By Ian Roache

HAD FATE taken a different turn, Gerry Britton would have been in the Dundee dugout tomorrow plotting Brechin’s downfall.

Instead, the experienced striker will be turning out for City against the Dark Blues at Glebe Park.

Britton started the season as assistant manager to Jim Duffy at Dens then, when Duffy was sacked last month, he became caretaker coach.

He was being mentioned as a candidate for the permanent post, but Alan Kernaghan’s installation halted that speculation.

Britton was then offered the chance to move to Brechin as a player and is likely to spearhead the Angus side’s strikeforce against his former club.

And while he is keen to renew old acquaintances, the priority is getting three points for City.

“It is certainly an interesting one for me, given my connection to Dundee until just a few weeks ago,” said Britton.

“It’s always nice to meet up with friends and ex-team-mates and I am looking forward to welcoming them to Glebe Park.

“But the most important thing for Brechin is that we have yet to get that first league win of the season.

“We want that victory sooner rather than later and Saturday can’t come quickly enough for us.

“Wins give you confidence as a team and your play is enhanced.”

Duffy’s downfall came after a CIS Cup defeat down at Stranraer, but prior to that he and Britton had presided over three wins and a draw.

But Dundee’s current record reads seven successive games without a win and they will be as desperate as the home side to get back on track tomorrow.

“Dundee started the season brightly enough but haven’t won for a few matches,” added Britton.

“However, I know better than most just how many good players there are at Dens.

“They will be as eager as we are to get a win and I think both clubs will feel that a good result on Saturday could help turn things around for them.”

Britton also revealed that excitement and anticipation is building in Brechin ahead of the game.

“This is the fixture the fans have been looking forward to,” he said.

“It’s what the club won promotion for.

“Our lads are really looking forward to pitting our wits against the good players at Dundee, even though it will be a test.”

Dens boss Kernaghan, who has doubts over injured duo Tom McManus (Achilles) and Iain Anderson (ankle), believes his team could be just a win away from a change of luck.

Also, if they can see off City it will bring an end to their run of 28 away matches without a win since they beat neighbours United on August 14, 2004—the longest stretch of any senior side in Britain.

“A victory could settle things down,” he said.

“We have not won away from home for 13-14 months (or outside the City of Discovery for more than 500 days) so that is something that has to be addressed pretty quickly.”

l Entrance is pay at the gate and prices are: adults £13, concessions £7. There is also a parent and child gate at £16 and a further £1 for one additional child.

Dundee fans should access the stadium via the Trinity Road turnstiles, and both sets of supporters are being asked to turn up early.