We’re keeping United in the virus fight
BY SCOTT BURNS
MARK CONNOLLY wants to win the Championship with Dundee United outright – even if it means playing the games next season.
The coronavirus lockdown has left key questions over the season – and if it can’t be finished will they call the leagues as they are or declare this term null and void?
Connolly would prefer every league is completed before the main prizes are handed out.
The United defender said: “I would like to see us finish the season. Whether it goes into next season and maybe we shorten the next campaign then so be it if that can be done. “I want to finish the season over the next three or four months on the pitch. This season has been fantastic for the club.
“We have been in this league for four years but now we are in a prime position to get back to where we want to be. Tony Asghar (sporting director) and the manager have been brilliant this season setting out what we want to do and we have done it from the first day.
“We have had a lot of plaudits for how well we have done but we know there is still a little bit to go. We will be as ready as we can be to get over the line on our return.”
United have been top of the Championship since the opening weeks and have streaked 14 points clear, although second-placed Inverness have a game in hand.
Connolly wants to finish that off the right way – by winning games in front of their fans.
He said: “It has been a tough and a long season. We have played 28 games and we are nearly there but we just need to let the SFA and governing bodies to take control.
“We’re just getting prepared for coming back to finish the season.
“We are 14 points clear and have been there from day one. We want to finish the season off on a high by getting promoted and by winning the league in front of the fans. Whenever that may be, our aim is to come back and finish this season. “That will be the aim for every club in the country. People are saying there is no chance of getting back. “But the way we look at it as players is that we will be ready when called upon. “And we want to come back and finish the season in style, so that we can celebrate with our fans.” The 28-year-old knows the shutdown is as frustrating for the fans as it is for the players.
And he admits the prospect of clinching a Premiership return in front of their fans – after four seasons in the second tier – is the one thing that is keeping him going.
He added: “I know the fans will be disappointed just now, especially with the way the league has been going, because they want to watch football and their team.
“They are frustrated but like us they understand the situation because we know we need to keep everybody safe then we can get back to football when the time is right.
“All I can say to the fans is to thank them for everything they have done for us this season.
MARK CONNOLLY
“We are now at a time when we all need to stick together. We will also be back, whenever we are told we can get back.
“We know the fans will be back at that first game and as players we can’t wait for that first game at Tannadice.
“That is the positive I have in my mind knowing that is something we can all look forward to at the end of all this.”