Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen insisted he is still the man for the job after watching his team get relegated by Dundee.
The Tangerines suffered the agony of crashing out of the Premiership at Dens Park after the Dark Blues beat them 2-1.
It was a painfully fitting way for it all to end, considering what has been a woeful season for United under the management of both Jackie McNamara and Paatelainen.
The Finn has failed to get the best out of his under-performing players but he still feels he is the right person to lead United back up to the top flight next season.
He even claimed that only a “fool” would waste the knowledge he possesses.
Paatelainen said: “Of course, I want to stay. This is a wonderful club and a club very close to my heart.
“There are wonderful memories and wonderful people work here. I am desperate to rebuild this team and make it a winning team.
“We have been here a few months now and we have the necessary knowledge to know what needs to be done.
“To be honest we identified that early on and we already started targeting people.
“Not only player-wise but off the field too.
“I think only a fool would would put that to waste, the knowledge that we have.”
Paatelainen was asked by Courier Sport if he has considered quitting.
He replied: “No. I don’t give up. We came here this season and the ship was sinking already.
“Things weren’t right, hence there was a change (of manager).
“It is always unfortunate when there is a change, of course, but that is an indicator that there are problems.
“We tried to tackle those problems personnel-wise.
“The January window is difficult and we have improved, just not enough.
“Mistakes keep creeping in and we simply can’t afford to have that.
“That is why we need a totally new angle on things.
“I am desperate to do that.
“I love working hard, I don’t count hours and I don’t have days off.”
Paatelainen was then asked if he would like to get a vote of confidence from chairman Stephen Thompson and his board in the days ahead.
He said: “I don’t dictate what the chairman does.
“I work for club and for the team – it is as simple as that.
“I have a contract and I work regardless of whether there is a statement out about my future.
“I don’t mind speculation, although I don’t think it is healthy for the club.
”Maybe that would help the situation (a confidence vote) but I don’t advise the chairman.
“I don’t expect him to do anything.”
The Finn admitted this was the lowest point of his career, declaring: “It absolutely is and I don’t take myself away from that same boat where the players are.”
Paatelainen then said sorry to the United fans, with just under 2,000 having to suffer seeing their team go down in such dismal fashion.
The manager said: “What can you say? They have been magnificent.
“I can only apologise for what has happened on the pitch.
“It has been a miserable season for them and for everybody.
“The fans feel the pain immensely and everyone is spitting bullets.
“I can only thank them for their support.
“It has been a miserable season but tonight they filled that stand.
“I was hoping in my heart that we would give them a little bit back.”
See further reaction and analysis in Tuesday’s Courier
