David Wotherspoon insists he would LOVE to stay at Dundee United for a crack at the Premiership.
The St Johnstone legend has endured a somewhat frustrating stint since joining the Tangerines from Inverness in January, with a minor-but-persistent calf strain keeping him sidelined for several weeks.
However, the Canada international stepped up when it mattered, climbing from the bench against Ayr United to change the game with his direct running, clever movement, and quality on the ball.
It was his deep delivery for Tony Watt that led to Chris Mochrie’s goal against the Honest Men to send the Terrors back to the top-flight.
And Wotherspoon, whose deal expires in the close season, wants to go on that journey with the Tannadice outfit.
“I would love to stay here,” Wotherspoon told Courier Sport. “It’s been a brilliant experience.
“There is a great team environment and family feel to the club. I’ve been well looked after. The gaffer (Jim Goodwin) has been great with me; totally honest with me.
“I knew a few of the boys beforehand, and the respect they have shown me – and the respect we all show to each other – has been really enjoyable.
“It would be great to stay here in the Premiership, so hopefully I can stake a claim for next season.”
Wotherspoon: This is the start of the journey
No sooner was United’s Premiership status assured, than boss Goodwin was outlining his desire to compete for a place in the top-six.
Wotherspoon reckons that is far from outlandish and, while it may cause an involuntary bristle among some Arabs, Dundee are an immediate example of what can be achieved.
“People will look at the season and say this is the end of the journey, but I think it’s just the beginning,” continued Wotherspoon.
“We are back to where we should be, and now it’s about fighting to push on and stake a real claim in that league.
“You might not want to say it, but you do look at Dundee. They’ve gone up last season and look how well they have done. That’s the aim; to go up there and be competitive.”
“Deafening” Mochrie goal eased pressure
Wotherspoon reflected on the “deafening” moment Mochrie slotted home from close-range, finally breaking the stubborn resistance of 10-man Ayr and releasing a Tannadice pressure valve.
More exuberance was to come when Craig Napier sounded the full-time whistle, sparking a pitch invasion.
“You could sense that wee bit of tension in the stadium during the first half,” recalled Wotherspoon. “So, when that goal went in, it was such a release. It was deafening.
“At the end, I didn’t realise people were coming onto the pitch until someone grabbed me! I was too busy celebrating with the boys, then suddenly fans were all around me. It was crazy. I’ve never experienced that before.
“There were a couple of people asking for my shirt but unfortunately, I had to say, “sorry, there’s still another couple of games to go and I’m hoping to be playing in those!””
Wotherspoon urges Tannadice youngsters to lap up title party
There will be more celebrations to come on May 3 when United are presented with the Championship trophy.
With two Scottish Cups and a League Cup to his name, the feeling of clutching silverware never gets old for Wotherspoon – and he will urge his younger teammates to lap up every moment of the festivities.
Indeed, the presence of friends, family and fans will be special for Wotherspoon, having helped the Saintees to a historic cup double in 2020/21 when supporters were locked out due to Covid.
“The one thing that we missed with that double cup win during Covid was that celebration with the fans,” he added. “Being around the supporters, friends, and family; that togetherness.
“So, this will be very different and I’m sure all the boys will really enjoy it.”
He added: “You’ve got to treasure these moments and make the most of them – they don’t come around too often.
“Especially the young boys who have done so well for us. They need to soak up the whole experience and never forget it. It’ll give them something to emulate throughout their career. It’s elation for everyone.”
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