THE transfer market was nudged into action yesterday when Motherwell's Jamie Dolan joined Dundee United. Tannadice striker Owen Coyle took the reverse journey to Fir Park, and first division Falkirk signed former favourite Kevin McAllister from Hibernian. Midfielder Dolan became Tommy McLean's latest signing with Coyle and #75,000 going to Motherwell, who have been desperately seeking a goal-scorer, and the United manager spelled out why he intends to continue his search for new talent.

McLean has now made six major signings since arriving at Tannadice last September. Dolan joins Scandinavians Erik Pederson, Kjell Olofsson and Lars Zetterlund, plus Sieb Dykstra and Jim McInally. They could be joined soon by Swedish defender Jonas Wirmola, who is on a month's contract at the moment and came on as a substitute against Kilmarnock last Saturday.

It has been a remarkable transformation in a short space of time and United still have cash available. McLean wants to spend it.

He said: ``Two of the reasons why I would like to make further signings are the board of directors of the club and the supporters.

``Every member of the board seems to appreciate what has been going on and they are now asking me regularly if there are any other deals in the pipeline, because they are enthusiastic about what has happened so far.

``The reaction of the fans has been just as important as far as I am concerned. They have created a superb atmosphere for the players to perform in and that is another great encouragement for me to go on looking at new transfer dealings.''

McLean, who beat off a rival move from former club Hearts for Dolan, added: ``I am definitely not finished trying and we have already asked about a couple of young Scottish players.''

Coyle, who had spells at Airdrie and Bolton, wanted first-team football and he is certain to get his chance at Motherwell as they struggle to halt a slump which sees them in second bottom place in the premier division.

Meantime, self-confessed Falkirk supporter McAllister is back at Brockville - for the fourth time in his career.

McAllister signed yesterday from Hibs in a #25,000 deal to link again with manager Alex Totten, who first took him from Camelon Juniors to Falkirk 14 years ago. He will play for Falkirk tonight in their rearranged first division match against St Mirren at Brockville.

Said McAllister: ``I'm sad to leave Hibs after three and a half years, because their fans were so good to me. But I'm also delighted to be back here. After all, I am a Falkirk fan.

``This is the third time I have signed for Falkirk, and I was also back here on loan.

``It seems Falkirk come in for me regularly. It must be because they have had managers who like to play with wingers, and I think I am one of a dying breed. There are not so many of us about now.

``I have not seen a first division game this season, but I had a look at the table and St Johnstone seem to be running away with it. Our job is to go out and try to catch them, and there is a lot to play for with that second position bringing a play-off place.

``I am sure this place can be lifted. When Jim Jefferies left it seemed as if the style changed and the fans stayed away. But the present manager wants to play attacking football and I believe they will come back.''

Manager Totten did not hide his admiration for McAllister and said: ``I saw Kevin play for Hibs pre-season and he was the best man on the park. Every time he came up against me at Kilmarnock I worried about him. He is 34, but a young 34, for he has kept himself fit.

``When I came here I was told there was no money, but I pointed out the importance of the first signing and the chairman has to be praised for getting the cash.''

q RAITH Rovers last night signed two Danish players on loan in their premier division survival bid.

Manager Iain Munro swooped to sign Carsten Hallum and Sorn Andersen from FC Hvidovre. Hallum is a 27-year-old former FC Copenhagen midfielder with a reputation for creating goals, and Andersen, a powerfully built 30-year-old striker, has a solid reputation in Denmark.