Deacon is all geared up to keep a close grip on United
DUNDEE’S Roarie Deacon could scarcely believe Dens Park and Tannadice existed yards from each other — and insists their closeness is what makes today’s derby clash so special.
The 25-year-old English midfielder, who moved to Dundee in the summer from Sutton United, was bowled over to discover nearby Tannadice was only a short walk from his new club.
And Deacon, who is set for a key role in the televised Betfred Group C clash today, reckons the unique set-up within the City of Discovery gives the fixture that added spice.
‘When I first came to sign, I pulled up to our stadium and I just looked down the road,’ recalled Deacon.
‘I thought: “What stadium is that down there?” I had no idea the two grounds were so close together.
‘You can basically kick a ball from one stadium to the other. That proximity just brings the rivalry even more to the table. It’s so close and just so intense.
‘This will be the biggest derby I’ve played in. I’ve been involved in games growing up like Arsenal v Tottenham but it’s not as intense as a proper firstteam derby like this one.’
Dundee boss Neil McCann has urged his side to play with a swagger against their Championship opponents and former Arsenal and Sunderland attacker Deacon insists they will do just that.
‘We’re confident. We’re the Premiership team,’ said Deacon. ‘They’re coming to our ground, so they should fear us.
‘We don’t want to lose here. We should have the swagger being the Premiership team and they are in the league below us.
‘It should be a tight game because of what’s at stake but we’re the better team. It’s all about the result.’
Deacon tasted the build-up to the derby between Sunderland and Newcastle and believes today’s Tayside tussle means just as much to those involved.
‘Sunderland v Newcastle is one you want to be involved in,’ added Deacon.
‘I was in and around squads for that building up to those games. I know what rivalry is all about and this is another big one.’