Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has pleaded with the club’s fans not to allow the 24-hour postponement of the friendly against Everton to put them off attending tonight’s match.
The Tangerines were set to step up their pre-season preparations with a game against David Moyes’ Premier League side on Wednesday, but the incessant torrential rain that lashed down on Dundee forced a 12.30pm pitch inspection.
The verdict was that just too much water had fallen on the playing surface and with protecting the turf at this early stage of the season of paramount importance the decision was taken to postpone the game for 24 hours.
Both Everton and United are still very keen for the match to go ahead, and Thompson is hoping the home fans will turn out in big numbers to cheer on their own side and to admire the star-studded Toffees line-up that will include Nikica Jelavic, Tim Cahill, Philip Neville, Phil Jagielka and Marouane Fellaini.
The chairman said: ”Unfortunately, after all the rain that had fallen, the pitch was touch and go in places. We obviously have a whole season of games to play on it and it was felt it wasn’t worth taking the risk that it could be seriously damaged.
”However, the groundsman is confident that with a favourable forecast for Thursday the game will go ahead 24 hours later than initially planned.
”I know it is difficult for fans to change their plans at such late notice but the team would really appreciate a large turn-out of supporters.
”Everton are a top side in England with a whole host of star players. We look forward to welcoming them to Tannadice and Everton themselves are more than pleased to move the game as they are looking for a game of football as well.
”So I would appeal to all our fans to turn out in big numbers.”
Kick-off for the match is 7.45pm and fans can pay at the gate with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.