Like their neighbours up the road, there has been a steady stream of new arrivals coming through the doors at Tannadice this summer.
There were no less than seven of the recruits in the Dundee United starting XI that suffered a disappointing defeat at St Mirren on Saturday – goalie Harry Lewis, defender Paul Quinn, midfielders Sam Stanton and Fraser Fyvie, wide men Paul McMullan and Billy King as well as striker Scott McDonald.
There were another three of the new men on the bench in the shape of Patrick N’Koyi, Deniz Mehmet and Archie Thomas while Tam Scobbie, Jordie Briels and James Keatings missed out through injury.
The likes of McDonald and Fyvie along with United regulars such as Willo Flood are still trying to get fully up to speed having had little or no pre-season.
United boss Ray McKinnon is confident once everyone is firing on all cylinders, the team will click into gear.
However, like Dundee, the Tangerines are probably still short of a striker. McDonald will undoubtedly get better once he is fitter but the Australian is now 34.
Tellingly, nearly all his 11 goals last season for Motherwell were scored when he had big Lewis Moult for company up front.
McKinnon has indicated his transfer business is over but if some unexpected windfall was to come his way, then a Moult-type striker would no doubt be top of his shopping list.
The Tangerines also lack a real physical presence in midfield. Briels may supply that when he is fit but a Ross Draper type would not go amiss especially when the going really gets tough in the Championship this winter.
