The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Mcinally has note of caution for Neilson
United legend hopes fans will have forgiven new boss
Dundee United legend Jim Mcinally reckons that the pull of Hearts was too strong for Robbie Neilson who has given up a crack at the Premiership with Dundee United for a return to Tynecastle.
The capital club stunned the footballing world on Sunday when they brought Neilson back from Tannadice to replace Daniel Stendel.
Mcinally, who made more than 350 appearances for the Tangerines and also played for Dundee, believes that the new Jambos boss, who led the capital club to the Championship title in 2015, must have a forgiving nature.
The Peterhead boss explained: “Leaving a Dundee United team heading to the top flight to go to a team that have been relegated would normally seem like an unexpected move – however, the draw of Hearts would have been strong to Robbie.”
“He played there for a long time and led them to a Championship title before leaving for MK Dons.
“Robbie has maybe looked at the opportunity at the weekend and thought if he turned the chance down, he may never get the chance to work there again.”
“Hearts are a big club to him and he obviously views them as bigger than Dundee United.”
Mcinally does, however, have a note of caution for Neilson.
He added: “There was a bit of disquiet when Robbie was there before and some
Hearts fans hired a plane which displayed a banner saying ‘No style, no bottle Neilson out’.
“That must have hurt at the time but Robbie must have forgiven the fans for that.
“However, I am sure that he remembers the tolerance level of the supporters was not high the last time he was there and that may well be the case again.”
But Neilson, who spent 20 months in charge at Tannadice, has been backed to be a success for a second time on Gorgie Road, with the new Jambos boss tipped to take the club to new heights following his shock return.
That is the view of supporters’ chief Steve Kilgour, who believes the Jambos are getting a better manager the second time round after Neilson’s stints away with MK Dons and United.
It was during Hearts’ 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in March 2016 that the aircraft carrying the notorious ‘no style’ banner was flown above Tynecastle.
Kilgour believes the 2-2 draw and subsequent defeat to Hibs in the Scottish Cup the previous month was behind the move by a small minority of fans.
But the secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs is confident Neilson will be welcomed back with open arms after penning a three-year deal.
Kilgour said: “Robbie’s a more experienced manager now, so it’s a good move. On behalf of the Federation, I’d like to thank to Daniel Stendel for his