Stewart Petrie is the first to admit that he did not have the greatest Scottish Cup record as a player.
Now though as a manager he is looking for his team to do themselves justice when they take on Dundee United in the fourth round of the competition at Links Park tomorrow.
The part-time Gable Endies will start as big underdogs against Robbie Neilson’s Tannadice outfit.
However, former Dunfermline favourite Petrie is determined his players – who won promotion last season as League 2 champions – will show just how far they have come in a relatively-short space of time when they take on the title-chasing Championship side.
He said: “There is no pressure on Montrose tomorrow as everybody is expecting United to win.
“I think we have made big steps in a couple of years so it would be great to go and show people that Montrose can play football – we will certainly be trying to do that.
“We will try to get it down and pass it.
“We just want to give a good account of ourselves – that’s what we are after.
“We want to give the fans something to cheer about as well.
“It will be great to pit my wits against Robbie who is a class manager and they have Premiership players, it is as simple as that.
“It will be a huge test for the boys so hopefully we don’t freeze on the day.
“We are massive underdogs but it is a cup competition and it is a special game and a special week for all concerned.
“I have said this to the boys, it doesn’t matter if it is the Scottish Cup, the Betfred or the Irn-Bru, you want to win the game and progress.
“You want to have your name in the hat and watch the draw coming through live.”
He added: “My Scottish Cup record as a player was not very good!
“I think I left Dunfermline and the next season they were in the final so maybe it was me rather than the club.
“We had good runs in the League Cup getting to semi-finals but I never went any distance in the Scottish Cup as a player.”
It is eight years since Montrose last reached this round of the cup and Petrie admitted that no matter what the result of the game, the whole day will be a fantastic occasion for everyone connected with the club.
He added: “It has been a long time coming so I am delighted for the board of directors, the fans and the town itself.
“The game will take care of itself. The boys need to enjoy it and not let the occasion pass us by.
“I am sure they will be up for the game and really looking forward to it.
“It is just a great occasion for all concerned.
“United will bring a large vocal support with them and our ticket sales have been going great by all accounts which is fantastic as well, so yes I just think everybody is thoroughly looking forward to it.
“Regardless if United are in the Championship or not, they are one of the biggest draws we could have got.”
