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Laszlo wants five substitutes or later dates for matches
Dundee United manager Csaba Laszlo has called for a new approach to the Betfred Cup so that it can be used more easily as an extended pre-season.
Laszlo is in a quandary today as the Tangerines kick-off their cup campaign against Arbroath at Tannadice.
He wants to win and show what is, after all, a competitive fixture respect – but he is also keen to keep trying things out on the park to be as prepared as possible for the Championship opener against Dunfermline on August 4.
Laszlo said: “We are still in the middle of our preparation.
“For this reason we can talk about the start of the season but this is not the start of the season.
“I think we have to think about these League Cup games because I think you want to build up the team in the preseason.
“Unfortunately, I am not so happy about it because you have to look at the rules.
“You have just three (substitute) changes so the rest of the team are sitting on the outside.
“I would suggest that if the SPFL want to play the League Cup in the pre-season they have to make it later or let the teams change five players during games.
“That would give a chance for every team to build up. This is just my opinion, a suggestion.”
With the Tangerines targeting the Pars game as their “real” curtain-raiser, Laszlo is relaxed about his rate of recruitment, which has slowed of late.
The Hungarian said: “We are still not finished (making signings). There has been a gap in the signings but we can sign players and we are looking to bring in the right players.
“Good players have other offers and have two or three teams, maybe even four, who are speaking to them. With their agent they will choose the best option and for this reason it is not easy to get those players.
“You have to convince them about your project and that the team is the best for them and for this reason it takes a little bit more time.
“The transfer window is open until the end of August, and also the players are waiting and speculating.
“Hopefully, in the next two weeks we will get maybe three players the team needs.
“By August 4 we have to be 99% finished and then have something left to do something if we can.”
United new boy Sam Wardrop echoed the manager’s message that the league is what counts for United. However, he still wants to do well in the cup, starting against the Lichties today.
The right-back, signed from Celtic in the summer after being on loan at Dumbarton last season, said: “All the boys’ focus is on winning the Championship. That’s our aim, to get back up to the Premiership.
“Amid all that, you’ve got all your cup games so it can go hand-in-hand.
“Obviously, if you’re doing well in the league it can give you confidence for the cup, and vice versa.
“Those are the spin-offs you get in football.
“For me, I want to win every competition I’m in: that’s my kind of goal.
“If there’s a cup there to be won I want it and I can speak for the rest of the boys, too.
“It’s definitely not like a pre-season thing as far as I’m concerned. I’m treating it really seriously as I want to win it.”
Arbroath manager Dick Campbell is looking forward to taking his troops to Tannadice to face United but reckons the season is starting far too early.
The Gayfield boss said: “I am delighted for the people who work at the club and for those who follow Arbroath that they are going to have a derby match with Dundee United.
“It should be a great day out at a club that I know well after starting my career there. They have a fantastic history and a fantastic ground.
“However, I do think this game is coming too soon.
“Starting the season on July 14 is early in my opinion as we have not had a full range of pre-season games and also our squad is not full.
“Full-time clubs have players in with them that they still have to make decisions on, so you have to keep a space in your squad available to see who comes up.”
Campbell will push his reservations over the early start to the side.
“Despite my misgivings this is a game that we will look to win.
“I want us to go out and have a go. “We have done our research and had United watched as well. Whilst taking on a full-time side just now is not ideal I want us to have a day to remember.”
The Gayfield manager has a goalkeeping quandary to solve.
He explained: “Both Darren Jamieson and Darren Hill have been terrific since they came in. I can only pick one of them and it will be a tough choice.”
Campbell hopes to add former Dunfermline, Berwick Rangers and Brechin City attacker Finn Graham before kick-off.
“I still do not have all the firepower on board that I want, and getting Finn signed up would take us a step closer to getting there,” he added.