United try to move on after Gunning exit
MIXU PAATELAINEN, Dundee United’s manager, has sought to draw a line under the bizarre circumstances that have seen him effectively place Gavin Gunning on gardening leave with no prospect of playing for the club again.
The Finn admitted that in refusing to explain why he had taken the action he is generating “a real mystery” but said he had no choice.
He did, however, seem to deviate from the club’s initial position that the defender’s sudden departure had come about “by mutual consent” when taking full responsibility for it.
“Things went on and obviously it is something we could not tolerate so I took the decision and told Gavin he would not play for us again. I also said to him if he wished he does not need to stay here. That’s where we are,” said Paatelainen.
“It is up to Gavin obviously. The way we spoke yesterday he will probably stay away, but if he doesn’t he is still our player and if he comes in, he can keep his fitness up, I have no problem with that, but I also put it across to him that he will not play and therefore he does not need to come in if he doesn’t want to. He can have an early summer holiday and train elsewhere and try to find another club.
“I will not go into the reason. We have decided to keep it in house and private. The club carries on paying his wages, but he is free to go because he will not play again. There is that agreement.”
The two most obvious reasons for the manager’s reaction were the way Gunning departed the fray during Saturday’s meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle when he picked up the ball as play was going on and walked off the pitch with it and his subsequent exchange with supporters as he headed down the tunnel.
Admitting it had been one of the strangest things he has encountered on a football pitch, Paatelainen seemed to accept the player’s reason for that, which suggested the bigger problem is the one he did not address, namely the need to protect the team’s relationship with supporters.
“I understand why Gavin did that,” he said of the manner of Gunning’s interruption of play. “He was injured, he wanted the game to be stopped. Instead of just going down and possibly Caley Thistle having an attack, he decided to pick the ball up and stop the game.”
Paatelainen admitted that at this crucial moment in the season, with Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs looming and United set to play for their Premiership survival in their five remaining matches, the incident could have a negative impact on the rest of the squad.
“One thing I want to say he has been a good team-mate to all the players. Within the camp there has been no problem,” he said. “Yes, I have discussed it with them, of course. They are disappointed but now we get on with the job.
“There has not been any fight or any problem in the dressing room, but yes, I am sure it may have unsettled some.”
Callum Morris was not going to be drawn into discussing Gunning’s departure but was keen to express the squad’s gratitude for the backing they have received from supporters.
“I think it has been tough for everyone, players and fans alike,” he said. “Saturday gives us a chance to give something back to the supporters.
“If we can get to another final and give the fans a day out to enjoy, then that will be great. We are really grateful for that support.”