It has been all doom and gloom for Dundee United fans on the back of their painful four-game sequence against Celtic.
Here’s a look at how they can make the most of what remains of the season.Qualify for EuropeThe Europa League isn’t exactly the promised land some people think it is, even though the prize money for entrants has just been increased.
Also, the Tangerines haven’t enjoyed the greatest of experiences in continental competition in recent years, with costly and unsuccessful trips to the likes of Greece, Poland and Russia their “reward” for qualification.
Nevertheless, get back into Europe and manager Jackie McNamara can look at himself in the mirror and say that, without a doubt, it’s been a successful season.
Let’s remember fourth spot in the Premiership – the position they currently hold – may be good enough depending on what happens in the Scottish Cup.Clean sweep of Dundee derbiesMoving from the continental to the parochial and many United fans who have fallen out of his love with their team of late may be won back by a 100% record over Dundee.
If, as looks likely, both city clubs finish in the top six then there are two such matches left this season.
The Tannadice men will make the short trip up the road next Wednesday night to take on the Dark Blues at Dens, protecting a record of three wins out of three so far this season.
The New Year’s Day annihilation which saw the Tangerines hammer their neighbours 6-2 may seem a long time ago now but those memories will be revived if the visitors play well again next week.Exorcise the St Johnstone demonsStaying close to home and United really do need to get back at St Johnstone somehow.
The Perth men have had the upper hand over their fellow Taysiders in recent times, especially in last season’s Scottish Cup final.
There have even been claims that Saints have United’s number and that their players somehow manage to get under the skin of McNamara’s team.
Maybe aye, maybe naw, but the Tangerines could be doing with a psychological boost in this respect and finishing above Saints in the table would do the job.More games for the young gunsIt may be the business end of the season when experience is supposed to be a crucial commodity but it would be nice to see the younger players be really prominent in what’s left of the campaign.
McNamara hinted that may well be the case by featuring John Souttar, Blair Spittal, Charlie Telfer and Robbie Muirhead in the last game against Celtic at Parkhead.
Of course, the result went against United again but all the youngsters did OK.
Aidan Connolly and Euan Spark were on the bench that day, too, so we may well see McNamara continue to place his trust in youth.Renewed optimism for next seasonAbove all, United’s players need to give the supporters hope for the future.
Since the transfer window slammed shut, results have nosedived and they haven’t won for eight matches going into Saturday’s home clash with Ross County.
United know that season tickets don’t shift themselves, even though the club has decided to freeze prices for the 2015-16 campaign.
Fans may be loyal in this neck of the woods but they can never be taken for granted and what will make punters put their hands in their pockets to buy a season book – more than anything else – is if they believe their team will be worth watching. It’s up to the players between now and close of play in May to convince them of that.