Advertisement

Kevin Holt expects Dundee derby 'abuse' as United defender makes Dens Park return

-Credit:SNS Group
-Credit:SNS Group


Kevin Holt joked he got abused when he played for Dundee and he expects more of the same going back as a Dundee United player.

The experienced defender heads back across the road for the first time in a tangerine shirt in the derby after spending three seasons at Dens Park earlier in his career. Holt had three years at Dens before he dropped down the divisions and returned to the Premiership with Jim Goodwin’s side.Holt said: “I’m looking forward to it, to be fair. Really looking forward to it. I can't wait for the game. I took abuse when I played for them, so I'll be taking abuse now.

“No, I felt like the abuse I got was kind of unjustified. I thought we'd done well, we'd stayed up for three years. There was obviously a large turnover of players every year. Football is obviously a fickle game and fans are going to have their opinions, which is fair enough. “I give my best every game I play for every team that I've played for.

READ MORE: Finlay Robertson hoping for Dundee derby celebration in front of his United-supporting pals

READ MORE: Dundee United star Emmanuel Adegboyega is more than prepared for derby noise - 'I need to be part of this'

“I don't look back and regret anything or hold any grudges. It just is what it is and we're looking forward to the game.”

The 31-year-old even played in the ‘Doon’ derby when Dundee relegated United and now he knows he has some making up to do to his current employers and supporters. He hopes to start by strengthening United’s European push with some more derby delight.

Holt admitted: “I played in the one that relegated United, to be fair. Craig Wighton’s last minute winner. I don't know how many we played after that because obviously they won the championship at the time. I'd love to reverse it.”

United are one of the form teams in the Premiership, having lost just one game in the last nine. That impressive run has taken them to within three points of third-placed Aberdeen.

Holt has insisted the approach won’t change. He stated: We've obviously taken it a game at a time. It's making sure we pick up as many points for each game as we can. Whatever the results happen in other games, we control that.

“We've got our own targets and we're right on track for them. The boys in the camp and the staff and everyone, it's all going in the right direction for us at the moment.”

The defender turned the hero the other night as his stoppage time winner against Aberdeen sent United into the derby on a high. He beamed: “It couldn’t have gone better than that last minute goal. “I was delighted for the group, for the gaffer, to get that three points. It was huge.

Dundee United's Kevin Holt (C) celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 with teammates Emmanuel Adegboyega (L) and Kai Fotheringham -Credit:SNS Group
Dundee United's Kevin Holt (C) celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 with teammates Emmanuel Adegboyega (L) and Kai Fotheringham -Credit:SNS Group

“Obviously, no one wants to go into a derby in bad form, do they? At the same time, we know that it can change fast and we'll just be building the momentum for tonight.

“Everyone will be desperate to play in that game. I don't want anyone with wee knocks or that will feel better before this game. I think the adrenaline will get the boys through it.”

Late goals have been something of a speciality under Goodwin. Holt added: “Like you say, it's been a common theme this year. I think it's down to the attitude of the boys and the group as a whole. Whether it's the subs coming on or the boys at the start, they've got great fitness levels and great concentration levels and the desire to go and get three points or one point or make sure that we maximise our points for the game.”

Newly-promoted United and Goodwin were written off at the start of the season. Goodwin was installed as the favourite for the sack and Holt and others were questioned whether they could step back up to the Premiership. He proudly admitted: “Yes, I think when you're out of the level for that long and you play the lower leagues, people are going to obviously have their doubts.

“It's up to me and other boys like Doc and other boys that haven't been at this level to go and show that you still can play it or you should have been playing at this level. I think everyone's in the same boat and determined to go and do that.

“I feel confident and fit, as fit as I've ever been. I’m just really enjoying it at the moment.”

United are without the suspended Declan Gallagher and the injured pair of Louis Moult and Craig Sibbald.

Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.