Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Could be on a giant step
had to carry. It was close but we did it and I remember it was a great feeling.”
Given United’s achievements before and since, that 95-96 season and its dramatic conclusion is not one that is much talked about.
Pressley understands why but regards that May night against the Jags as one of the most important of a career that saw him win trophies with Rangers, Hearts and Celtic.
“It was massive and who knows what might have happened to me or United if things had turned out differently.
“It’s amazing to think how close we were to losing but the funny thing is, even though we knew time was almost up, I still felt we could get the equaliser.
“Maybe that was optimism or even a lack of realism but we felt there was a chance and once Welshie scored with a packed Tannadice behind us there was only going to be one winner.”
He believes the big turnout of Arabs tonight and again for the sold-out second leg in Lanarkshire on Sunday will also be a big help to United this time. He sees the outcome, though, as too close to call.
“A week or so ago I would have said United for definite but Hamilton got a big win at the weekend and that will give them confidence as well, so it’s a hard one to predict.
“A lot of the battle in the play-offs is mental and that worries me. United have done well but this is their third tie and it’s tough.
“Scotland is the only country who could complicate a simple system like this. There should be semi-finals and a final but they always favour the Premiership clubs.”