Few positives for Fox as United still seek first win
It was a dismal day for new Dundee United boss Liam Fox on what was his home debut since being appointed permanent head coach last week.
The result leaves the Tangerines rooted to the foot of the Premiership table without a league win to their name so far this season.
And Fox admitted he was struggling to take positives from the game.
The 38-year-old said: “Disappointed, really disappointed. Always difficult when you come in 2-0 down at half time.
“The goals we conceded were poor. A few individual errors gave us a mountain to climb.
“The league table probably tells us that’s why we’re sitting there, individual errors.
“The first goal especially is one ball over the top. We’ve plenty to work on and improve on quickly. That’s the plan.
“At this moment there’s not many positives. I’m pleased for Tony to get a goal which will hopefully help his confidence.
“We will let the dust settle, we’ll look at the game and be as positive as we can with the players.
“I thought we actually started OK. I would like us to be a bit more ruthless with shots at goal, more crosses in the box, give the fans something to cheer about and hopefully bring them with us.
“But when you lose two goals like that in the first half, with the position we’re in at the moment not having that league win, everyone is a bit edgy.
“We are going to have to overcome that. We’ve a big game against Aberdeen next week.”
Fox admitted no one at United needed to be told that the longer the wait went on for that first win, the more he would be asked about it.
He added: “I could say that not winning a game isn’t going to be a monkey on the back.
“But we are all adults and we realise the sooner we get the win the better to stop being asked about it.
“We are fully aware of it and we hope to rectify that soon.
“Next week is huge but every game will be huge between now and the end of the season.
“Let’s be clear, we are in a position where we need points – and we need them soon.
“There is no hiding away from that. We need to step up to the challenge and find a way to win.”
St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson praised his players for the way they saw out the game.
He said: “I think the spirit is there as you can see digging in at the end there to make sure we win the game.
“So yes, it is positive but again it is just about picking up points when we can.”