Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bow wants big crowd on huge night for Dillo
DAVE Bowman has called on Dundee United fans to turn out i n numbers for Sean Dillon’s testimonial against Hearts tonight.
And the club legend, the last player to be granted a testimonial year, believes the Arabs will.
“I can’t think of a better pro than Sean and I was part of a United team that had plenty good ones,” said Bow.
“He’s been great f or United down the years and has always given his best for the team. He deserves this honour and I know how much it means to him.
“It’s over 20 years since my testimonial against Dundee but it was a special night for me and this will be the same for Sean. I hope there’s a good crowd.
“I’m biased when it comes to United fans but I think they will because they recognise players who’ve done a great job for the club and Sean’s in that category.”
Bowman will make a brief appearance himself and admits given the opposition, he’s jealous of the club captain.
“I really appreciated Dundee coming down the road f or my game but, having started at Hearts, this would have been perfect for me.
“It’s great they’re coming through and shows the respect Sean has across the country.”
Dillon is set to play some part despite picking up an ankle injury at St Mirren last week and, as well as guests like Jon Daly, Andy Webster and Craig Conway from the 2010 Scottish Cup-winning team, other past t eammates including Noel Hunt, Scott Severin and Christian Kalvenes will make appearances.
Hearts legend John Robertson will manage the visitors for the first half, before making an appearance on the pitch, and Craig Levein, who signed Dillon for United, will be in the away dug out for the second period.
By t h a t ti m e , Pe t e r Houston will be in charge of United and he’s bringing the Scottish Cup he steered the Tangerines to seven years ago with him.
The current first-team squad will report for duty and, while some will be rested with Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final against St Mirren in mind, one player definitely on the park will be Willo Flood.
He’s known his fellow Dubliner since they were teenagers and there’s no way he’s going to miss this one.
“It’s a great occasion for him, well deserved. He’s a top professional and for me he’s a better player than people think,” said Willo.
“H e ’s s o m e o n e I’ve always liked playing with, someone I trust with the ball, someone I trust on the field, off the field. He’s a special friend of mine.
“It doesn’t happen often in this day and age.
“I know for a fact a few times he was linked with a few clubs but he showed great loyalty to United and he’s obviously been very successful at the club.”
Kick-off t onight i s at 7.45pm and, while tickets have been selling well, there will be cash gates in operation.
Prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Meanwhile, briefs f or Saturday l u n c h - t i m e ’s Challenge Cup Final against St Mirren at Motherwell’s Fir Park are still on sale from the ticket office at Tannadice.