“We were on a fantastic 10-game unbeaten run before we lost at Kilmarnock last week, but just that one result meant we dropped down from third place and, after winning the games we have, you would not expect that,” said Dillon.

“It shows that we are still paying for the time it took us to get winning at the start of the season.”

And Dillon admits the 3-1 defeat that kicked off the year at New Douglas Park back in August was a result he simply did not see coming.

“I’d have to say that was the worst United performance since I’ve been here. We did so well last season and had such a good pre-season that I would not have believed a game like that would happen, especially after we took the lead.

“That doesn’t make tomorrow about revenge, though, because fair play to Hamilton, they played well that night and deserved the points. What happened to us was our own fault and, from my own point of view, it was a painful experience because it cost me my place in the team for a couple of games.”

While United have rocketed up the league in the last couple of months, Accies have slumped to the bottom of the table and have picked up just one point in nine games since winning at Aberdeen in September.

Their lowly position is not something United will be thinking about at Tannadice tomorrow.

“I don’t think anyone has hammered them and, although I did not see the game myself, I’ve heard about how unlucky they were against Celtic on Sunday,” continued Dillon.

“They will be coming up here thinking that, if they keep working, the wins will come and there is no way any of us will be looking at their position and thinking it’s going to be easy. We know from the last game against them that they can play and it is up to us to get back winning straight away after last week.”

That message about Accies is one Craig Levein will be hammering home to his players before kick-off and, despite their recent abysmal record, he sees Billy Reid’s team as opponents with genuine top-flight quality.

“We had them watched against Hearts a couple of weeks back and the report said they should have taken something, and we had Paul Hegarty at the Celtic game and he thought the same.

“His report said that, even with 10 men for the whole of the second half, they held their own and were very unlucky to lose.

“And, if there is a team that does not need reminded of what they are capable of it is us, because they deserved to beat us in August.”

Craig’s big dilemma is whether or not he should make changes after the end of the unbeaten run and he admitted that was a difficult call.

“It’s something I have been mulling over in my mind and I have not decided for definite yet. I have been looking closely in training to see if anyone is off the pace, but I have to say the boys have been looking good.”

He feels that could leave cash available to Jocky to strengthen his squad — he was on a reputed £50,000 a year.

A club statement today confirmed his departure come the end of the month after around two-and-a-half years in the job.

While that period saw him fail in his ultimate objective of helping steer the club back to the SPL, he does believe he is leaving a healthier Dundee behind.

And, while he will no longer be directly involved, he has pledged to help in any way if the club ever need him.

“I am sad to be leaving, because I have enjoyed much of my time at Dundee, but I feel I have filled the gap that meant a chief executive was needed and there is no way I am going to continue to pick up a wage just for the sake of it.

“Hopefully, my departure can free up a bit of money and that will help Jocky strengthen the squad — I know he is already looking at the January transfer window.”

Dundee’s statement paid tribute to Dave for transforming “operational effectiveness” and the way in which he “re-established the credibility of the club in the community and throughout Scottish football.”

Adding a personal note, chairman Bob Brannan saluted what, he feels, has been a major contribution.

“David has done a brilliant job in his time at Dens. I really don’t know how we would have survived the last few years without him,” he said.

“His contribution in every area of the club’s activities, from income generation, recruiting players, dealing with the football authorities and the Press, has been enormous.

“The commitment, enthusiasm, optimism, knowledge and skill he has brought, has helped us through many difficult situations.

“I and the rest of the board members will miss him greatly. However, I’m comforted in the knowledge that I know he will always be there to help when we need him.”