The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fox sets out priorities as hard graft looms for Tangerines
Liam Fox has promised that Dundee United will leave no stone unturned during the World Cup hiatus in a bid to spark a recovery once Premiership action resumes.
The Tangerines will spend the next five weeks at the foot of the standings following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Aberdeen.
Despite gradual improvement under Fox, the Terrors remain three points adrift of Kilmarnock and Ross County – albeit only nine points behind fifth-placed Hearts in a remarkably concertinaed table.
While the United players have been afforded some time off to regroup, they will soon embark on a solid three weeks of hard graft as Fox and assistant Stevie Crawford are afforded a golden opportunity to drum home their plans and expectations.
“This is different to anything we have had before, with the World Cup breaking up the season,” said Fox.
“So we will have some days off – a period for everyone to reflect on what has been, and what has gone on. It has been very hectic and busy from the moment we came back.
“We had Europe, obviously Jack (Ross’s departure), me taking over, and then loads of games – lots of highs and lows. This will give everyone a chance to reset.
“It gives me just over three weeks with the players on the training pitch, so that’s really positive. We will keep going over things, refining and adding layers on to what I expect and how I want the team to look.
“That is something you don’t normally get during the season. We will be working extremely hard over that period.
“We will be on the grass morning and afternoon to improve – and to get us where we need to be.”
While United are in a precarious position, there is no hint of negativity as Fox casts his thoughts towards the second half of the campaign.
The Tangerines did not have a single league win on the board when Fox took the reins from Jack Ross and were haemorrhaging goals at an astonishing rate, a 9-0 reverse at home to Celtic representing the final straw.
Since then, United have largely tightened up, while Celtic and Rangers are the only other teams in Scotland to win two Premiership matches by a four-goal margin – as Fox’s charges did against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.
However, he is acutely aware that his 54 days at the helm as permanent boss must only be the start.
“The fans have been great and right behind the team – so we need to keep putting on performances to please them, but most importantly get us up the table,” said Fox.