Melville was in the directors’ box to see a strong second-half performance give Jocky Scott’s team a 1-0 win, and believes the crowd played a big part in the success.

Today, he took time to stress how important it is that the fans continue to turn out in such numbers.

“I thought the support was superb and the message has to be let’s make 5000-plus our average attendance for home games,” he said.

“I believe that size of crowd can be vital to the club’s success and I am not talking for financial reasons.

“Of course, the income is valuable and helps us to keep bringing in quality players, but, from seeing it myself and speaking to the players, I know just how important having so many fans backing the team is.

“The angle the team run out at Dens means the first thing the players see is our fans in the Derry and then it’s The Bobby Cox Stand. When they are full of Dundee fans making a lot of noise, it gives our team a lift.

“The stand was pretty full on Saturday as well and, with noise coming from all sides of the ground, it was great.”

While it would cost him money because he’s pledged to match the price of every new adult season ticket sold by adding an identical sum to the player budget, Melville also wants to see the stands packed with season ticket holders.

“We’ve reached 2500, but, at the start of the summer, we set a target of 3000. At the time I had my doubts, but, when I see the interest there is, then I know we can still do it.

“Historically, we continue to sell quite a few tickets after the season starts and we have reason to believe we can do it.

“And I’m happy to remind those fans who didn’t have a ticket last season that, if they buy one, they are effectively spending my money and I’m delighted if that’s the case.”

Boss Jocky Scott has been doing his part on that score and has written to every lapsed season ticket holder urging them to reclaim their seats.

Melville’s own message to punters is blunt and he wants fellow-fans to put the pressure on those who are still staying away to return.

“If you have mates who say they are fans, then tell them what they are missing. We’ve shown we will spend the money we said we would and there is a football team worth watching here.

“Whether it’s after buying a season ticket or by paying each week, I want the fans to be part of this.”

The Aberdeen oilman has been more than happy to leave finding new players to the manager, but revealed one rule has been laid down for all new signings — you have to want to be here.

“As well as putting together a squad of good players, Jocky has got a great team spirit. I think that was there for all to see on Saturday.

“We won’t allow anything to harm that and we don’t want any billy-big-time players coming in and wondering if they’ve made the right decision. That’s why agents have been told if their clients need time to think about coming here, they should just tell them to forget it.”

The enthusiastic Melville admits he was delighted with what he saw at the weekend and is looking for even better to come.

“I have to say I was nervous at the start and I think so were the players and the fans, because a lot of work has gone into turning things round and everyone was desperate for a good start.

“In the end, we got the result and that’s what mattered. In the morning I beat my son at the golf and in the afternoon Dundee won — you don’t get better days.”

Meanwhile, on the team front, Jocky is hoping for good news this week on his bid to add a couple of defenders to his squad.

The Dark Blues are trying to bring in ex-Inverness Caley centre-half Pavels Mihadjuks, who has been playing in the Champions’ League with FK Ventspils.

He has been operating on a short-term contract back in his homeland and is looking for his release so he can return to Scotland. The Dens men also continue to be linked with Motherwell full-back Stevie Hammell, though Jocky has remained silent about that deal.

“I am expecting to hear about a couple of possible deals during the course of this week, but, right now, nothing is confirmed,” he said.

United, though, want to hang on to Gomis and, while Craig accepts every player has his price, the money being talked about is way short in this case.

“First of all, there has to be a bid from someone before we can respond to it,” he said.

“There hasn’t, so we can’t, but one thing I’m happy to tell you is that if Hamilton can sell their best player (James McCarthy) for £1.8 million, there is no way we would consider selling Gomis for under half that.

“You are talking about a player who, right at this moment, I consider to be our best midfielder in terms of consistency and level of performance.

“He’s under contract, we don’t want to sell him and we don’t have to sell, so we don’t need to consider anything at this type of figure.”

One midfielder on the move is Greg Cameron, who this morning started a week-long trial with Notts County, the club who’ve recently been taken over by Arabs and have Sven Goran Eriksson acting as director of football.

Craig believes the decision to allow Cameron to head south shows the strength in depth he has.

“Greg went to Shamrock Rovers on loan to get his fitness up and did very well. He’s also done well since he came back to us in the pre-season, but, like a few others, he has found it hard to break into the team.

“I believe he needs regular first-team football and that’s why we’ve let him go. If things work out well and Notts County want him, we’ll see what can be done.”

Back here, David Goodwillie has pulled out of the Scotland Under-21 training camp this week because of an ankle problem — his place has been taken by team-mate Johnny Russell.

Also not training today were Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Webster, though none of those sidelined are considered doubtful for the SPL opener against Hearts in a week.

Skipper Lee Wilkie was training again with the first-team today and, if that continues to go well, he could get an hour in a bounce game against Dundee later in the week.

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith has had a setback in his attempt to shake off a thigh injury. A small tear in a muscle has been detected and he now has to rest for 10 days.

Gary Irvine has been struggling with an ankle injury, but is fit enough to play against Scotland U/21s in a closed-door game today. Martin Hardie, Kevin Moon, Steven Anderson and Peter MacDonald were also involved.

Meanwhile, tickets for Saints’ game at Celtic on August 22 went on sale today until Friday to season ticket holders — a maximum of two each on production of voucher No. 30. General sales start next Monday. Prices are £25/£16, £22/£13.