The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Johnston calls for a bigger league
Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston insists four meetings with Dundee United within three-and-a-half months supports his call for a bigger league.
The Pars face United in the Championship at Tannadice tonight before meeting again on Saturday in the quarter-final of the Irn-Bru Cup.
Ray McKinnon’s side came out on top in the July 31 Betfred Cup group stage clash, while the September 10 encounter that the Tayside outfit won 3-1 in Fife is best remembered for visiting goalkeeper Cammy Bell saving three penalties.
Johnston, whose side slipped into the relegation play-off zone at the weekend following a goalless draw with Raith Rovers, insists the frequency of the matches against United will be a big turn off for the fans.
He said: “It’s not ideal and it’s not ideal for the fans, and that’s why I’m an advocate for bigger leagues.
“I think it’s better playing more teams and there is more freshness there.
“You feel more for the fans when you’re playing against the same team.
“That’s maybe why some of the games are a bit stale when you’re playing the same team so often.
“Every game is different for the players, but you do get to know each other inside out and it’s not ideal.
“We know their players and they know our players as well and it’s difficult to freshen it up too much.
“That’s the way it is but at Dundee United it will be a big crowd with a good atmosphere.
“It’s difficult game against a top team, we know how difficult it’s going to be.”
United, who are currently second in the table 15 points clear of Dunfermline, won 3-1 at East End Park two months ago as Bell pulled off an incredible feat in goal to deny Gavin Reilly, Nicky Clark and Paul McMullan from 12 yards in the space of 23 minutes.
Johnston, however, insists he has not put the players through any extra penalty drills ahead of the game.
He added: “It’s different practising penalties compared to when you actually hit them in a game.
“There’s pressure and a big crowd there so it’s hard to replicate that.
“Cammy Bell had an unbelievable day saving three penalties and that probably does not happen very often. I was actually happy with the performance from that game, but we still lost goals.
“That’s why it was so important getting a clean sheet at the weekend.
“It gives you that bit of confidence going into the game because you’re going to have to defend well, especially at Tannadice.”
Despite their lowly league position, Johnston insists his team are still aiming for the play-offs.
He added: “Hibs and Dundee United are two massive clubs but there is still a long way to go. They’ve started the season well and it’s where we want to be as well.
“It will be a great chance to test ourselves against one of the teams that are up there trying to win the league.”
I think it’s better playing more teams and there is more freshness there