As I said earlier in the week, I wasn't able to get to Tannadice yesterday due to having a Christmas night out in Dunkeld last night (the hangover isn't as bad as I expected, thankfully), but I was pleased to see the winning run continue. Obviously it would have been nice to have the scoring run go on too but ultimately that had to end sometime and at least we still won. By all accounts County predictably parked the bus but you always have to feel confident we can break a team like that down. Delighted to see us up to 2nd place and it looks like there will be some real thrills and spills in the battle for the euro places with us, the sheep and ICT all sitting on 32 points with Motherwell just a point below. It does look like St Johnstone are being cut adrift though.
Away from the game yesterday, there has been a few interesting bits and pieces surrounding United in the press the last few days. Stephen Thompson did a good interview in the Scotsman yesterday where he talked about his role at the club, Justine coming on the board and, perhaps more importantly for us, where we stand on selling players - it'll take a special offer to get one of our players out of Tannadice in January. That's good news. It does still make me wonder why we accepted such a low offer for Souttar a couple of months ago. I've never understood that. Speaking of which, he mentions Souttar's brother in the interview too - the younger Souttar is meant to be a good player.
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/stephen-thompson-on-dundee-united-s-family-affair-1-3241667
The Daily Record meanwhile had an interview with Gordon Strachan where he was talking about bringing Robertson and Gauld into the full Scotland squad in March. He suggests it will be down to what Jackie has to say and if he feels they are ready. Happily he talks about the potential to skip the process from u19, u21 then full squad with good players going straight into the main team. Everyone seems to be talking so highly of Robertson and it's no surprise - he's been an absolute revelation. I hope Strachan will be brave enough to play him in what is a problem position for the national team.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scotland-gaffer-strachan-ready-teen-2952149
United Stuff
posted on 22/12/13
i would like to see Gauld etc come into the Main scotland team soon tbh,other countries are not afraid to bring their young players in and neither should we.We need to build for the future and if they are good enough they are old enough.
posted on 22/12/13
Tim, same as we were last week mate.
Despite Celtic's regular skullduggery, you still get the same amount of points for a win as we do.
Mind the gap
posted on 22/12/13
Yeah, over 8k was a great turnout, and with a sell-out against Aberdeen, I wouldn't be surprised to see a bigger turnout than at Celtic Park! "46,000" there yesterday. Think 30,000 of them got stuck in the turnstiles.
500+ half season tickets sold too. All is going well.
posted on 22/12/13
Arabs
Enjoyed the game yesterday, but it was a wee bit nervy in the last 10 mins. County Keeper had some good saves and kept them in it, but they had a real sitter in the 1st half and should have scored.
For 30 mins in the 2nd half we were superb. The goal was well and put away. Some roar when it went in too . Then we toiled a wee bit towards the end, but saw it out. It's important to win like that too, sometimes you have too. It was important to keep passing the ball and believe in your approach
I thought Rankin was immense. The guy was everywhere and drove the team on. I like Paton and he had a good game, but he needs to move the ball quicker at times. The consistency that we are getting from Stretch is scary
I was in the JK and the crowd was excellent, it was very busy in there. Considering there was no more than 150 County fans 8026 is a real rise in thee gate.
posted on 22/12/13
Rankin has been fantastic all season. Such an important player for us.
posted on 22/12/13
He's out of contract at the end of the season though isn't he? He's one we really need to get signed up I think. Can't believe Hibs let him go!
posted on 23/12/13
Hibs didn't even give him a game
He needs to get signed up asap.
posted on 23/12/13
8,000+ is an excellent gate against Ross County. I suppose with it being the holidays as well that helped.
But I know more than one person who has been this season for the first time in years "to see what all the fuss is about", which is a good sign.
Wish I could make the New Years game against Aberdeen, should be an absolute belter.
posted on 23/12/13
cammy
I know a few people myself who are like that.
I also know a few people who have bought a half season ticket, not just because we're riding high in the league but because we are playing the kind of football that puts bums on seats.
I think it's the style of play that's bringing the crowds back and surely all the chairmen across the country are noticing that.
posted on 23/12/13
I believe Hibs played him on the left-wing.
Another manager who thinks a small, left-footed not-particularly-quick comative midfielder makes an ideal winger! Some managers are right dafties.