Dixon sees a bright future for Tangerines

DUNDEE UNITED star Paul Dixon has revealed he feels like a player reborn under Ray McKinnon.

Boyhood Tangerines fan Dixon endured a season from hell as United plunged into the Championship.

As the defeats stacked up, his attacking instincts were curtailed and his confidence dented – then he was told he wasn’t wanted at Tannadice.

That served as a rock bottom to a year-long plunge into darkness.

But the 29-year-old is shining again under new United boss McKinnon – and he aims to prove he is still the marauding fullback fans remember from his first spell at the club.

“The management team have been very positive,” says Dixon.

“It’s still early days but I think it’s already starting to show on the pitch.

“If we can keep producing performances like we have, then it’s going to breed confidence throughout the team.

“I feel good. It’s nice to have a winger, in Tope Abadeyi, in front of me that I can hit instead of looking and seeing nothing.

“That’s a change. It’s something I’m going to have to get used to again.

“I’m just enjoying my football.

“Last season wasn’t good for anyone here. It wasn’t at all enjoyable.

“And, to be honest, there have been a lot of times since I’ve come back that I haven’t enjoyed my football.

“But it’s nice to not be in that position now.”

United’s troubles last season were reflected in Dixon’s performances.

Too frequently he was pegged back, locked into a defensive battle that ground him down.

But he has looked a player transformed as the Tangerines prepare for a tilt at the Championship – and he can’t wait to get started for real.

“There were so many factors that affected how I played last season,” Dixon admits.

“Whether it was the way the team was playing, the formation, results, self-confidence, or a lack of it . . . loads of factors.

“But I got my head down in pre-season and worked hard and I’m feeling good.

“I still see myself as an attacking full-back that wants to get forward and create things.

“That’s the way I’ve always played.

“We’re playing some nice stuff and the new signings look good.

“For me, in particular, having Tope in front of me is great. To know he’s always there is fantastic.

“I know if I give him the ball he’ll get us up the park, and the overlap is always there, too.

“It’s made a big difference to me, and I hope it will for the team, too.”