The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Stupid’ invasion almost led to an injury for Watt
Tony Watt admits he was disappointed by the “stupid” pitch invasions during Dundee United’s dramatic victory against Ross County.
The Tannadice striker was full of praise for the colourful atmosphere created by the travelling support in Dingwall.
However, Watt was irked by the incursion on to the pitch following Nicky Clark’s dramatic late winner, revealing that one delirious punter came close to barrelling into his knee.
Midfielder Kevin Mcdonald did pick up a shoulder knock during the manic pile-on.
A further pitch invasion followed the full-time whistle and, while entirely good-natured – several players posed for selfies with fans – Watt would have rather saluted the supporters as a whole.
“The support was brilliant but I was a bit annoyed with the pitch invasions,” said Watt.
“Somebody nearly took my knee out by sliding into me. I don’t like that.
“I would rather they just stayed off and we could celebrate together.
“It cut the celebrations short.
“They just got a bit excited but I’d rather we’d had a longer time to just clap them and let them know how much we appreciate their support.
“Kevin (Mcdonald) got hurt as well. I think it’s stupid; really, really daft and ruins it for other people.
“But it’s not the end of the world. I’m OK.”
However, the “overzealous” fans – to quote United boss Tam Courts – did nothing to dampen the sense of achievement.
Watt, who joined the club from Motherwell in January, helped the Tangerines seal fourth spot in the Premiership for the first time since 2013-14.
They will enter the Europa Conference League at the third qualifying round stage; a return to continental competition after a decade.
“It’s a brilliant end to the season,” said Watt. “It’s mission accomplished.
“When I signed, I thought – realistically – finishing fourth was the best we could do. We’ve done that.
“This has to be the benchmark.”
Watt reckons United’s fourth-place finish has silenced the critics who suggested his switch from
Motherwell was a “sideways or backwards” move.
Watt, 28, joined the Tannadice outfit in January following a sensational first half of the campaign with the Steelemen, scoring 10 goals.
At the time of the switch, the Fir Park side occupied third spot in the Premiership, six points ahead of seventh-placed United – ensuring the decision raised plenty of eyebrows.
However, the Tangerines’ 2-1 triumph over Ross County on Saturday, allied with Motherwell’s 6-0 capitulation at Celtic, saw United leapfrog their
Lanarkshire rivals on the final day.
“The only criticism I got was: this was a backward or sidewise move,” said Watt. “But I think we’re proving that’s not the case.
“It was a gamble – them paying a fee for me – but it’s paying off.
“I’ve not been scoring as much (compared to Motherwell spell) but I know I am impacting on games and creating chances for my team-mates.
“I would just like to get a few more chances. But if we’re scoring, I’m happy.
“That’s me playing in Europe two out of the three seasons – CSKA Sofia
(2019-20) and United – and that’s an achievement.
“I want to play at the highest level, and I am playing for a club I’m really happy at.”
Despite finding the net once since arriving at Tannadice, Watt’s impact in the United side has been tangible – dropping deeper, grafting tirelessly and contributing far more to the build-up play.
“I’ll maybe need to say I’m not a striker but more of an attacking midfielder so I can get away with not scoring as many,” smiled the former Celtic and Hearts marksman.
“Maybe I’m turning into
a playmaker in my twilight years.”
Whether as a creative force or a traditional goalgetter, Watt is already looking ahead to next season – and the need to build upon a fine Premiership placing and European qualification.
“I didn’t come here for just six months,” added Watt.
“I came here for threeand-a-half years.
“Now we’ve got to try and make a wee impact in Europe and continue progressing.
“We want to be strong domestically and we want to be strong in Europe.”