Dundee boss Paul Hartley knows more than most that derby-day exploits can earn players legendary status in the eyes of the fans.
He endeared himself forever into the affections of the Hearts support when he scored a hat-trick for the Jambos in a Scottish Cup semi-final win over Edinburgh rivals Hibs at Hampden in 2006.
Now, as he prepares for what will be his first taste of a Dundee derby as a manager, he has urged his players to seize the opportunity on Sunday at Dens to make themselves heroes in the eyes of the Dark Blues support.
When asked if players can obtain legendary status in derbies, Hartley replied: “You can, yes. Somebody might do something special on the day to win the game. I think you are remembered for a long time after that.
“Hopefully our players can go and perform the way they have done since the start of pre-season and maintain the form they have shown.
“I scored three for Hearts it should have been four in a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden. It was probably one of the biggest Edinburgh derbies for years at that time.
“So to get three goals was fantastic and you are remembered for that hopefully some of our players are remembered from Sunday for putting on a good performance and show.”
While Hartley has played in the Edinburgh and Old Firm derbies, he is eagerly awaiting his first as a boss.
He said: “It is something that is new to me and a lot of our players but it is a game we are all looking forward to and it should be a cracker.
“It is sold out and both teams are doing well in the league so it is one we can’t wait for.
“Being a player is different from being a manager and how you approach a derby.
“When you are a player, you can do something about it out on the pitch.
“I have played in the Edinburgh derby and the big one, the Old Firm derby, but this is something new because I am a manager for the first time in one.
“So I am excited about it. I have seen them on the telly but I have never been to one.
“By all accounts, the atmosphere is special and it is one of the games you look for when the fixtures come out.
“You want to see when you are playing your rivals. The players are really looking forward to it.
“Like any derby, you are desperate to win it. The bragging rights for supporters are massive.
“We think we are in the best shape for a number of years. I think we have a squad on the park who can compete with the best teams.
“We have shown this season that we don’t fear anyone and we go into the game with lots of confidence.”
Dundee United will be without main striker Nadir Ciftci who is suspended after receiving a red card against Hamilton last week.
That means Tangerines summer signing Mario Bilate will in all likelihood be handed the lone front man role for the Tangerines.
He could be a bit of an unknown quantity but Hartley insisted that his players will be well warned about the threat the Dutchman and several of his other team-mates possess.
He said: “We have seen a lot of clips (of Bilate) and viewed footage of him. We will continue to do that right up until the game but they have threats all over the park Gary Mackay-Steven, Chris Erskine has come into a bit of form and Stuart Armstrong if he is fit.
“They have good players and we know that. But we think we also have good players so hopefully we will be a threat towards them.”