The Gambler routine makes United favourites
It was music to the ears of Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton when he went into the dressing room at Cappielow on Friday night and their lucky song, Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler, was blaring out.
United took another massive step towards the Championship title with a comprehensive win over Morton and, if results go their way, the Champagne corks could be popping next weekend with a return to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Middleton, who has more assists than any other player in the Championship, said: “You sometimes get the feeling before games it’s going to be your night and everyone was on the same page from minute one on Friday.
“You won’t find many teams going to Cappielow and scoring four goals and playing the way we did. I have genuinely enjoyed playing in this team this season and I love playing for the club.
“There has never been a case of getting carried away and, even when we have had poor results, we’ve taken it on the chin. We have always been level-headed and no one has got ahead of themselves. We calm ourselves down and we go in and the music is on.
“Craig Sibbald is the DJ, but his music is a bit questionable at times, he’s into country music just now. We have a routine, before every game The Gambler is played and it gets everybody going. After a 5-0 and 4-1, that’s staying till the end of the season. It’s a great atmosphere in the dressing room. The tune started a few weeks ago and it has stuck.
“There’s no better feeling than getting a goal, but I enjoy getting an assist, too, that’s something I take a lot of pride in.
“I practice my crosses and set-pieces a lot so, when you put one on a plate, it’s just as good a feeling.”
United went in front after 19 minutes when Louis Moult and Liam Grimshaw combined to set up a downward header for captain Ross Docherty, which sailed into the net.
Four minutes later, Middleton was involved in a move three times, before latching on to a
Tony Watt pass to put United two up.
Five minutes after the restart, Kai Fotheringham and Sibbald created the opening for Moult to make it three and Watt added a fourth in 57 minutes.
It was scant consolation for Morton when Robbie Muirhead pulled one back on 62 minutes.
Tannadice boss Jim Goodwin was full of praise for Middleton, and said: “Glenn has been outstanding and has got a bit of consistency to his game in the last six or seven weeks.
“He has the most assists in the league, he’s a very positive player and gives us a great outlet on the left.
“When he’s on song, he is a difficult opponent for any full-back.”