Dundee United captain Jon Daly understands why fans are frustrated with the Tangerines so far this season.
However, he is urging the Tannadice faithful to roar them into the semi-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup tonight.
United play host to a Falkirk side who, despite being from the league below, ousted SPL champions Rangers from the same tournament in the last round.
It could be a difficult and anxious night for those sitting in the home stands, whose patience has already been tested by indifferent league form. Daly, though, is urging them to rally round, with a trip to Hampden just a win away.
”Everyone is looking to this game as a chance to kickstart the season,” he said. ”This is a big game because it is a chance to get to a semi-final. We need to get back into the winning habit.
”If we can grind out a few results then I am sure we will get back to where we were.
”I can understand the fans’ frustration because they pay good money to watch us and don’t want to see sloppy goals going in. We need the fans to be behind us, though, and backing us all the way. We need their support.”
The Irishman stressed the United players had taken confidence from keeping out St Johnstone in the league at the weekend. If they can blend defensive strength with attacking flair against the Bairns tonight, they should make it into the last four.
”We did well on Saturday to keep a clean sheet and that has given the lads at the back a lift,” added Daly. ”When you are solid at the back you always have a chance at the other end.
”We need to get that balance of keeping clean sheets and taking chances.”
Falkirk, unsurprisingly, are being given every ounce of respect from the Tangerines.
”We know they are a decent side,” said Daly. ”They put Rangers out in the last round so they will be thinking if they can do that they can beat us too. If I were at Falkirk that is what I would be thinking.
”Their result against Rangers was excellent, especially as they got pegged back to 2-2 and still won. To bounce back like that is a great achievement.”
Tonight’s clash sees the return of the popular Darren Dods to his former club and Daly is looking forward to jousting with the giant.
”Dodsy will want to put one over on us,” said Daly. ”He is a big player, a competitor and I am sure he will be wanting to get stuck in. I have not spoken to him in the build-up but I will see enough of him during the game I expect!”
As the Tangerines enter a crucial period, with the cup-tie followed by Saturday’s league game at Dunfermline, manager Peter Houston asked for things to be kept in ”perspective” as regards United’s predicament.
”A lot of people say we are sitting third bottom and I agree the league doesn’t lie,” said Houston. ”But we are two points off being in sixth place.
”People are looking a lot into the league position and the two wins from 12 but we are only two points behind St Mirren and two points from the bottom so that shows how tight it is.”
Houston added: “I say, judge us in May.”
United will be along similar lines to the Saints game, with Sean Dillon still sidelined and Danny Swanson ruled out long-term.
The Bairns could be without four first-team players if Thomas Scobie fails to make it. Rhys Bennett is suspended as is Mark Millar, while Craig Sibbald has a knee injury.
Admission to the lower tiers of the stadium has been reduced to £14 for adults and £7 for concessions.
Houston has revealed he may not travel with Scotland for their friendly against Cyprus on November 11.
The assistant to national coach Craig Levein said: ”I have told Craig that I will definitely be there for the qualifying games.
”This one is a friendly so I will speak to Craig. I wouldn’t like to say more until I have spoken to him.”