The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Mcpake urges Dundee players to make Dark Blues supporters proud
The Dundee fans have proved James Mcpake’s theory that unquestionable commitment is the only thing that his players need to worry about to get the Dens Park support roaring them on.
And last weekend’s Partick Thistle game needs to be the template for Dark Blue terrace and pitch unity for the rest of their promotion push – not a standalone peak.
“We gave them a reason to get behind us,” said Mcpake.
“Kano (Kane Hemmings) chased a ball down into the Derry early, it rebounds off the defender and we got a throw-in. Everybody was buzzing just because Kano chased a ball.
“The supporters are then up for it and they see the players are up for it, too, with balls into the box early on.
“We have to give them something to be proud of. I said it in my first interview.
“I think on Saturday the fans were proud of their team,” added Mcpake.
“We might not have knocked the ball about or played as fluently as we have this season but we got the three points and came away with a clean sheet and looked really comfortable, so the fans will have walked away really happy.
“I think that was probably the first time at Dens this season where they walked away saying: ‘It was good today’.
“We have to do that. It has to come from us. The fans will help us when it’s backs to the wall but we need to give them something. On Saturday we did.”
Domination of possession will make the Dundee fans feel more relaxed – and the Dundee manager.
“I felt we were in control against Morton the week before,” said Mcpake.
“Anything coming into our box we defended. Though we didn’t win the game at Cappielow, I felt it was a different type of performance where we were dominant and comfortable.
“With a two-goal cushion I felt more comfortable against Partick. I know a few people will have been looking at us after having capitulated against them the last time here but there was no chance that was going to happen on Saturday.”