Just short of 33 years ago at Dens Park, John Reilly learned what ecstasy was when he rushed from the bench to celebrate Dundee United winning the Premier League.
At the same venue on Monday, he hopes he’s not experiencing the other end of the emotional spectrum.
On May 14, 1983, John was an unused sub as the Tangerines enjoyed their most famous-ever day.
Having chipped in with seven vital goals that season as Jim McLean’s team pipped Celtic for the title by a point, he was more than entitled to rush to the pitch to join his team-mates in their celebrations.
And, in the years since, many of those mates have made a point in highlighting how important his contribution was.
He’s always been grateful for that but John Reilly is more than just an ex-United player. The Dundonian is a fan, United are his club.
That means despite the possibility of them being relegated at the home of rivals Dundee, he will do all he can to make sure he is there in person.
And the former striker is urging fellow Arabs to do the same
“I’ll be honest, we have friends staying with us this weekend so being at Dens on Monday wasn’t in my plans,” he said.
“But I’ve got mates who get tickets through the SAS (supporters’ club) and I’ve told them to keep me one because I want to be there if I can.
“I’m a fan and, for me, you support your club through good and bad. I know a lot of United fans who feel the same and I’m sure there will be a good support at Dens on Monday.”
As well as urging fellow Arabs to show their dedication, he’s urging them and, in particular, the players, not to give up all hope.
If Kilmarnock lose to Hamilton on Saturday, hopes of survival, however slim, would be boosted by a victory against Dundee.
For the men on the park, he believes it’s vital they are thinking that way.
“It isn’t looking good but the players can’t go into the game thinking about relegation. That’s how to lose.
“So long as there is any chance they can stay up, they should only think about winning. That’s the only thing that gives them a chance.”
Knowing the game, John is realistic about the chances of a miracle escape, even if he’s witnessed what might just be another one not too far from Tannadice this season.
His work means he is usually at lower division games on a Saturday afternoon and recent weeks have seen him watch Brechin’s remarkable recovery from being isolated at the bottom of League One.
If Darren Dods’ side beat relegated Forfar on Saturday, they’ll have secured their place in the division for next season.
“From looking down, Brechin have been amazing. They’ve done exactly what I’ve hoped United could do.
“Unfortunately, they just haven’t been able to put a run of wins together and that’s why they are where they are right now.
“They’ve got four games to go and need to win them all to have any chance of staying up.
“Even that might not be enough and, when you look at their form this season, you have to say that kind of run isn’t likely.
“Against Hamilton they looked like a team that’s down. A few of my mates said they didn’t look like they were trying but I have to say I’ve never known a player who didn’t try to win.
“What they do have to do is find a way to lift themselves for Monday.”
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