‘It would be great to sink them at Dens’
FOR Dundee fans of a certain vintage, any mention of what happened at Dens Park on Saturday, May 14, 1983 would be enough to spark feelings of nausea. The date remains a stain in the fabric of their club.
On the final day of the season, it was Dundee United who took the walk across Sandeman Street knowing that victory would see them win the league title at the home of their bitter rivals. What transpired has gone down as the most famous chapter in the storied history of the Dundee derby.
Goals from Ralph Milne and Eamonn Bannon secured a 2-1 success for Jim McLean’s team to clinch the first — and still the only — league championship in United’s history. They were the coming force of Scottish football.
United have since been the city’s top dogs. Consistently in the upper reaches of the top flight, they have also won two Scottish Cups since that day at Dens. Not to mention that victory over Barcelona in 1987 being the jewel in their crown.
Conversely, Dundee have yo-yoed between divisions and had to suffer the humiliation of administration. But now, almost 33 years later, the Dark Blues have within their grasp an almighty act of retribution.
If Kilmarnock win at Hamilton on Saturday, Dundee will head into the derby at Dens next Monday night knowing that victory would officially relegate United.
Greg Stewart wasn’t even alive on that famous day in 1983, but the Dundee striker knows how sweet revenge would be to the club’s fans.
With a devilish grin, yet just enough conviction in his voice to confirm his sincerity, Stewart said: ‘If we win next week to relegate them, it would be a wee bonus.
‘We would miss the derbies next season. They are great games to play in. But the fans will really be looking forward to it if we’ve got the chance to relegate them.
‘United have had the bragging rights for years, but the momentum has shifted. Our fans have been hurt. So this could be payback.
‘If United go down, then so be it. They would deserve to go down… and hopefully we can do it.’
Make no mistake, Stewart’s words will be pinned to the wall of the away dressing room when the teams clash next Monday. But, on the evidence of what happened at Firhill on Saturday, United will have a tough task of stopping the Dundee man and his team-mates.
Operating from the right wing, Stewart was a menace to Partick Thistle, cutting in on his left foot and scything them open with poise and vision. His pass for the winning goal, particularly, was sublime.
There were 81 minutes on the clock when he played an exquisite through ball into the path of Kane Hemmings. Dundee’s top scorer slotted the ball through the legs of Ryan Scully for his second goal of the match and 25th of the season.
‘As soon as I get the ball, I always try to get my head up and look for Kane. He knows where I’m going to put it and vice versa,’ said Stewart of the man whom he first partnered during the 2013/2014 season at Cowdenbeath.
‘You never know that things are going to work out this well when you’re at the likes of Cowdenbeath. You think to yourself: “I might never even see this guy again”.
‘But we struck a good partnership and have kept it going. It comes naturally because we click. I’m delighted for him, scoring 25 goals.
‘We’re good pals and Kane actually came to my house for Christmas dinner last year.’
Stewart was also heavily involved in his team’s opening goal in the 34th minute, as Hemmings applied the finishing touches to a flowing team move. His celebration was comical, saluting the phantom fans in the empty end of Firhill.
Thistle responded on 70 minutes, Kris Doolan planting a header beyond Scott Bain. But Dundee kept attacking and were rewarded when Stewart produced the pass of the match to set Hemmings free.
Quite how to stop Dundee’s star duo on this form is frankly anyone’s guess. Over to you, Mixu…