| And, while he expects the faithful to get right behind the team, Jim has urged his players to make sure they give them something to shout about.
“It’s not far to Dunfermline, it’s a big game and, with not many games left, I would expect a fair number of our fans to make the journey for this one,” he said today.
“The supporters showed last Saturday that, even in defeat, they will stay behind the team, so long as they see there is commitment from the players.
“The last few of results have been disappointing, but, over the last six games, I’d say the only unacceptable dispaly was the first half at Inverness, and I think that is why the fans have been backing us.
“From the players’ point of view, it is important that the attitude is correct and that, right from the start on Saturday, they give the fans reason to shout. If they do, I believe they can get what would be a vital three points.”
Dee 4 Life chairman George Knight has backed those words with a call to supporters to turn out in big numbers, and fans have been reminded they have until noon tomorrow to book seats on the subsidised buses being run by the club.
“This is a huge game for Dundee, and it is vital that as many supporters as possible travel and get right behind the team,” said Knight.
The fans’ trust and Dundee had made a joint approach to the Pars to investigate the possibility of cut-price entry, as was the case when the teams met at Dens last month.
Dunfermline have been unable to accommodate the request on this occasion, but have promised to consider such a scheme if both teams are still in the SPL next term.
On the playing side, injured defender Brent Sancho remains a big doubt. He has not trained since damaging ankle ligaments at Kilmarnock just under a fortnight ago and will have to show a significant improvement over the next 24 hours if he is to make the squad.
Fabian Caballero is also on the doubtful list because of the rib injury that forced him off early in the derby, but Mark Fotheringham should make it despite missing Tuesday’s reserve clash with Celtic because of a tight hamstring.
Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston has played down speculation that Neale Cooper had quit as boss of Hartlepool to take up the East End Park reins. |
