job at the end, but this is the first time in 13 months we have not been in first or second place. We didn’t play well, but we are still only four points off the top after just seven games and there is plenty of time to turn it round.

“I am still looking at the top of the table because that is where I want to be and it is where this team can be.”

Despite that bullish statement, he admitted the loss of a string of players over the summer, and, two in particular had hit hard.

“Kevin McDonald is involved almost every week at Burnley and Scott Robertson is playing week-in week-out in the SPL and getting very good reviews. These are two good players who are comfortable in leagues that are a high level — there is no way we were going to lose them and not miss them.

“In general, since I came here, there has been no stability at the club in terms of players and there has been a big turnover. That does not help, but it is not an excuse for Saturday because the way we lost the goals was horrendous.”

Dens chairman Bob Brannan was today sticking to his position of not commenting on the speculation, while John Bennett was unavailable.

The Tele understands the two men’s diaries mean no further talks on a takeover will take place for at least the next three weeks.

And, even when they do, it is still not certain that Bennett will go ahead and assume control.

At a meeting tonight, the DFC Development Club, Dundee Supporters Association and lottery organisers Dee Promotions are set to reject a Dens board plan for their cash gifts to be brought under one umbrella.

The suspicious groups see that as a way of the club wrestling complete control over the funds they raise and how they are spent.

They are angry at the way pressure has been exerted on them to fall in line with the plan.

Up until now, the groups have handed over all money raised, but have stipulated in which areas it should be spent.

The Development Club and Dee Promotions, in particular, direct their cash towards the youth set-up.

They are unhappy at the prospect of that changing and, in meeting with club officials, have been less than impressed with a lack of awareness of just how much work they do for Dundee.

In the last 12 months, Dee Promotions handed over in excess of £80,000, the Development Club between £12,000 and £15,000, with the DSA cash taking the overall figure donated to over £100,000.

“We do a lot of good for the club at no cost to them, but the way they want it done would cost money for administration and they are effectively trying to bully us into this,” said a committee member of one of the groups.

“They are changing a system that works perfectly well and the only reason I can see for it is because they want total control.”

At the weekend, Dens chairman Bob Brannan said there had been “fragmentation” and the proposed changes would bring about better co-ordination and control.

Grateful as they are for the funding, he and his fellow board members believe that, with better co-ordination, more money could be raised and planning the annual budget would be made easier by the proposed move.

And Dundee have stressed this is not an attack on the autonomy of the organisations involved.

Fans group Dee 4 Life, who are represented at board room level in the shape of George Knight, are supporting the move.

The weekend win at Aberdeen saw goal hero Francisco Sandaza and some resolute defending grab the headlines.

However, on the day when Irishman Daly picked up an award for his hat-trick in the Co-Operative Cup second round win at Cowdenbeath, his manager was quick with his praise.

“Jon has had a hard time with injury, but he has always worked hard and, as we saw on Saturday, he is an important member of the squad,” said Craig.

“He is big, strong and provides and aerial threat that gives defences problems and is also useful when we are defending set-pieces.

“On top of that, though, he puts in a lot of work in open play and, on Saturday, he held the ball up and linked very well. His partnership with Sandaza is still in its early stages so I’m not getting carried away, but it has been encouraging so far.”

It should also get a chance to blossom further when Airdrie United visit in the Co-Operative Cup third round tomorrow night, although Daly’s wife went into labour today and that will have to cast some doubt over his participation.

That tie will come too soon for injured strikers Roy O’Donovan and Warren Feeney, while midfielder Willo Flood will also miss out again.

And defender Mihael Kovacevic is a big doubt after taking a whack in the face against the Dons.

“O’Donovan and Flood are very close and will be OK for Hearts on Saturday, but Feeney will need another week before his ankle is right,” added Craig.

“Kovacevic is my major concern for tomorrow. He has a swollen jaw and has not been able to head the ball in training, so it could be a struggle for him to be ready.”