‘Thank football it’s Friday’ will be what the SPL hope fans in Dundee will be saying this season.
In order to address a fixture headache caused by the Dark Blues taking on Club 12’s programme in the top flight, both Dundee and Dundee United have had upcoming home games switched to Friday evenings.
The Tangerines will welcome Ross County to Tannadice on Friday September 14, while Inverness Caley Thistle will visit Dens Park on Friday October 19. Both games will have 7.45 kick-offs.
That leaves the way clear for Dundee to host Motherwell and United to play Aberdeen respectively.
Dens chief executive Scot Gardiner called it a ”positive solution” to the fixture clash problem.
He said: ”Having found ourselves in the uniquely challenging position we are in, we are delighted to have been able to work out a positive solution for both Dundee clubs that will afford our fans and sponsors the chance to enjoy Friday night football.
”We hope they will support their first chance to come along to Dens with friends and family on a Friday evening. We are grateful to Tayside Police for their support in facilitating this opportunity.”
SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: ”Every football fan knows we have had a challenging close season.
”One outcome from that is a number of clashes in the city of Dundee when Dundee are scheduled to be at home on the same date as Dundee United.
”I would like to thank both clubs and Tayside Police for working constructively with SPL secretary Iain Blair to find a solution to this.
”We will meet with the clubs and Tayside Police following these matches to review them and to consider the way ahead for other clashes later in the season.
”The opportunity to pilot Friday evening Clydesdale Bank Premier League football in Dundee is very welcome.
”So far, there has proved to be a good appetite for Friday night football. I believe that the extension of this pilot to Dundee will also be a success in the stadia and around the city.”