GOODWIN WANTS HIS MEN TO BE INSPIRED BY HISTORY

JIM GOODWIN is eager to see his Dundee United players driven on by the magnitude of the occasion when relegation rivals Ross County visit a packed Tannadice today. A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected for a critical showdown between teams separated by just a point at the foot of the Premiership. Adding to the emotion will be the fact it falls on the weekend of the 40th anniversary of United’s only top-flight title win under Jim McLean in 1983. ‘We’re all looking forward to a terrific game on Saturday in front of what is expected to be one of the biggest home attendances of the season,’ said the Irishman. ‘Not only does it illustrate the magnitude of the game but the size of this club and how well-supported it is. ‘That was one of the biggest factors in me wanting to come here, to be a part of a big club with a great history. ‘It’s a very important weekend in the calendar, the 40th anniversary of when the old boys won the league, so that adds to the emotion of the day for the supporters. ‘The players are aware of the significance, albeit we are fighting for our lives whereas those guys 40 years ago were competing to win championships, which is something we could only dream of at this moment in time. ‘But it does give you an understanding of what kind of football club you are at. ‘For the players, it’s a really good message to realise they are at one of the biggest clubs in the country, one that has a great history. ‘It probably adds to the importance of the game in terms of why we need to keep this team in the Premiership.’ United looked to have hauled themselves towards safety after three wins in a row took them four points clear of County, but their defeat at St Johnstone last weekend allowed Malky Mackay’s Staggies to close the gap to just a point. Kilmarnock are also level on points with United. ‘We’re in a relegation dogfight,’ said Goodwin. ‘We’re up against some good, competitive teams in Kilmarnock and Ross County. ‘Winning three games on the spin can bring confidence and belief but it was never a case of us thinking we had turned a corner and were all of a sudden going to pull ourselves away from the bottom. ‘There’s no hangover from last weekend, though, the lads are still very much where they need to be psychologically.’