DUFC

CHAIRMAN'S CHALLENGE TO FANS

11th May 2005

Eddie Thompson said, "This is our most important game of the season by far and much more important even than the Scottish Cup Final. The result of this game could determine the long term future of the Club and it is no exaggeration to say that this is the most important game at Tannadice since we played Partick Thistle in the play off decider in May 1996. We need as many United supporters as possible to attend this game and get behind the players. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the vocal backing of the fans is vital to the efforts of the players and can make all the difference.

Dunfermline tell us they will be bringing around 3000 fans to Tannadice. This leaves over 10,000 seats for United fans; let's fill them! The team needs your support. We need you to act as our twelfth man.

At the request of many fans, I personally argued strongly for United to get an increased allocation of tickets for the cup final, taking some criticism in the process. I'm delighted to say that this stance has been justified and our full allocation is almost fully sold out already. By current estimates, some 12,000 non season ticket holders will be attending the cup final. Many of them would have been unable to do so unless I had argued on their behalf. Some have said that these fans should not be entitled to attend the cup final. I clearly don't agree with this and this Sunday certainly provides an early opportunity for these fans to prove the critics wrong. I would therefore appeal to them to come along to Tannadice on Sunday to demonstrate their support and really get behind the team.

I accept that some fans who have purchased tickets are not regular attendees, for various reasons, and winning the cup might seem just as important to them. However, I would say to them that a win on Sunday would provide a major morale boost ahead of the final. And we have a much better chance of winning on Sunday if they turn out to support the team. Having a day out at Hampden will be tarnished if we do not remain in the premier league.

I would therefore urge all fans to turn up on Sunday - and to turn up as early as possible as a large crowd is expected - and really get behind the team."