United youth coach has no fears filling in for Mellon

THOMAS COURTS insists he is not daunted by taking charge of Dundee United while manager Micky Mellon and the first-team coaching staff have to self-isolate. Courts, head of tactical performance at the club’s academy, led training yesterday and will do so again today ahead of tomorrow’s Premiership trip to Livingston. Mellon has entered a ‘precautionary’ isolation after three unnamed members of the non-playing staff tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week. Further talks with the SFA and Tayside Health Board took place last night, with United expected to confirm today if Mellon can return to his managerial duties against Livvy. If not, ex-Kelty boss Courts (below) would take over in the technical area for the top-flight match. ‘I am excited to be of service to the club and players, and to be able to give the gaffer and his staff the support they need at this time,’ he said. ‘Obviously, we are in unprecedented times. ‘There has not been time for me to think of any personal objectives. It is really just up to me to make sure the gaffer is supported and the players are clear what is expected of them. ‘I don’t feel fazed at all. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to play a bigger role for the club. ‘At this moment in time the gaffer would probably want me to be focused on a daily basis. ‘I will take training on Friday and, if Saturday is required, we will just take that in our stride. ‘I feel like I have a good understanding of how I need to represent the gaffer. ‘I have the detail that the players need to see and hear out on the training pitch. ‘He (Mellon) has been updated at regular intervals and seems quite content just now.’ Courts praised the support he’s received from senior players and believes he is up to speed on the threat posed by Livingston, who remain under the interim management of David Martindale. ‘I do some opposition work for the first team, so I have actually seen Livingston personally four times, including when we played them at Tannadice,’ said Courts. ‘I feel well informed. The analysis staff also produce a full report on the next week’s opponents. In terms of that, there has been a great deal of consistency. ‘The players should be happy where we are just now, albeit there have obviously been things happening in the background due to unforeseen circumstances.’