MARTEL MAXWELL: Working at Dens with Dundee FC was important reminder to this lapsed fan.

That’s correct, I’m a Dee, and my husband, Jamie, is Arab.” You’re probably familiar with my football-related opener.

Our family is split down the middle – Dundee and United – so I avoid online wrath (she hopes).

I write on what our teams mean to the city and to us, rather than about team formations and tactics, which would be a quick column given my understanding.

And so to Dens, where I spent the morning this week filming a little video promoting half-season tickets.

That’s right, I’m a Dee and my husband, Jamie, is an Arab. Despite my best attempts, he has persuaded the eldest and youngest lads to follow him. Thankfully, my middle son saw reason – more on that later.

‘It hasn’t always been easy being a Dundee FC fan’

The afternoon following my visit, a man approached me at the West Port.

It found out he is a Dundee fan who hasn’t visited Dens in over 30 years.

His story is perhaps not unique: He used to go to games with his father but stopped as an adult owing to other commitments.

He continued, “I got tired of them losing.” Granted, being a Dundee supporter has not always been simple. And it has been decades (living in London, knee-deep in nappies) since I last visited Dens. Along with the lows, there are highs:

we’ve had promotions and spectacular wins, such as our recent home victory over Celtic. Who wouldn’t want to be present during such victories?

There is a loyal core of fans who go and always have, week in and out. The very heartbeat of the club.

But there are many more who, like me, are lapsed fans.

If it wasn’t for my son playing me like a card one day and saying: “I think we need some mother-son time, how about a Dundee game?”, I might never have gone back.

I am so glad I did though.

What I have learned since taking Chester along is that for those 90 minutes there is nowhere I would rather be.

It’s a harder sell these days getting people through the turnstiles because of the array of home entertainment we now have, with afternoons at home flashing by.

But life flies by and I’ll cherish the memory of a game at Dens with my boy more than I’ll ever remember two episodes of Mad Men.

‘The joy will come’

It hits you in the heart, resonating someplace deep inside you, connected to your own upbringing and foundations.

My husband hasn’t been to Tannadice in years, but that will change soon after a buddy invited him and a few other friends to a game over the Christmas holidays.

That’s all it takes: someone to ask, “Why not?” It is an expense, but what isn’t? The half-season tickets are an excellent concept.

And if you’re looking for a Christmas present, Dens hospitality is always entertaining, but it’s even swankier and more clean owing to the remodelled lounges I saw this week on my tour with Callum and Stuart from the media team.

The Legends Lounge boasts new carpets, a kitchen and a bar, whilst the 1893 Beer Hall is modern and bright.

Tickets range from £75-85 and include street food, a couple of drinks, hall comfort, and the game itself.

Isn’t that an amazing present? The Legends Lounge is slightly more expensive, featuring three courses, an open bar, commentary, a visit from a few of players and the game.

I’ve also heard that Tannadice’s lounges have been rebuilt, which would make an excellent gift for a United supporter.

Yes, your team may lose, but with the support of supporters, they have a higher chance.

Consider more Tartan Army than glass half empty.

Hold on long enough, and joy will come, but only with help.

And memories aren’t necessarily made by winning or scoring goals.

The rosy-cheeked, wrapped-up small boy in frigid January makes his mother smile.

The half-time pie tastes like fatty paradise. It’s the football tunes that you recognise haven’t changed since you were a child.

My 11-year-old with a ginger mullet wants a leg tattoo like his favourite Simon Murray.

It’s a sensation of belonging to something bigger than yourself that makes you feel alive and connected in a manner you can scarcely articulate.

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