The first competitive Dundee derby in over seven years will take place at Tannadice on August 18 if Dundee replace Rangers in the SPL.
That is still a big ‘if’ but the sight of ‘Club 12’ instead of ‘Rangers’ named on the SPL fixture list for season 2012-13 provided a stark reminder that it is by no means certain that the top flight will include the newco Ibrox club.
The Dark Blues could if the SPL chairmen vote no to the transfer of the SPL share from old to new Rangers be travelling up the road to play United in only their third league match of the season.
The Dens men would be opening up with a trip to Kilmarnock, then have a home game against St Mirren before what would be an eagerly-anticipated derby against the Tangerines.
Should Dundee remain in Division One, they will open with a home game against newly-promoted Dumbarton.
Dundee manager Barry Smith was, perhaps understandably, guarded about the possibility of kicking off at Rugby Park rather than at home to the Sons.
”We are just concentrating on the First Division as we have done since the end of last season,” said Smith. ”Everyone wants to play in front of their own fans in the first game and we will be determined to have a good start to the season.
”I am sure, like most sides, Dumbarton will be looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Dens and they will be full of confidence having just been promoted following some great results in the play-offs.
”But I think they will all be hard games this year and I believe it will be a really tight league. I just cannot see anyone going on the sort of incredible run that Ross County did last season. Obviously, we would like to, but I think things will be a lot closer.”
Should the new Rangers take their place in the top flight then the first Old Firm derby would take place at Celtic Park on September 22, with another on Boxing Day.
SPL secretary Iain Blair explained the use of Club 12, saying: ”Following the failure of Rangers FC to exit administration via a CVA, we have received an application to register the transfer of their SPL share to a newco.
”Should it be rejected, then another club may be invited to join the SPL for season 2012/13.”
Also, there will be a winter break in the SPL for the first time in a decade, with no game between the January 2 and 19 cards.
Blair added: ”Supporters have often told us that they favour a winter break. Indeed, we have always been open to reviving the break but fitting it into the schedule can be a problem.
”With no World Cup or European Championship next summer, we are able to finish our own season slightly later and incorporate a shutdown covering two weekends in January.”
This will tie in with the fourth round of the Scottish Cup being played the weekend of December 1 rather than January.