The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Connolly hopes shutdown will just be ‘blip’ in great season for United.
Dundee United defender Mark Connolly hopes they can look back on the coronavirus shutdown as a mere blip in an otherwise successful season, writes Calum Woodger.
United sit 14 points clear at the top of the Championship and were odds on to wrap up the title and Premiership promotion prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Terrors and the rest of the SPFL are seemingly no closer to a resolution in terms of how, or if, they will play out the remainder of the campaign.
However, Irish centre-back Connolly is clear in his mind how he wants the Tangerines to see the term out – with a title party, whenever that may be.
“It has been a tough and a long season,” the 28-year-old said.
“We have played 28 league games and we are nearly there but for us we just need to let the SFA and governing bodies take control.
“We are just getting prepared for coming back to finish the season.
“We are 14 points clear and have been there from day one and 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 we can celebrate with our fans. We can then look back on this as a little blip.”
Connolly hopes, for everyone connected with the club, they can win the league the right way after a “fantastic” season for the Tangerines.
And, should they return to action, he admits they need to keep their focus and stay fit if they are to get over the line and have their day in the sun.
He added: “I would like to see us finish the season.
“Whether it goes into next season and then maybe we shorten the next campaign then so be it, if that can be done.
“I personally 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 now but now we are in a prime position to get back to where we want to be.
“Tony Asghar (sporting director) and the manager (Robbie Neilson) have been brilliant this season setting out what we want to do and I think 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.”