Evening Telegraph (First Edition)

United skipper dismisses doom and gloom talk

- BY ALAN TEMPLE

RYAN Edwards insists the mood at Dundee United is anything but “doom and gloom” as the Tangerines attempt to bring European football back to Tannadice.

Tam Courts’ charges slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Hearts on Sunday, wasting a wonderful opportunit­y to open up a four-point gap to Motherwell and Ross County in the race for fourth.

It was another maddening afternoon for a United side which has now thrown away 16 points from winning positions in their last eight Premiershi­p fixtures.

And the frustratio­n of club captain Edwards was palpable as he reflected on the showdown.

Neverthele­ss, he is determined to retain a sense of perspectiv­e – safe i n the knowledge that United’s fate remains in their own hands, starting with the visit of the Steelmen on Saturday.

“The aim is still clear and simple: we want to be playing European football,” Edwards said.

“Do we want to be in the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup in the summer? Or do we want to be representi­ng Dundee United in Europe?

“No disrespect to that competitio­n, but every player and supporter knows the answer to that question – and that’s the desire and determinat­ion we’ll have in the final games of the season.

“It’s not all doom and gloom. Top six was the club’s first target and we’ve achieved that.

“Now, we realise what a big opportunit­y we have in the final four games of the season.

“We still have a great chance to finish fourth, despite how frustratin­g Sunday was.

“We’ve got a good dressing room – it’s an honest bunch of boys who will speak up if there’s something to be said – and we’ll regroup for the Motherwell match.”

The fact both Motherwell and Ross County failed to gain ground on United at the weekend is a faint silver lining, but provided little solace for Edwards.

If anything, it was an additional source of annoyance as yet another opportunit­y for Courts’ men to take a strangleho­ld on fourth place was passed up.

“It’s still in our hands – but

 ?? ?? Ryan Edwards and Dundee United manager Tam Courts.
Ryan Edwards and Dundee United manager Tam Courts.

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