Jon Daly has issued a serious statement of intent to Dundee United’s fans, targeting a hat-trick of successful seasons for the club.
Standing on the cusp of the 2011-12 campaign, the Tannadice captain delivered a rallying call to the faithful to back the players as they bid to make it three good years in a row for the Tangerines.
With anticipation building ahead of Friday’s release of the new SPL fixture list and the draw for the Europa League second qualifying round taking place a week today, the Irishman spoke of his excitement at what could lie ahead for Peter Houston’s men.
“We have had a couple of cracking seasons at United and there is no reason why we can’t have another one,” said Daly.
“I remember looking ahead to the 2009-10 campaign, wondering where it would lead us and what we could achieve.United fans can still obtain season tickets at the reduced prices, with the Early Bird offer running until close of business Thursday.”It turned out so much better than we could have hoped, winning the Scottish Cup and clinching third spot in the league to head into Europe.
“It was a great achievement and we were then faced with trying to do as much as we could to follow it up the season after that.
“Well, we got fourth spot and another go at the Europa League. I was so proud of that because of all the injuries we had to cope with throughout the season.’Start over'”Now we start all over again next month and I think third spot in the SPL is a realistic target for us.
“I also believe we are well capable of going on a run in one or both cups and we all know where that can lead you.
“So I see no reason why we can’t make it yet another good season for United and our supporters.
“Why am I being so positive? Well, we have lost some good players this summer but we have added two excellent signings in the shape of Willo Flood and John Rankin.
“The gaffer has gone for quality rather than quantity by bringing those two in.
“Also, when you consider all the promising young players ready to push for a first-team place then I am sure we will have a squad capable of challenging.
“Europe is just around the corner, too, and I know our fans will be looking forward to that, watching or listening for the draw next week. When you add it all together this is a good time to be a United fan.
“I know it is tough financially for a lot of people just now but it would be great if every supporter who can back the club in whatever way they can does so.
“When I walked out at Hampden for the cup final and saw the mass of tangerine supporting us that day it was incredible.
“It proved to me and the other lads just how many United fans are out there.
“That is a big fanbase and if we could get even a fraction of the 28,000 who were there that day to buy season tickets then what a boost that would give the club.