JOHNNY RUSSELL | WE'VE GOT A POINT TO PROVE

Dundee United star Johnny Russell spoke to the broadcast media to preview our William Hill Premiership clash with Dundee on Matchday 34.

The Terrors’ homegrown hero expressed his excitement ahead of featuring in one of the most unique rivalries in world football, before reflecting on his favourite memories from a derby like no other.

ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OCCASION

I’m really excited. When the split came, this is the game everyone looks forward to and we haven’t had to wait long. I’ve been involved in a few now and they’re always exciting, whether home or away.

It doesn’t matter that both teams are in the bottom half - it doesn’t change what the game means to us or the fans. There are so many things that make it special - the proximity of the grounds, the history, and having been involved in a few already. Derbies are always special, but this one feels a bit different. 

It’s about showing up and giving bragging rights to our fans. We’ll be looking to set a few wrongs right. I feel we’ve got a point to prove after the way the last one finished. We controlled the game for so long away from home and let it slip. We owe it to ourselves and our fans to show up and get a result.

ON WHAT IT MEANS TO THE SUPPORTERS AND THE PLAYERS

It’s massive for the fans and the city. You’ve got households split between Dundee and United supporters. Even when I was away, I’d go out of my way to watch this game. 

As players, you have to represent that meaning - play with the edge a derby brings but keep control at the same time.

I’m just looking forward to soaking it all in - the build-up, training, and the atmosphere. Driving into Tannadice on matchday with the fans already there is special. You try to enjoy it, but you’ve still got a job to do - it’s about finding the right balance.

ON HIS FAVOURITE MEMORY OF THE DUNDEE DERBY

The derby where I scored two and got a red card, which was later rescinded by the way, stands out. That was probably the best one for me. 

That was the game with the somersault celebration. Gary Harkins started that - it became a running joke where everyone added to it. I think that celebration has been retired for about eight years now. I could probably still do it, but I’m not sure I should!

We were flying at the time, it was a great team, and everything just clicked. One of the goals is one of my favourites in my career. Hopefully on Sunday I can add another special memory.

ON FINISHING THE CAMPAIGN STRONGLY

We have to finish as the best of the rest. There’s no point dwelling on what’s come before - we are where we are. Dundee will be fighting for their lives and we have to match that intensity.

If we don’t, it’ll be a very tricky day. Once we match that, it’s about taking control of the game and doing what we want to do. We’re not in a position to give anyone points, especially not in a game like this.

ON HIS EMOTIONAL RETURN TO TANNADICE

It’s been brilliant being back. I never really intended to return, but there’s something about this club - it just felt right. It’s been nostalgic, with some familiar faces still here. This club gave me my platform and I’ve always had a huge amount of love for it.

I felt I could still contribute, and that’s why it made sense for both sides. It’s been frustrating missing a few games with injury, but I’m back, feeling good and ready to push on for the rest of the season.

My relationship with the fans is also a big reason I came back. They’ve always supported me throughout my career. The reception since returning has been incredible. Now it’s up to me to give something back and create more moments and memories for them.

ON ELONGATING HIS STAY

Nothing has been decided about next season. It was always a short-term agreement and we said we’d speak in the summer. For now, I’m just enjoying being back, being around the boys, and making the most of every day.

I know I’ve still got something to give, but I’m also aware I don’t have as much time as I once did, so I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible. It’s definitely something I’d be open to. 

My kids have grown up in America, so that’s been a factor, but they’re settled here now. Because it’s this club, it makes it different - I don’t think I’d feel the same elsewhere. We’ll see what happens when those conversations come.