UNITED FANS ARE TOP TIER
Craig: This is a big club... and supporters can roar us back to the big time
CRAIG SIBBALD admits the fact that 11,000 fans will pack out Tannadice today shows both the size of the club and the huge potential at Dundee United.
the terrors face ayr united at home and although they can’t mathematically secure promotion after raith’s victory last night, the title will effectively be in the bag if they win.
and the bumper crowd roaring the team on proves to Sibbald what can be achieved by united once they are finally confirmed as being back in the top tier.
the midfielder said: “you saw last season when we played the likes of aZ alkmaar, united fans filled the stadium.
“to have that level of support is brilliant.
“the fans have backed us all season and i am sure they will be really loud once more against ayr. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”
Sibbald admits that when he runs out of the tunnel at tannadice and sees a sea of tangerine, it gives him a huge lift. the 28-year-old said: “that’s exactly what you want as a footballer.
“it really spurs you on during the game and it’s enjoyable to play in front of.”
united were at a low ebb this time last year but Sibbald used the pain of relegation to spur him on.
He added: “i felt i had a good season so i was a bit gutted to be down in the Championship.
“I have done everything I can this year to get us straight back up.
“it is so much better this season. We are winning games and on a good run of form now. We just need to keep that going and hopefully it takes us back to the Premiership.”
However, Sibbald is not taking anything for granted against Scott Brown’s Honest Men who are desperate for points to secure their Championship safety.
the former Falkirk and Livingston star said: “it has not been easy any time we have faced them this season and it will be tough again.
“Scott Brown will have them right up for it.”
united also had a bumper crowd when they last played at home against title rivals raith rovers and terrors boss Jim Goodwin said: “the turnout was exceptional from the punters.
“We’re hoping for a similar type of atmosphere. the fans have been brilliant all season, they’ve travelled in great numbers on the road.
“We’ve had very steady support at home, averaging around 7000-7500. now there’s a few more coming along which is great.
“it shows you the size of the club and the support that is there.
“and if we put a team on the park that makes it entertaining for them and makes the team competitive then the supporters will come out and follow us.”
declan Gallagher could return to the squad after recovering from injury while fellow centre-half Kevin Holt – whose season looked to be over after suffering a knee problem – might make a comeback before the end of the campaign.
Goodwin added: “Kevin is making really good progress. We weren’t sure if we would see Kev before the end of the season but he maybe has a chance – not this weekend but the next couple.”
ayr hitman Kurt Willoughby, meanwhile, insists his side have the talent to mix it with the best.
the Honest Men put on a five-star show as they ran riot against doomed arbroath last week. On-loan Oldham striker Willoughby was among the goals and now wants to spoil a possible tannadice title party.
He said: “We’ve proven what we can do – the team has always been capable of a performance like last Saturday. We need to take it into this week if we can.”
the Englishman is back in the ayr first team after a recent stint in hospital with a stomach complaint.
He said: “they thought my appendix had burst but thankfully it wasn’t that and now i’m focusing on these last few games. i’ve loved my time at ayr.”