Ray and Utd don’t deserve all the flak

DISAPPOINTMENT doesn’t quite cover it in watching Dundee United at the weekend but I can only wonder how difficult viewing it was for Arabs.

In covering United, and Dundee, I have a vested interest and want the club to be successful — I’d much rather be watching and writing about a winning team than not.

So I share some of the pain felt by either side when their team just doesn’t turn up.

However, I was surprised to see the amount of negative comments online aimed towards United and their boss after Saturday’s loss at St Mirren.

There were more than a couple calling for the manager’s head and some saying it’s the worst team they’ve seen at Tannadice.

I’d urge those venting their fury to recognise the reality of their team’s situation. Yes, United are a big club with huge history but that doesn’t mean they are immune to downward spirals, just like every other provincial side in the country.

The best way to get the club back to the Premiership is to stick together through thick and thin, back the players and the manager, and things will get better.

Ray McKinnon has built a very good Championship side this season with a good mix of experience and quality throughout.

However, it seems like after just two poor performances — one of which was a win for goodness sake — some of the fans have turned on the team.

One punter went as far to walk all the way around the stadium at Paisley to have a pot shot at the manager in the dugout.

Ray handled the matter with good grace, to his credit.

I recognise it’s been poor fare at Tannadice for about two-and-a-half years now and it’s hard to take for fans.

However, this team is good enough to win the Championship.

After one defeat, with the team still a point off the top of the table, and everything still very much there for the taking, negativity just isn’t going to help, however easy it is to be that way.

This is the Championship, it’s a slog, the quality isn’t great at times and everyone is incredibly tough to beat.

However, stick with the team, Arabs, and there’s every chance you’ll see Premiership football next season.

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon shows his concern as his team tumble towards defeat at St Mirren.