Josh Meekings has been impressed at how quickly optimism has replaced despair after a season of misery at Dens Park.
And the Dundee defender believes starting the Betfred Cup off with a bang will have a big part to play in maintaining the Dark Blue feelgood factor.
Relegation can bring with it a hangover that takes longer than a close-season to wipe away.
That hasn’t been the case with Dundee, Meekings insisted.
Now the ball comes out for real at Stark’s Park this afternoon and the former Inverness Caley Thistle centre-back is determined that the positivity will last a lot longer.
“Last year was terrible,” the 26-year-old reflected. “There are no ifs and buts.
“To come and watch the games last year – especially at home – wouldn’t have been any fun.
“We’re grateful to the fans for being so positive already. Even a 1-0 and a clean-sheet in pre-season the other night gives them some encouragement.
“It’s a clean slate. Everything is more positive – from the coaching staff to the players and the fans. I could tell lies but it is the truth – the whole place feels happier and I’m genuinely positive about this year.”
Meekings added: “Pre-season is done now. That’s how we’re looking at it.
“It wasn’t about results then. It is now.
“If we start positively it will stand us in good stead going into the league.
“It can set a bad tone if you go out of the competition early. We might not have all the players in that we want but I feel that we’ve got a good squad and our week away in Spain has helped the team bonding.
“We have to use that and if we get a couple of early wins it starts the ball rolling and creates some momentum.”
After having last season wiped out as a result of hip surgery, Meekings can understand the focus being on his fitness rather than his form but he believes that will soon change.
“I don’t want to speak too soon but I feel good,” he said.
“I rolled my ankle the other day but you’re going to get things like that. I’m fine.
“I know I’ve been out a long time and I need looked after. Playing through injuries probably hasn’t done me any favours in the past and I’m more careful and mindful of my body these days and I let people know if I’m feeling something.
“Touch wood, I won’t have any other issues. I’ve had a really good pre-season and it’s great to be back out on the pitch again.”
