I’VE BEEN THERE BOUGHT THE DEE SHIRT
Wighton: Fans were so chuffed my goal relegated United they sent tops sporting ‘Beautiful Monday’
HIS derby goal relegating Dundee United cemented Craig Wighton’s legendary status at Dens.
But even though the former Dundee hitman is a born and bred Dark Blue he admits the best thing for Scottish football is to have both clubs back battling in the top flight.
Wighton’s 93rd-minute winner in the Doon Derby consigned United to four years in the Championship.
The striker, now at Dunfermline, still has T-shirts marking his major moment in that 2-1 victory over the Tangerines on Monday, May 2, 2016.
He might even pull one on when he settles on the couch to watch the return of Scotland’s third derby to the Premiership this Sunday.
It will be the first meeting of the rivals since Wighton’s goal sent him hurtling into the renowned Derry section of Dens and United toppling through the top-flight trapdoor.
But for all the joy and fame he has reaped from that moment, the 24-yearold admits the rivals are a far greater force together in the Premiership.
He said: “It’s great to see this game back in the top flight. They are two of the biggest clubs in Scotland and they should be in the top division.
“I’ll never forget that night at Dens. You couldn’t have written the script any better. The ground was packed, the atmosphere was electric and United knew they had to win.
“But we knew we had a great opportunity to give our fans something special to remember.
“To win the game in injury time, I actually can’t remember the goal. I think it was a bit lucky! I just remember a lot of bodies in front of me and I somehow managed to sneak it into the corner. It was mayhem.
“It’s the celebration I remember more than anything. I wanted to run towards the Dundee United fans but in the moment I ran straight to the Derry where all our fans were going crazy.
“Maybe it’s just as well I changed my mind – I think the United fans were streaming out the stadium by that point anyway!
“I somehow ended up with Darren O’Dea and Kevin Holt on top of me. Some of the lads ended up in the Derry with the fans.
“It was brilliant and as a Dundee supporter the moment will live with me forever, even if I can barely remember the goal.
“People mention it to this day. It’s my only one against United but I don’t think it will ever be forgotten. I got sent T-shirts with a picture of the goal and the words ‘Beautiful Monday’ on them. They’re still in the house somewhere. I might put one on on Sunday!
“But, to be honest, as good as it was to get the goal and all that came of it, when you sit back a week or so later you realise the best thing for everyone is to have both clubs in the top flight to have nights like that.
“That’s why it’s great to see them both back in the Premiership.
“I played in the Edinburgh derby with Hearts. The atmosphere is unreal but that can often be quite a cagey affair.
“The Dundee derby is just end to end. There’s always goals, late winners, sending-offs, flashpoints and I’m sure Sunday will be exactly the same.”
Both sides of the Tannadice Street rivalry have endured spells in the Championship since Wighton’s lastgasp strike. Relegation led to changes at United on and off the pitch, with US owner Mark Ogren replacing Stephen Thompson at the helm back in 2018 while youth supremo Tam Courts has been promoted to first-team boss.
Dundee have enjoyed a steadier return, the Dens club rewarded for showing faith in rookie boss James McPake as he led them to a stunning play-off promotion victory over Kilmarnock at the end of May.
The Dark Blues have shown they can compete with three draws at home against St Mirren, Hibs and Livingston in their opening six games.
And Wighton is confident they can crank their campaign up a gear with a victory on their rivals’ turf in three days’ time, especially if on-loan Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths can rediscover the scoring touch that made him a fans’ favourite at Dens a decade ago.
Wighton said: “There’s not much between the two at the moment, so it’s a hard one to call.
“Charlie Adam’s experience will be important if he is passed fit.
“Paul McMullan as well has been a good signing from across the road and if they are playing, it gives Dundee a better chance.
“They have that bit of magic and quality that can turn a game.
“Leigh has been a good signing and the fact he has been at Dens before means the fans love him. “If he is playing every week I’m sure the goals will flow again. Sunday would be the perfect time to start.” PARFECT TIMING