Ross served up masterclass in

JACK Ross has done a few interviews with The Coaches’ Voice.

It is a source that allows managers to outline, in their own words, the philosophies, methods and goals that drive them.

Unhurried and contemplative, it’s a format that evidently appeals to Ross – a studious character who obsesses about this sport, and how to motivate and inspire those within it.

One of the regular features on The Coaches’ Voice is Masterclass, where the subject talks viewers through a particularly memorable victory.

In a strange twist of fate, Ross’s contribution to the series was a 3-0 win over Dundee United while in charge of St Mirren in August 2017.

However, Thursday night’s 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar – particularly if they finish the job in the Netherlands next week – deserves the same treatment.

It was a masterclass.

From pre-match messaging to team selection and the timing of his substitutions, this was an early tour de force in Ross’s tenure as Tangerines head coach.

Ahead of the visit of AZ Alkmaar, Ross repeatedly eschewed the narrative of the plucky underdog; the Scottish team hoping to give their classy continental visitors a bloody nose.

Instead, he underlined the quality within the United ranks – the likes of Dylan Levitt, Charlie Mulgrew and Steven Fletcher would go on to ably illustrate that – and pointed out that Rangers reached the Europa League final last season.

Back at home, the Tangerines took four points from a possible 12 against the Gers.

One can safely surmise that he was even more vehement on the training pitch and in the dressingroom: nothing to fear.

And it shone through in the hosts’ performance.

Mulgrew producing an ice-cool Cruyff turn – salt in the wound for the Dutch visitors – to take out Dani de Wit and Vangelis Pavlidis on the edge of his own box; Levitt bringing out the tricks on the touchline.

That’s before we consider a genuinely wonderful goal by Glenn Middleton.

There was swagger.

The players deserve immense credit for that.

They are the individuals who must have the bottle to carry out the game plan.

However, Ross set the tone for a magic night from well before a ball was kicked.

One change was enforced.

Kieran Freeman came in for the injured Scott McMann, with Aziz Behich’s work permit yet to arrive.

The other – Middleton in for Mathew Cudjoe – proved astute.

The Ghanaian winger did nothing wrong against Kilmarnock last Saturday.

New signing Jamie McGrath was introduced in the second half against AZ Alkmaar. Dundee United boss Jack Ross guides his charges from the touchline.