Dundee v St Mirren: Angry Grassi has more than point to prove

Wednesday 6 March 2013

DEFIANCE is almost all that Dundee have left.

Davide Grassi will continue to fight

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It was little wonder, then, that Davide Grassi turned his ire on those who suggest that the Dens Park club have already been effectively relegated.

The Italian defender acknowledges that their situation is bleak, but speaks of the influence of new manager John Brown, the 17-point gap between themselves and St Mirren, as well as Hearts' problems, and finds hope amid the gloom. Victory at home to St Mirren this evening would cause a little more alarm in Paisley and maybe in Gorgie, too, with Danny Lennon's side only a couple of points further up the table.

Motivation, then, is not in short supply. "It makes me angry when I hear people saying we're relegated," said Grassi, who has recently returned after a five-month absence. "That's how football works and a lot of people speak like that. But it gives me extra motivation. People can say what they like but we want to prove them wrong which is all that matters."We need to focus on winning as many games as possible, not getting draws. We don't worry about other teams. We only have to think of ourselves and, when the season ends, we'll see where we are. We still have a lot of chances to save the day. I think now Hearts are struggling a bit. Of course, Hearts have some problems just now and that could make things worse for them."Brown echoed many of those sentiments. The manager, however, was eager to convey the message that his players should enjoy themselves despite the perilous situation in which they find themselves. That, he says, will help their quest to climb the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. "It's a big ask to stay up when you look at the points difference but they have to like what they're doing," he said. "Their attitude has been first class since I came and that's what we're looking for."That is something that makes Danny Lennon wary. The St Mirren manager insists that someone will leave tonight's encounter disappointed – either his side's hopes of a top-six finish will be over or Dundee's attempts to bridge the gap between themselves and safety will be further dented."We know it's going to be a tough game," he said. "But we are out to show our ambition and if we want to get to where we want to be then, it's a must-win situation. But likewise, if Dundee want to survive, they will need the three points too. Someone will ultimately end up disappointed."The compact nature of the table means just 14 points separate 10 of the teams and, for that reason, Lennon hasn't given up hope that his side could go even further than their original target of sixth. "We still have a desire to keep chapping at the door for the top six," he said. "This is our game in hand and I believe we're capable of fighting for three of the top six slots. Only Celtic, Motherwell and Inverness are guaranteed to be in the top six and the rest is up for grabs. There are plenty of twists and turns and a win would certainly keep us in there with a realistic shout. But it's totally down to us and we need to get the wins on the board."

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Dundee v St Mirren: Angry Grassi has more than point to prove

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