It will be derby day at Dens Park again and Dundee United manager Peter Houston and Dundee boss Barry Smith can’t wait to renew the city rivalry.
The clubs will face each other in a pre-season ”friendly” on Saturday, July 14 (3pm kick-off) as part of both teams’ preparations for the new season.
Despite the match being played at the home of the Dark Blues, all proceeds will be divided equally between the clubs and go towards Smith and Houston’s respective budgets.
Smith said: ”Like both sets of fans, this is a fixture that my players and I will relish. I had the pleasure of playing in a few Dundee derbies and there is nothing better than the atmosphere created by a big crowd at these games.
”For many of my players, it will be the first time they have had the opportunity to take part in a game like this, and the more supporters that attend will help make the occasion all the more special whilst also, and very importantly, giving me extra funds to strengthen the squad.
”Although the game itself will come early in to our pre-season schedule, I am sure testing ourselves against an SPL side will stand us in good stead for the season ahead.”
Tannadice manager Houston added: ”It is important for us that we prepare for the new season in the correct manner and a derby match against Dundee certainly fits the bill.
”I have been promised all proceeds from our split (of the ticket money) to finance my pre-season plans and having the backing of supporters for this game will ensure we can prepare in the correct manner for our upcoming European adventure.
”Now this game has been confirmed we will be able to head to Europe for our pre-season camp. I’m sure, also, that our fans will want to renew rivalries with our neighbours and attempt to secure the bragging rights going into the upcoming campaign.”
That United camp is expected to be at Obertraun in Austria a training complex they know well in early July.
The derby will be all ticket and prices have been set at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.
Meanwhile United are being linked with St Mirren defender Jeroen Tesselaar. The former AZ Alkmaar player signed for the Buddies last summer from Dutch second division side Telster and played 41 times for the Paisley side last season.