The cause to fight for that galvanised Dundee’s supporters last season may have passed, but Dens Park boss Barry Smith has appealed for his club’s fans to take the attitude they displayed in the stands a few months ago into the new campaign.
After four road trips, the Dark Blues get the chance to play at home against Ayr United tomorrow.
It’s a prospect that Smith is relishing, and while a lot has changed since Dundee were thrown into peril last term, he is hoping that one thing hasn’t.
He explained, “I went on record last season as saying I couldn’t thank the fans enough. They stayed to the end of every game and carried us through some matches.
“I’d ask for more of that.”It’s great to be back at home and hopefully the fans will turn out in big numbers because they were massive for us last season in terms of their support for the players and the club.
“We need their full backing again, not just for this game, but for the whole season. They spur the boys on and I hope they realise the affect that they have.
“When they’re behind the players they feel free to play with confidence.
“Players make mistakes and last season we saw what it can be like when fans allow them to make those mistakes and don’t get on their backs. It’s a big difference.
“Fans are always entitled to their opinions but a positive reaction is so much better than a negative reaction. That’s what we got last year and you could see the benefit on the pitch.
Hopefully they can continue to do that.”
Dundee suffered their first defeat at Falkirk in midweek in the Ramsdens Cup, and Smith knows what needs to be rectified.
He pointed out, “We played nice football on Tuesday night but there was no end product. We weren’t threatening enough and didn’t get the ball forward to the strikers quick enough.
“We’ll have to be sharper against Ayr and I want us to play with more urgency.
“Ayr have made some good signings and they’re a team with an experienced backbone. Although they lost to Hamilton last week they played well.”
Injured strikers Steven Milne and Graham Bayne are both nearing full fitness, and could yet be available tomorrow.
Smith said, “I’ll not rule them out. They’ll both be given every chance.”