First Team
PARTICK THISTLE CLASH TO BE TELEVISED ON BBC SCOTLAND
18th April 2024
Alex Smith admits he will be venturing into the unknown when he takes charge of United's first city derby of the season. Despite being the most experienced manager in Scotland, Smith has never been involved with a team who have rivals in the same city.
He explained, "at Stenhousemuir, we had Alloa in our area, then at Stirling, the local derby was considered to be against Falkirk. My St Mirren days involved games against Morton, and at Aberdeen, it was actually United who fitted the bill as derby rivals - we were labelled 'The New Firm.' But this is the first 'real' derby and I am looking forward to it. However, first and foremost, getting three points is the most important thing - the fans deserve it."
He explained, "at Stenhousemuir, we had Alloa in our area, then at Stirling, the local derby was considered to be against Falkirk. My St Mirren days involved games against Morton, and at Aberdeen, it was actually United who fitted the bill as derby rivals - we were labelled 'The New Firm.' But this is the first 'real' derby and I am looking forward to it. However, first and foremost, getting three points is the most important thing - the fans deserve it."
