Jim Goodwin determined to end 8 year Dundee Utd hoodoo and give fans a Hampden day to remember

Not since 2016 have the Terrors been to Hampden for a major showpiece and Goodwin is determined to end that

Jim Goodwin believes the Dundee United fans are long overdue a visit to Hampden and he hopes to finally deliver that on Friday night.

United face Motherwell at Fir Park for a place in the last four of the Premier Sports Cup. The Tannadice side last made it to the national stadium three years ago when they lost the Scottish Cup semi-final to Hibs but that was during Covid and there were no fans. The Tangerine Army last visited Hampden for a major showcase game was in 2016, when they also lost the Scottish Cup semi-final to Hibs. Goodwin said: “I love Friday night football. Last season in the Championship we experienced a lot of it. There is something about playing in a good stadium, with a good atmosphere under the lights.

"It is a really good game for us to look forward to. There is a lot at stake for both clubs. It is an opportunity to get to Hampden and a semi-final. It has been a considerable time since our club has been there with supporters. Obviously, we had 2020-21 with covid but there were no fans. We have to go back nine or 10 years since the last time the club got to a semi-final. It would be a great reward for the fans for their loyalty and support they have given the team over the last two seasons.”

United have already sold more than 2,000 tickets for Fir Park and expect to add a few hundred more on to the gate. Goodwin wants to give them a night to remember. He added: “Especially in this competition and the format, it gives every club a good opportunity to get there. “The supporters are desperate for it to happen and the players are also desperate to give them that opportunity for something to look forward to.”

The United boss also knows that Premiership rivsals Motherwell will fancy their chances and it is all about seizing this opportunity.

Goodwin admitted: “I watched the Aberdeen game and they were unlucky not to take something from it. They could have nicked a draw. Stuart has been there a considerable period of time. He has got the team playing a system he has worked hard on. They have some very good individual players and Lennon Miller has been grabbing the headlines and in particular with his performance for the Scotland under-21s.

“We know the threat they carry and they are well organised. Any time I have come against Stuart’s teams at Motherwell and Ross County they have always been disciplined behind the ball and also have good technical players who can hurt us. I don’t think there is a great deal between the rest of the teams in the Premiership. It is all about on the day and making sure we are at it. We have to give a good account of ourselves, do the basics right and hopefully that will give us the chance to progress.”

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