Goodwin hopes anniversary will inspire United players
United v County
JIM GOODWIN wants his Dundee United players to be inspired by the magnitude of the occasion when relegation rivals Ross County visit a packed Tannadice.
A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected for a critical showdown between two sides separated by just a point at the foot of the cinch Premiership.
Adding to the “emotion” of the match will be the fact it falls on the weekend of the 40th anniversary of their 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 manager Goodwin.
“I think not only does it illustrate the magnitude of the game but it also illustrates 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 kind of adds to the emotion of the day from the supporters.
“The players are aware of the significance of that albeit we are fighting for our lives whereas those guys 40 years ago were competing up the top end to go and 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 those players, I think it’s a really good message to them to realise they are at one of the biggest clubs in the country that have a great history and probably adds to the importance of the game in terms of why we need to keep this team in the Premiership.”
Malky Mackay, meanwhile, will put Ross County’s trip to Dundee United in the context of a four-game relegation finale to the league campaign.
The Staggies much-needed 2-0 home win over Livingston last week tightened things at the bottom.
County are still in the basement but only one point behind Kilmarnock and Dundee United. With games against Motherwell, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock to follow the trip to Tayside, Mackay looked at the bigger picture.
He said: “You look at the league table and everything is closed up, which is important.
“We managed to win and the two teams above us didn’t, so it brings us that little bit closer to each other which is something that gives confidence to the group.
“We have to make sure we keep focused on the game which is right on front of our face and make sure we approach every game in the same manner we did at the weekend.
“Obviously, everyone knows what’s to play for in the four games coming. We have to be balanced as far as that is concerned and just make sure we go down there and give our best version of ourselves on the day.
“I don’t think you can [distinguish between games against closest rivals and other two], if you do that then fail in the games against the other two, then all of a sudden you could be in a worse position.”