Simon Murray wants to end Dundee derby woes

Simon Murray says Dundee “really owe” their fans a long-awaited victory against city rivals United in what he calls “one of the best games you can play in”.

The second Dundee derby of the season completes the first slate of top-flight fixtures of 2025 at Dens Park, with the hosts seeking victory over their near neighbors for the first time in over seven years.

Having taken his goal tally into double figures for the season with a brace at St Mirren last time out, Murray is keen to maximize his momentum in the encounter he is looking forward to above all others.

“It’s huge,” he said. “We really owe a result to the home support and there’s no one better to do it against than United, so I’m looking forward to that. As a Dundee player and a Dundee boy, it’s one of the best matches you can play.

“It will be a big occasion, but we just have to treat it like any other Premiership game, follow our usual routine and look forward to the game.”

Dundee’s recent record in this match has not been good, having failed to win any of the seven meetings since a 2-1 victory in August 2017.

Currently eighth, if the Dees are to emulate last season’s top six finish they cannot afford to let the five-point gap to sixth-placed Motherwell widen much further. The fact that they are nine points behind United in fourth could focus minds even further.

“I think we need to bring that consistency; as a club we’re looking to get into the top six, but as a team we need to get more consistent performances and really build on that going forward to really make us put in a good position.” Murray added.