Cheer us to victory!
Blackburn Utd appeal to fans ahead of Scottish Cup
Blackburn United defender James Mildren has called on the local community to help cheer them on to Scottish Cup glory.
United host Highland League outfit Rothes on Saturday in the club’s first-ever Scottish Cup first round tie and the long-serving full-back is hoping the historic moment for the club is reflected with a bumper crowd at the Purdie Worldwide Community Stadium.
Mark Campbell’s side reached the first round proper thanks to a 2-1 preliminary round victory over Easthouses Lily last month.
Speaking to the Courier, Mildren commented: “It’s the biggest game in the club’s history, so it would be amazing to get a decent crowd in. We had a good crowd in the preliminary round game against Easthouses and it honestly does make a huge difference.
“This is a game we’re probably seen as being underdogs, so if a vocal support can give you that extra five per cent, you never know. That could be just what we need to get us over the line and into the next round.”
Unfortunately the defender is set to miss the tie through suspension but admits he’ll happily cheer from the sidelines if it means they book a place in the second round.
He added: “This game isn’t about me. It’s about the football club. It’s the biggest day in their history and the people behind the scenes that have made it possible deserve all the credit for it.
“I’ve been with the club for seven or eight years now and the progression is frightening. Every single year we have taken a step forward.
“I joined when they were in the lowest division in the Juniors now we’re a tier six side playing in the first round of the Scottish Cup. It’s remarkable and it’s just been an amazing journey.
“If they win on Saturday and get into the second round then I’ll not be caring about whether I played or not. It would just be a huge moment for everyone connected with the club to celebrate.”
United’s community club boasts hundreds of players throughout all age groups and the defender is also aware of the impact a Scottish Cup run could have on the next generation at the club, saying: “You look at the park and it’s full every night and all through the weekend with hundreds of children playing football.
“You can say that the men’s senior team are at the top of the tree but there’s a huge community club that’s well run and a real credit to the local community. That’s what it’s all about at clubs like Blackburn.
“If us getting to play in these type of games encourages more people in the youth age groups then it’s a great thing.”
Assistant manager Jamie McCormick says Saturday is a day to celebrate no matter the result — but that won’t stop everyone doing all they can to continue their Scottish Cup journey.
He said: “Regardless of the outcome, it’s a day to really celebrate and not one many could have seen coming a few years ago.
“There’s a small group of hard-working folk behind the scenes at the club that have made all this possible and they deserve huge credit.
“That’s not to say we’re just happy to be here. We will give it everything we have to win the game and get into the next round but Rothes are a very good team and we’ll need to be at our best.”