DUNDEE CHIEF executive Dave MacKinnon has praised the Scottish Football League for acting upon the club’s concerns regarding the new fixture list, which is released today, writes Ian Roache.

MacKinnon was critical of the powers-that-be last summer when several date clashes with city neighbours Dundee United were thrown up by the computer.

He called for common sense to prevail next time…and it has.

It follows on from the news that the Scottish Premier League have taken on board concerns expressed by Rangers and Celtic and ensured that no Old Firm derbies will take place immediately after Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers.

“I understand that when the new fixtures were first drawn up there were nine clashes with United, which would obviously have been unacceptable,” said MacKinnon.

“We were made aware of this and, in contrast to previous years, the authorities have strived to reach an amicable conclusion.

“Now I believe there should be only one day when both ourselves and United are due to play in the city and I believe we will be able to reach an agreement between us.

“So I am pleased that the league has made this happen.”

Meanwhile, it now appears unlikely that central defender Chris Innes will be joining the Dark Blues.

The former Dundee United and Gretna player was at Dens last week and was expected to put pen to paper on a deal until a personal problem called a halt to proceedings.

Innes is now believed to be on the verge of joining Morton instead.