Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Time is a healer finally match up
I T has been a l most a year since Robbie Neilson completed his first transfer window as Dundee United manager – and a lot has changed on and off the field in that time.
Drawing towards the end of his third window in charge, a lack of movement in or out of the club can only be a sign of progression.
In January 2019, United made a raft of changes backed by new American owner Mark Ogren, with 11 coming in to help lay the foundations for the stability and success they are enjoying now.
However, it has been a slow and steady process for United and Robbie – best measured by their improved performances against top-flight opposition, culminating in last weekend’s cup draw against Hibs.
Tonight, Tele Sport looks at how they have fared against Premiership opposition over the last 12 months as they gear up for a what looks an inevitable return to the top-flight next season.
Saturday, February 9, 2019 St Mirren 1-2 Dundee United
The first of three meetings between United and the Buddies last term ended with the Tangerines progressing to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
With the Paisley side fielding a host of new faces also, the Terrors were considered, by some, as slight favourites to progress.
United’s nine new boys who got on the pitch at the Simple Digital Arena seemed to click better than the Saints’ – who saw eight January arrivals get a run-out.
Summer signings Pavol Safranko and Nicky Clark gave Robbie’s men a two-goal lead at half-time before Calum Butcher re-introduced himself to the strong band of travelling Arabs with a red card for a tackle on Ryan Flynn on the hour.
Duckens Nazon pulled one back for the hosts but United did well to hold on and progress.
Thursday, May 23, 2019 Dundee United 0-0 St Mirren
The next meetings between the two sides came in the Premiership Play-off Final, with the first leg at Tannadice a tense affair which continued to prove there was not much between United and what was a still a poor but improved Buddies outfit.
St Mirren controlled the game but United were able to threaten on the break and had the best chances, with Paul McMullan forcing a good save out of Vaclav Hladky. However, it ended in a stalemate.
Sunday, May 26, 2019 St Mirren 1-1 Dundee United (St Mirren win 2-0 on penalties)
It was back to Paisley for the second leg three days later with the tie finely-poised.
A match which always ensured