Dundee have signed David Witteveen on loan from Hearts and the big striker goes straight into the squad for the first division game against Falkirk.
“They were fantastic when we went down to nine men against Queen of the South. And we could do with that backing again.
“There are some young boys here who’ve never had to handle criticism or stick.
“I’ve had it with Celtic and Scotland so that sort of stuff doesn’t bother me.
“But it would be good if the supporters were to really support the team at the moment.
“The boys have had a good look at themselves since Tuesday night.
“All credit to Brechin for beating us but, with due respect, going out of two cups so early is an embarrassment for us as individuals and a team.
“We have to accept some of the criticism as being justified and look to pick up the pieces.
“But I’d ask the fans that if things go wrong early on against Falkirk keep behind us.Berated”I used to go and watch Motherwell home and away as a supporter and I never berated the team.
“Supporters have the right to be critical but there are times when it really doesn’t help.
“We’ve made a slightly in-different start to the season.
“When it comes to cup games you are always going to get the occasional shock.
“But league-wise we’d an unbelievable win over Queen of the South then played well in patches against Partick and Ross County.
“What’s been lacking is our maintaining the same tempo for 90 minutes.
“That’s what we have to look to do against Falkirk.”
Chisholm reiterated his goalkeeper’s message to the Dundee fans while also revealing that his team will face Falkirk without midfielder Charlie Grant following a freak accident.
“I have no complaints about the fans,” he said. “They have moaned, but only when it has been justified.
“I just feel they are desperate to get behind the side so the boys have to come out against Falkirk with the same attitude they had against Queen of the South and give the crowd something to cheer.
“Unfortunately, Charlie Grant will miss the game after he kicked the leg of his bed on Monday night and ended up with a huge splinter in his toe.
“He thought he had pulled it all out at the time but there was still a bit left.
“He played on Tuesday but then he came in on Wednesday and his toe was all inflamed.
“We gave him anti-biotics but he actually fainted and had to go to hospital to have the big bit of wood taken out of his toe.
“It was a freakish incident but he has been getting pelters from the rest of the boys for fainting because of a ‘skelf’ in his toe.”
As well as Grant, Dundee will also be without the injured Dominic Shimmin and Mickael Antoine-Curier as well as the suspended Craig Forsyth for this afternoon’s game.
Falkirk travel to Dens Park with a full squad for manager Steven Pressley to pick from as he looks to make it four wins in a row and keep an impressive defensive record of conceding only one goal in their opening five games of the season.
Pressley said, “We are in good form just now and have settled down well to life in the first division.
“Dens Park is a great place to go to and play football and we will take a big support so it should be a great occasion.”
The Bairns boss is not being fooled by the recent poor run of his opponents saying, “They are a good side with good players.
“Dundee have a number of players that can make a difference to a game with one moment of magic so this will be a tough encounter but one we are looking forward to.”
Dark Blues boss Gordon Chisholm has been desperate to add some physicality to his misfiring attack and has had the 6ft 3in Austrian on trial at the club this week.
Having liked what he saw, the manager moved to sign the 25-year-old and the paperwork was finalised on a three-month loan deal from the Tynecastle side at the close of business yesterday.
Witteveen had a loan spell last season with Morton and managed to net five goals in nine appearances.
A delighted Chisholm said, “I am pleased we have managed to sign David. He is a big, physical striker but he also has a good touch.
“He will definitely come into contention against Falkirk.
“I had hoped to have had another loan signing to announce but the boy has a virus and the deal has fallen through.”
Meanwhile, keeper Rab Douglas has appealed to Dundee’s fans to rally behind the team ahead of Saturday’s clash.HumiliationsThe unrest amongst the Dark Blues support is growing after seeing their side suffer cup humiliations at the hands of Stenhousemuir and Brechin and take only four points from the first three league games.
But, while he understands that frustration, Douglas, who has always had a rapport with the supporters, points out backing not booing would go a long way towards getting the campaign up and running.
“Not many of the players here live in Dundee,” he said.
“I choose to because I like the area. And that allows me an insight into just how the fans are feeling.
“I therefore understand that results like Tuesday’s are difficult for them to take.
“This club and its supporters have been starved of success for a few years now.
“The fans thought when Calum Melville came in we’d just buy our way to trophies. And it hasn’t worked out that way so they are unhappy.
“But all of us want the best for Dundee and it would be good if everyone was pulling in the same direction this weekend.
“The responsibility, of course, is with the players to get the finger out and have a right go at Falkirk.
“But hopefully we’ll have the fans behind us as well.