Dundee United need to pull together after the Gavin Gunning departure from Tannadice, according to club legend Christian Dailly.
The Scottish Cup winner believes Gunning’s departure isn’t “black and white” and is symptomatic of high stress levels at the club.
But what isn’t in doubt is the need for the relegation-threatened side to not allow it to be the final nail in their Premiership coffin.
In today’s Courier column, Dailly said: “United have to draw a line under it and use it to try and create a positive reaction.
“When something like this happens it can bring a dressing room closer together.
“For United’s sake, I hope it does.”
An announcement was made by United yesterday morning to confirm that Gunning had played his last game in the tangerine and black.
A brief statement read: “Gavin Gunning has left Dundee United by mutual consent. This is a private matter and the club will not make any further comment.”
The incident which set in motion the termination of the Irishman’s contract was one of the most bizarre seen on a football field this season.
Gunning pulled up with a knee injury in the Inverness Caledonian Thistle game and, rather than waiting for the referee to stop play, picked the ball up, walked to the touchline and sat down.
After he was eventually substituted he made his way to the tunnel and clapped supporters who were letting him know their feelings.
United were 2-0 down at the time.
It is understood that the 25-year-old was told that he would not be in Mixu Paatelainen’s squad for the remainder of the season, and then discussions took place which resulted in the announcement.
His contract was due to run out in the summer.
This was Gunning’s second spell as a United player, and he played 20 times during it.
He hasn’t been alone in falling short of the level of performance that would have been hoped for this season.
Gunning wasn’t commenting on the matter yesterday.