Stewart Murdoch keen for Dundee United to follow Hearts’ example
Published:
Stewart Murdoch hopes Dundee United can take a leaf out of Hearts’ book in making Tannadice a fortress again following their relegation into the Ladbrokes Championship.
The Arabs midfielder has been hugely impressed with the club since joining from Ross County earlier in the summer.
While he’s content dropping down a division for the chance to play with such a big club, disappointed fans will be eyeing an immediate return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Hearts did that in style with a number of new players and a new manager in the 2014-15 season following their relegation – and their strong performances in the top-flight have put the Tynecastle support in full voice once again.
And Murdoch – one of seven summer signings at United – insists they want to do exactly the same to bring the feel-good factor back to Tannadice.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes News, Murdoch said: “Looking back at Hearts’ season in the Championship, that’s what we need to aim for this season.
“Maybe at the start of the year there are still a few fans who are quite sceptical about where we’re going to go and where the manager is going to go.”
Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the club in pre-season, United have gone off to a fine start, losing just one of their opening eight games across league and cup, picking up six wins along the way.
“Although a couple of the wins have been draws with wins and penalties – if we can continue doing that it will only increase the feel-good factor,” Murdoch said.
“By the end of that Championship season, Hearts had Tynecastle bouncing.”
Hearts swept all aside in that 2014-15 campaign, romping to the league title by a mammoth 21 points.
Their home record was simply stunning too, losing just one of their 18 games at Tynecastle, winning 15 of them.
“My wife’s dad is a big season ticket holder at Hearts and he said it was as enjoyable a season in the Championship as they’ve had in the Premiership.
“So if we could get that sort of feeling back within the fans it’ll be pretty special.”
Hibernian are 1/2 favourites to win the Championship with league sponsors Ladbrokes this season, but United are second in the betting at 7/2.
If the club can heed Murdochs’ views however at make Tannadice a fortress, those odds could quickly tumble.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
