Scottish Football: Dixon urges united Dundee

WHILE the Glasgow clubs hold sway at the top of the Premier Division, in Dundee the talk is of a merger between the city's two clubs.

Ron Dixon, the Canadian chairman of Dundee, who are at home to Airdrieonians today, wants to join forces with Dundee United.

'It is now obvious to me that the city of Dundee isn't big enough to support two teams,' said Dixon, who took control of the Dens Park club 10 months ago. 'Banding together with United is the only way ahead if we are going to challenge Rangers' monopoly.'

Dundee United were expected to respond to Dixon's demand for 'urgent talks' after their board meeting yesterday. Today United play fourth-placed Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle where they failed to win in the League last season.

With over a quarter of the League season completed, Rangers look on course to retain the title having already established a five-point lead over their rivals.

Celtic should remain the leaders of the chasing pack when they visit Motherwell, who are second from bottom, this afternoon. Liam Brady's only injury worry is full-back Dariusz Wdowczyk, who is struggling with a back complaint, but that will be of little comfort to Motherwell.

Aberdeen, who meet Rangers a week tomorrow in the Skol Cup final, should also have little difficulty in disposing of the bottom club, Falkirk, at Pittodrie.

Alex McLeish, the veteran central defender, will be out to stake his claim for Hampden Park when he returns after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Dons midfield will be stiffened by the presence Roy Aitken, who has completed a suspension, while Jim Bett and Scott Booth are in contention for places following lengthy absences due to injury.

However, Aberdeen will be without Theo Ten Caat and the defender Stewart McKimmie, who will also miss the Skol Cup final because of a knee injury.