Dundee United captain Ryan Edwards has issued a rally call to the Tangerine Army to roar their side up the table.
Edwards ended a two month wait for his first win as skipper with back-to-back wins over Kilmarnock and Ross County.
That ended a spell of six successive defeats, a run that sparked frustration throughout the United support.
Many took to social media to question the team and manager Tam Courts and Edwards took the flak on his shoulders as captain.
But as he prepares to lead his side into battle at Celtic Park, the English defender wants the club live up to their mantra of being ‘United together.’
“People need to remember that we are fans too,” said Edwards.
“We may be players but we’ve been there supporting teams.
“If I wasn’t playing, I’d be going along to watch Liverpool.
“I’ve had many difficult days watching them over the years.
“But when you are are a player then you support the club you play for.
“You forget about Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City. We are all Dundee United fans.
⏳ 𝟗𝟎+𝟏…
𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙, @NickyClark91 💥#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/soMRlCdWV3
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) January 27, 2022
United need fans’ backing
“We are the lucky ones who have the pleasure of putting the jersey on every week and playing on the park.
“But don’t forget we love the game and understand the frustration the fans have felt recently.
“If we hear moans or boos then we get it.
“No-one goes out to be on bad form. We need to be in this together.
“The fans need us as players to perform but we need them too when we go through difficult times.
🧡 No better feeling than celebrating a stoppage-time winner with you#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/7zRVS7VzQj
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) January 27, 2022
“Many teams would love to have the fanbase we’ve got so we need to use it to our advantage.
“Before the Ross County game, I made that point to the rest of the players.
“I told them to give the fans a reason to get behind us.
“We did it the hard way by going a goal down and getting some on our back.
“But what happens when you spark into life? They get behind us and we need them now, more than ever.”
Ryan Edwards: I love being Dundee United captain
Edwards is delighted to experience that winning feeling as United captain.
And he insists he is loving every single second of his new role.
“It took me a while to get that first win as captain,” said Edwards.
“Maybe some people looked at results and thought it was getting too much for me.
“But it isn’t. I’m thriving in my new role. I love it.
“Results took a dip at first but can you look me in the eye and tell me it would have been different if someone else had the armband?
“Of course it wouldn’t. All teams have a dip – Hibs, Aberdeen and Celtic have and all recovered.
“We can do and hopefully we’ve turned the ship around now.”
