Dundee United midfielder Scott Fraser is backing the supporters to play a significant role in the club’s Championship challenge.
United fans suffered agony after agony last season as their team was relegated without any real fight but they have stayed loyal over the summer.
The current season ticket total stands at a very healthy 4,375 and the attendance for Sunday’s Betfred Cup win over Dunfermline, which was not covered by season books and was televised live, was almost 5,000.
Those numbers have been noticed by the grateful United players, who now hope to repay that faith by getting back up to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
“The fans are massive for us,” said Fraser, whose terrific freekick made it 2-0 against the Pars to take the Tangerines into the last 16.
“The players have been paying attention and we know the amount of season tickets sold.
“That is just class, particularly considering the season we had last year – it was embarrassing.
“So I think that just shows how good the fans are and hopefully we can repay them.
“Obviously after last season, they went a bit quiet here but I think you can see the difference already.
“There are going to be times when teams come here and pack the defence, and not look to attack at all.
“I remember when the draw was made for the cup that we had Cowdenbeath and even the Dunfermline boys saying they couldn’t wait to come and play at Tannadice.
“I also think Queen of the South will come up for the first league game on Saturday thinking it’s a chance to show us that this league is hard.
“So we are going to need the supporters to be patient with us but hopefully we can keep them onside.
“However, we know how it’s going to be and if we play like we did against Dunfermline in the cup then we will do well in this league.”
Unfortunately for Fraser, he will miss the league opener against the Doonhamers because of suspension.
However, he is backing his colleagues to get off to a winning start in the Championship.
“I’m suspended but I am sure all the boys are thinking about it and making sure they are in the team for that first league game,” he said.
“For me, on a personal level, I’m just trying to make sure I’m still in the manager’s thoughts after that game.
“I would say we are full of confidence and we are ready.
“Dunfermline are in our league and I thought we dominated them, if I’m being honest.
“I don’t think they had a spell in the game where they had us on the back-foot.
“There were one or two moments where we made mistakes trying to force passes and handed them the ball but other than that I thought we dominated the game.
“There is a team spirit here now that I’ve not seen since I came up through the youths.
“Everyone is fighting for each other
“Since day one when we had a meeting, the manager said that there are no individuals, no matter how good you are on the ball.
“He said it’s going to be all about the team and if you don’t do your work for the team then you aren’t going to play.
“I have bought into that and all the attacking boys have bought into that and we’re reaping all the awards at the moment.”
