Glass has re-lit the fire in the Pittodrie ranks
Stephen Glass senses a determination among Aberdeen’s players to end the season by lifting a trophy.
It has been a frustrating season for the Dons’ fans, and their disquiet led to long-serving boss, Derek McInnes, being replaced by the 44-year-old.
There’s a double incentive to try to win the Scottish Cup.
The excitement that comes with lifting silverware would raise morale at Pittodrie, and guarantee them European football until Christmas.
Of course, there’s the small matter of beating old rivals Dundee United this afternoon before they can start thinking about that.
Glass said: “There are a lot of teams in the same boat – three games away from a trophy.
“There is so much to play for.
“We have got a really good group of players. They have been fairly-heavily criticised since the end of the year and, for me, there’s a bit of fire in the belly in the dressing-room.
“If we can harness that and the players can produce a bit of a quality that they have – and be as tough defensively as they have been – then we have got a really good opportunity.
“People have been focusing on the negatives of this season. But If they turn that around, hopefully people will talk about how successful they have been in the next three or four weeks.”
Glass grew up as a Dundee United fan, but there’s no doubt where his allegiance lies these days.
Having played for the Dons in many ‘New Firm’ battles, and now occupying the manager’s office, he is determined to get one over the Tangerines.
His first-team debut for Aberdeen came in a 3-0 victory over United in 1994. A similar result this afternoon would delight him.
Glass said: “United are like a lot of teams here – they are well-organised and they have dangerous players at the top of the pitch.
“Obviously, we know about Lawrence Shankland, that he spent time at Aberdeen and has gone on and is doing the business for someone else.
“He is a dangerous, dangerous player, and Dundee United are a good team.
“Hopefully some of my family aren’t celebrating on Sunday night!”