Jackie McNamara admits the past 12 months have been a “whirlwind” as he reflected on his first year in charge at Dundee United.
The manager marked his milestone in the Tannadice hot-seat on Wednesday and he stressed his main aim remains the same to ensure the continuing long-term development and success of the club.
However, he reflected that something else has not changed since he took over from Peter Houston the speculation over the futures of some of his hottest young prospects.
Last year it was Johnny Russell, now it is teenagers Ryan Gauld, John Souttar and Andy Robertson who are the subject of intense media scrutiny.
McNamara said: “That’s me just come in a year past on Wednesday. Since I arrived it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
“I came in just a few days before the Rangers Scottish Cup game. Back then, it was all about keeping Johnny Russell so we’re used to the speculation.
“It’s healthy to have all these younger players attracting attention. I’m sure it will be the same this time next year as well.
“It’s been a great learning curve both on and off the park. I have to say that it’s a decision I’ve been really happy with. I’ve no regrets. I love being here. I wouldn’t change a thing.
“My ambition is the same. I want to try to improve the club, not just short-term but long-term.
“I want to bring success here. I’m always striving for more and there’s room for improvement.
“I think there’s much more to come when you see what the players are capable of.
“We’ve got to keep working hard and make sure we compete week-in week-out.”
With the transfer window set to shut tonight at 11pm, McNamara is keeping his fingers crossed that there will be no late bids for any of his highly-rated youngsters.
And even if there were any last-minute “cheeky” offers, he is confident chairman Stephen Thompson would reject them.
McNamara added: “There have been no offers. I think everyone knows they’re here to stay.We’ve made that very clear. We want them to stay so I’m not surprised there have been no bids.
“We want them here at least until the summer and then we can look at things then.As I’ve said before, they’re learning at the best possible place.
“Someone might come in with a cheeky bid but knowing the chairman and the way he’s been speaking, a cheeky bid won’t tempt him to sell.
“That’s the position we’re in. We’re in a strong position with the youngsters and we want to protect them as well as ourselves. Nothing has changed in that respect.
“The chairman is in charge and he’s the same as me. He wants them to stay.
“At the end of the day, he’ll make the decisions on the financial side of things if a bid comes in, but he’s a fan first and foremost.
“He will want these players to take as much time as they want at this club.It’s important that we try to get players in rather than lose them.”
That desire to bring in reinforcements has been increased by a knee injury sustained by first-choice centre-half Gavin Gunning that could rule him out for several weeks.
And the manager admits he faces a race against time to draft in cover before the window closes.
Speaking before it was revealed that United had agreed a loan deal for Australian defender Curtis Good, McNamara said: “Gunning’s still out. We’re not quite sure the timescale with him.He’s been a bit unfortunate. He blocked one in training the day before we were due to play St Johnstone.
“It opened his knee up. It’s disappointing for him and for us.He might be out for a month for us. In that case, we’re trying really hard to get someone in that area for cover before Saturday.
“It’s a difficult market and it’s just a case of trying to get the right one in.”
McNamara admitted there was there was a certain symmetry to the fact that he will mark his first year in charge with a game at former club Partick Thistle.
The Jags have yet to win at home in the league so far this season but the manager insists he will be taking nothing for granted when United travel to Firhill on Saturday.
McNamara added: “I think Thistle will be a fantastic match.It’s ironic that after having our first league game of the season at Firhill, we’re now going back there just after my first year in charge.
“I’ve still got a lot of good friends there.It’s one we’re looking forward to especially after the disappointment of the St Johnstone match being called off on Monday.
“Hopefully we can get a good result which would set us up well for the Scottish Cup match with St Mirren the following week.
“I think Thistle have been more unfortunate than actually struggling at home this season.I’m sure Archie (manager Alan Archibald) feels they should have a lot more points on the board than they have at present.
“But it’s important we do what we’re good at and if we do, there’s a decent chance we’ll win the match.”