Manager Robbie Neilson insisted Dundee United’s financial figures are not a problem as they push for promotion.
The Tangerines beat Partick Thistle 1-0 at Tannadice last night thanks to Lawrence Shankland’s 62nd-minute header to stay three points clear at the top of the Championship.
Just hours earlier United’s annual meeting had heard how the club are operating a wage bill of £4,159,060 on a turnover of £3,124, 236 and posted an operating loss to last June of £3,759,220 million.
However, Neilson is more concerned with what happens on the park than off it.
He said: “We knew this was coming.
“The chairman (Mark Ogren) was very relaxed about it.
“When he took over, the club was really in trouble.
“You have to invest money to get to the level we want to be.
“We knew the reaction we would get (to the figures).
“People look at the big number and don’t look at it (when it’s) broken down.
“The plan in place is first-class but you have to build on the foundations.
“We have invested in the academy and to get elite status for that is phenomenal. It gives us a platform to bring players through.
“We have had to invest in the first team and youth teams.”
As for the actual match, Neilson said: “All credit to Partick because it was a tough game.
“That is the nature of this league.
“Teams come to Tannadice and lift their game. They get an extra 10-20% energy-wise and we just have to find a way to win.
“It was a very aggressive and physical game.
“We got there in the end.
“I think there was a bit of frustration creeping in but we have no divine right to win here at home against anyone.
“I don’t expect Partick Thistle to be at the bottom at the end of the season. They are in a false position.
“We didn’t play to the levels we’re capable of but it’s three important points and we can move onto Inverness this weekend.”
The United boss, of course, had plenty of gratitude towards Shankland for this goal.
Neilson added: “If you get the right service to him, Shanks can do the rest.
“It was a great bit of movement and another brilliant finish.
“I thought the cross from Louis Appere was exceptional. The kid has that in his locker.”
Neilson confirmed that Peter Pawlett’s early substitution was down to a hamstring, while Troy Brown missed the match because of a calf problem.
