Jimmy Thelin is hoping another pumped-up Pittodrie crowd can help keep the Aberdeen bandwagon rolling against bitter rivals Rangers on Wednesday.
The Dons’ remarkable start to the season continued in front of a full house in the Granite City on Saturday evening as they eked out a 1-0 win over Dundee United, with substitute Peter Ambrose scoring the only goal in the 84th minute.
Thelin’s side are now unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions – 14 of which have been victories. The Dons have won all nine at Pittodrie this term and have not lost a home match in any competition since February.
Thelin has loved the sense of buoyancy around the stadium since he took over in the summer and is hoping another big Dons support can play a part again on Wednesday as his high-flying side bid to stretch their advantage over third-place Gers.
“The atmosphere was really big,” said Thelin after the victory over United. “From day one, the fans have been so supportive and pushing the team and we try to grow with them.
“I think it’s important in the long term to have every department, everybody at Pittodrie and Cormack Park and in the city, working together to build a strong Aberdeen for the future.
“Nothing has changed, we try to grow and be better every week. But we need everyone so it’s nice to see the strength that our fans give to the players and how they enjoy it.
“They get these extra metres in the legs at the end of the games and keep pushing and pushing because of the support we have and this atmosphere. I hope Pittodrie is a full house again on Wednesday.”
Thelin has a knack for playing things down and it came as no surprise that he was of no mind to crank up the hype around Wednesday’s fixture even though his side could open up a commanding lead over Philippe Clement’s side.
“I’m excited for every game,” he said. “We know it’s a big game, but for us we have to focus on the right things and then we take on the game on Wednesday and try to be the best we can be and fight for the three points.
“We will try to work as usual in how we prepare ourselves. Rangers are a really strong team, they are good, so it will be a tough game. We know we need to stay focused on the right things. We need some short days now to prepare ourselves and reload and prepare for that game.”
United boss Jim Goodwin conceded Aberdeen were worthy winners but was pleased to see Ryan Strain return to action after injury at a time when he is without four key players.
“Of course, we are limited in terms of the options that we’ve got off the bench,” he said. “The four players missing for us are Ross Graham, Ross Docherty, our captain, Craig Sibbald, Louis Moult – arguably, all four would be pushing for a place in the starting 11.
“We are a little bit light at the moment, but every other manager will be in this situation at one point or another.
“It was great to see Ryan Strain on the pitch for his first appearance since Stenhousemuir in July.”
