Tony Docherty has confirmed Dundee will give Dundee United a guard of honour before their derby opener.
The Dark Blues boss says they’ll pay their respects to Jim Goodwin’s side for winning the Championship before they unfurl the flag. But it will then be about Dundee trying to spoil their rivals’ big day on the pitch and to claim the City of Discovery bragging rights. And Docherty said: “We’ll give United a guard of honour on Sunday, it’s important to show respect to them as our opponents. We had got one last season from Motherwell for winning the Championship so we will give them the same.”
Dundee’s players have also decided to keep with tradition and will get changed at Dens Park and then make the short walk across the street to Tannadice. Docherty had left the decision to his players. And striker Curtis Main said: “It was spoken about in the dressing room about what the boys wanted to do and what the preference was?
“It was unanimous. There are some that have played in the derby before and a few who haven’t.
“It will be a good experience for everybody who hasn’t and that is why we want to keep things the way they have been. It’s my first derby to play in. I’m relishing the occasion and it goes for everything, in terms of the whole experience.”
It is two decades since Dundee last won at Tannadice and Main knows ending that dire run would be the perfect way to kick-off the league campaign. He said: “There is no better way to start the season than breaking that long-standing record. It is something we are aiming to do.
“We are going over there aiming for three points. Everyone is focused on that. It’s bragging rights in the derby but getting that win and three points on the board as early as we can will help build momentum. The league is tough. It’s going to be hard this season and it’s important to get off to a fast start.”
Main has had experience of the Middlesbrough and Sunderland derby but he knows that this will be different with two teams from the same city. He said: “This is unique because it is across the road.
“I played Sunderland a few times down at Boro, which was decent but I’m really relishing this one. The Boro derby is quite hostile but I will give you a comparison after I have played in this derby. I’m looking forward to it – everybody is looking forward to it.”
Main is also no stranger to Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin. They worked together at St Mirren but that friendship will go out of the window tomorrow afternoon. And he added: “I know him quite well.
“There’ll be no chit-chat before the game but I might catch him after it. He has done a good job over there since he has gone in but friendships go out the window on derby day.
“It is head-on game day. I don’t want to focus too much on their side. He’s done what he has needed to do and it is a new platform and season. It’s a challenge for everyone and it will be interesting to see how we all do.”
