Dundee urged to thrive off fans’ energy

DUNDEE have to use their travelling support and “thrive off their energy” as they look to kickstart their Championship challenge this weekend at Raith Rovers.

That’s the view of manager Gary Bowyer as he prepares his Dark Blues for the fairly short trip to Kirkcaldy tomorrow.

Dundee often take a good away following with them in trips to Fife and the Dens Park boss is keen to give the travelling support a happier send-off than last weekend.

The Dark Blues kicked off their league campaign in disappointing fashion after falling 3-0 down to Partick Thistle within an hour at home.

They would grab two goals back but not before boos rang out at half-time.

This weekend, Bowyer wants to see his players inspire a positive atmosphere from the away end at Stark’s Park – and thrive off it.

“I thought the supporters last weekend were brilliant,” Bowyer said.

“They rightly made their feelings known at half-time but they stayed with us, that’s for sure.

“The noise they generated last week was really good. The away support always seems to go up a notch in terms of volume so I’m looking forward to seeing that.

“Speaking to the players this week, the thing that came out regularly in chats with them was that they felt disappointed for supporters because of the good turnout on Saturday.

“It’s always positive to have a good following and we have to thrive off their energy.

“Hopefully, this weekend we can send them home happy.”

Raith Rovers also head into the weekend contest on the back of an opening-day defeat.

Ian Murray’s side took on recently-promoted Cove Rangers but were beaten 2-0 in Aberdeen.

Bowyer and his back-room team have been pouring over the video of that game this week as they target three points at Stark’s Park.

“They have good players, can play a couple of different systems so we know it will be a tough challenge,” the Dundee boss added.

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Dundee fans were in fine voice last Saturday.