CSABA WILL DO A FAT LOT OF GOOD

CHAMPIONSHIP Nade: Straight-talking ex-Hearts gaffer Laszlo is the man to get United back where they belong HOTSEAT HUNT

CHRISTIAN NADE insists being called a “fat student” by Csaba Laszlo brought the best out of him at Hearts – now he believes his old manager’s tough love can do the same for Dundee United.

The Hungarian boss famously made the weight jibe after first setting eyes on the striker at the Jambos training ground in 2008.

But far from being insulted Frenchman Nade admits he was motivated by Laszlo to turn his faltering career around and even grew to “love him”.

The Dumbarton hitman is now urging promotion-chasing United to appoint the 53-year-old frontrunner to replace Ray McKinnon or they’ll regret overlooking the right man to get them back where they belong.

Nade said: “Csaba Laszlo would be a great new manager for Dundee United.

“I’ve worked under him at Hearts and know how good he is in every aspect of the game.

“Everyone knows he called me the ‘fat student’ but that was just his way of motivating me and it worked because I played some of my best football for Csaba. I grew to love him and I’m sure the Dundee United players would love him too should he get the job.

“He’s someone who really cares about his players and nothing is a problem when it comes to spending time with them and talking to them.

“Whether it’s solving a problem or just giving encouragement, Csaba is brilliant at offering support and getting the best out of his players. I couldn’t say that about every coach I’ve had in my career. He really is a one-off.

“United might regret it if they don’t appoint him. Tactically he’s one of the best who could get them back to where they feel they belong.”

Nade knows what it takes to win promotion back to the top flight, having helped Dundee seal a return to the Premiership in 2014 during his brief stint at Dens Park.

The Sons forward believes Laszlo would win over United fans by taking them from the Championship to the Premiership – and keeping them there.

He added: “It’s a great football city. The fans will be missing the derby matches as Dundee were until we got promoted. United need a manager with vision to take the club forward.

“Csaba would be ideal to get them up and take things from there. If I were a United supporter I would be excited at the prospect.”

CHRISTIAN NADE