January 1987

Dundee Jobs Blow

Dundee suffered another jobs blow at the weekend with the news that 78 workers at the Meri-Mate factory, Wester Gourdie industrial estate, are to be made redundant. Mr Ibrahim Okhai, chairman at the Okhai Group which operated Meri-Mate subsidiary had been making a loss for the past two years, and added “As a group, we cannot afford this loss forever. Unless the operation is scaled down it is impossible to return to profits”

Rather than effect a closure – there are 179 jobs there at the moment – we intend to try to save as many jobs as possible, in this case 101.

News of the redundancies was broken to union officials and shop stewards at a meeting in the plant last week, with the redundancy notices due to be issues last Wednesday.

The unions asked that this be delayed to allow them to hold a mass meeting in the Marryat Hall at 10 a.m. today at which a course of action will be decided upon.

Union would not comment on the redundancies other than to say they were “disgusted”.

The three unions involved at the plant are the Amalgamated Engineering, the Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunication and Plumbing and the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trades.

Stakes Are High for Derby Game by Steve Bruce

Dundee and Dundee United meet at Dens Park this afternoon in one of the most important derby fixtures of recent times. Important because the outcome could have significant bearing on the respective Premier League quest of both teams, particularly Dundee.

The Dark Blues are fully aware that anything less than victory today would turn the already difficult task of securing a European place through league position into a near impossible one.

The 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie on Thursday has left them 8 points adrift of fifth place Hearts and nine behind fourth top Aberdeen, a gap which must be closed promptly if they are to eventually overhaul either both of those sides and claim a Euro spot.

Not that the points at stake in this 31st Premier derby will be any less sought after by their rivals.

For although the title race has been opened up following Thursday’s Old Firm match. United now find themselves only five point behind leaders Celtic with a game in hand and two adrift on second-top Rangers.

The Tannadice side require victory to maintain the pressure on the Glasgow pair and also staying one jump ahead of Aberdeen who are now creeping in to the championship picture.

Because of injury doubts, neither manager will name his side until kick-off time.

Dundee yesterday had five unnamed players receiving treatment for knocks collected at Pittodrie but only one of those casualties is giving significant cause for concern.

Definitely missing from the Dark Blues line-up will be midfielder John Brown who is suspended.

United wait for striker Iain Ferguson who will undergo a lunchtime fitness teat. Ferguson, yet to make his derby debut at Dens in a tangerine jersey, is desperate to play but manager Jim McLean fears the former Dundee star may not quite recover in time from the ankle ligament damage he sustained at Rangers.

Although the Tannadice men still have centre-half’s John Clark and Paul Hegarty unavailable through suspension and injury respectively , they are in better shape than last week, with Ian Redford, Ralph Milne and Kevin Gallacher back in contention for places along with “new” signing Billy Kirkwood.

Kirkwood’s inclusion in the starting line-up would mean a quick return to Dens, for seven days ago he skippered Hibs there.
2with Paul Hegarty, Clark and possible Ferguson out I’ll soon not be able to pick what I believe to be my strongest eleven but we now face a run of three games in eight days, all in Dundee and must capitalise on this” said Jim McLean. “It is also essential we show far more determination in all departments”

Opposite number Jocky Scott commented “We didn’t deserve to lose at Aberdeen and the players want to make up for that disappointment as quickly as possible. One thing is certain; supporters of both teams are in for a good game”

Success in this fixture has occurred only infrequently for Dundee in recent years but the fact they won the last meeting 3-0 at Tannadice on November 8 will boost confidence and fuel optimism among their supporters.

Equally though, United will be out to avenge that rare reversal and have the advantage of fresher legs.

The postponement of Tuesday night’s match with St Mirren ensured them a week-long rest, while, in marked contrast, this afternoon brings a second outing in three days for Dundee’s players.

It is difficult, however to predict just how much that will influence proceedings for the importance of the occasion may well counter-balance any physical tiredness on the Dark Blues part.

The Dens Park pitch was described yesterday as being in “perfect” condition.

Ray’s Snack Bar

Serving local industry
Extensive menu
Including:
All day breakfast, only…99p
Excellent selection of filled rolls, hot and cold fillings from only…15p.
Sit-in or take-away.
Ray’s Snack Bar
Larch Street, Dundee. Telephone 25525 for orders.

Tannadice Tickets

The Dundee United office will be open from 9 o’clock this morning for the sale of tickets for the visit of Celtic next Saturday.

Victory in the War Against Drug Abuse

The Tayside Police drugs “hotline” is continuing success in the campaign against drug abuse and is to be continued this year.

The confidential phone-line was started last April by Tayside and the Tayside success in the war against drug dealers has encouraged other forces to follow their example.

Detective Superintendent Ernest Brown, deputy chief of Tayside C.I.D., said “Since the inception of the drugs hotline on April 1, we have received a total of 282 calls, which have resulted in several convictions so far”

Lothian and Borders police reported last week that, six months after their own line was set up, the scheme had already been found to be fully justified and resulted in a number of seizures and arrests.

Holidays

4-Day Mini Cruise to
Amsterdam
Inclusive price from Dundee
Only £85 per person
Departing, February 6, 1987.
A.A. Travel
124, Overgate, Dundee
Telephone 29531.

What’s On Cinema…

ABC Film Centre, Dundee
Heartbreak Ridge (16) Wee 1.35, 4.25, 7.45.

Regal Broughty Ferry
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, “Ruthless People” (18) Door open 6.40.

Steps Theatre (Dundee Film Theatre) Wednesday January 7
Girl in the Picture (15). Gordon John Sinclair stars in this whimsical comedy. Doors 6.30pm starts 7.30pm.

Properties for Sale

Dundee – West End
5 Carseview Gardens
Attractive Detached Villa
(Bett Elgin) with pleasant views to the south over the River Tay and the hills of Fife. The accommodation comprises Entrance Hall with Cloakroom, Lounge, Dining Room and Kitchen and on the Upper floor – 3 bedrooms and bathroom.

Offers over £47, 500.
Viewing by appointment only.
For further particulars telephone 643517.

Employment

The Queen’s Hotel, Dundee
Duty Manager
The Queen’s Hotel requires a duty manager to assist in the management of this busy city centre hotel, which is undergoing a large refurbishment programme.
The person we require should hold an H.N.D. certificate or equivalent and have at least a year’s experience of duty management in a large hotel. Enthusiasm, initiative and professionalism are vital attributes.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience.

If you would like to be involved in a business which is growing and reap the benefits of this success then send a written application and full C.V. to Miss Lesley A. Ross General Manager, The Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate, Dundee.