aders r. n,


ho w alous!


but


wn, d


mner


MAXWELL Martel


t come from Glasgow, we ve to hate the other side!


and Tannadice. He can see inside both stadiums and watch the build-up to the games – a football fan’s dream.


He always said to me: ‘How often does anything with the name ‘Dundee’ in it do well?’ His point was that being really anti one of the city’s teams was a waste of energy. Sure you have your own team, but we don’t come from Glasgow. We don’t have to hate the other side and the city is better for it.


merging, even just a ground share to cut costs?


I posted on Twitter: ‘Oh no, I’m


If Dundee United was to do well in Europe, I’d be chuffed at least half the city were celebrating and ultimately it’s flying the flag for a city that doesn’t have the profile or money of Edinburgh or Glasgow. And the two men in my life would be stoked.


Dundee were deducted 25 points last season – was it deserved or undeserved?


It was harsh but it was the second time the club had been into administration and there is a process, which was followed.


I do find it remarkable that the players, coaching staff and fans rallied round at a time of extreme uncertainty. It’s testament to them all that we would almost have won the league had we not had the points taken away.


Considering the Dens Park club have again been in administration, would it be outrageous to suggest both Dundee clubs should consider


marrying an Arab’ and someone accused me of being racist. It doesn’t really translate outside Scotland!


At one time during extreme uncertainty, I thought it was a viable option. Perhaps if the gun was at our heads and the only choice was to cease as a club or to merge, we’d consider it. But that’s not where we are. The future is bright.


Merging might solve financial problems if you look at it without emotion. But football is never without emotion. Can I see Dundee fans ever rocking up to


Tannadice wearing tangerine? No.


Everyone – players, staff and fans – have fought so hard when many thought it was game over, because they love the history of the club and want to survive. They won that battle and are going from strength to strength.


Is promotion to the SPL realistic this season?


Yes. If Dundee have managed to stay in the First Division having gone through hell, they have the spirit, talent and fan support to be promoted.


They still have the bulk of their players from last year who managed to do that and now they’ve signed a few more. It’s not all about players who cost millions. We’ve proven that it’s got so much to do with loyalty and passion. When some of last season’s players were offered more money and a move to an SPL team they


chose to stay on. Some of the new names have played for Dundee before and I’ve no doubt they’ll fight hard for the club.


We’ve missed your weekly column in The Sun since you left. What have you been up to since?


Thanks. I’m on Lorraine (another bloody Arab) on ITV after Daybreak once a week reviewing the day’s news. And I’m the showbiz expert for OK!TV on Five once or twice a week.


I often do punditry on Sky News and BBC radio stations too.


In between, I’m writing my second novel.


I’m in London as it’s where the work is, but back in Scotland once a month or so.


What can The Away End readers expect from your new column?


A bit of football. Don’t worry, I won’t be pretending to be an expert, more about my experiences and thoughts on being a Dundee fan.


I’m constantly amazed by how much of an impact supporting DFC has on my everyday life even in London. Whether it’s sharing a joke with Lorraine Kelly just before we go live to millions of viewers or describing how close Dens and Tannadice are to Jedward.


I’ll let you know what I’ve been up to during the week too and give you a female perspective.


If it’s ok with you, I’ll do whatever I’m feeling strongly about at the time.


Finally, what’s your favourite anti- Dundee United joke?


Ivan Golac. 19


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