I was of course grateful that Kilmarnock decided to self destruct the way they did and also grateful that they did not resort to Sheffield United tactics of suddenly having a few injuries to deplete the side even further. The fact that they did have three sent off also helped to get the game reported a little more than usual in the press down here and for the first time one of the London Sunday’s added the line “.....James McFadden, attracting the interest of a host of clubs in England,.......”. His reputation is beginning to grow.
So to Dundee United on Sunday. Apart from Cup Finals they are a real bogey team. They always seem to do us no matter what the form is like going into the game. A couple of memories of past encounters include being part of a massive support that travelled up to Tannadice in the 70's for a cup game just after Ally McLeod had become manager. We were all full of new manager optimism that disappeared totally during the first 20 minutes when they scored at least three I think. I also managed to introduce my then girlfriend, now wife, to the joys of Fir Park just after Christmas two or three seasons ago against United. We actually won 2-0 that day but even for Fir Park it was the coldest, wettest and windiest day I can ever remember.
Team spirit and confidence should be high but United will see the game as a chance to get their first win of the season. At the moment everybody will still expect to beat us ‘cos that’s what the papers say. We are still favourites for relegation in many people’s eyes and it will take a good run and a good few points in the bag before that notion disappears. I think Sunday will be another tight game 11 vs 11 but would not be surprised to see some more red cards. Both sides should create plenty of chances so a 0-0 is discounted. We would be delighted to take a point from the game and I think that is the likely outcome. Le’ts go for an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Dundee United 2 - 2 Motherwell