Ray McKinnon will kick-off his reign as Dundee United manager today when he faces the media at Tannadice.
However, the former Raith Rovers boss has already seen that there is hope for the future at his new club after watching from the stand as the Tangerines beat Kilmarnock 4-2 at Rugby Park on Saturday.
It was an encouraging performance full of youthful energy and enthusiasm and McKinnon must have been pleased with the contributions of youngsters Harry Souttar, Cammy Ballantyne, Matty Smith, Bradley Smith and Justin Johnson.
Aged just 17 and standing at six foot and seven inches – he thinks he might even be an inch taller – Souttar used his height well to head home the Tannadice side’s fourth goal – his first for the team – to round off an overdue good day for the relegated team.
He is following in his “big” brother John’s footsteps, of course, and you get the feeling that the younger sibling will quickly become a fans’ favourite should he get his chance in the Championship next season.
Souttar said: “I had a wee glance up to the stand and saw the new manager but I didn’t think I’d get on as a sub.
“So I have (caretaker coach) Gordon Young for putting me on.
“It’s been a good start for me.
“I was pleased with the goal, as everyone could see by the smile on my face.
“I don’t feel any pressure following John but there will always be a comparison.
“John watched me on Tuesday night when I made my debut against Partick Thistle.
“He said he was a bit nervous for me before the game but he gave me a bit of decent advice.
“Even after that first game people were saying things to compare us but I don’t listen to it or take any notice of it.
“It doesn’t really bother me and I just want to make a name for myself and do well as a young footballer.
“I am hoping for a chance next season.
“The Championship can be quite physical but hopefully that won’t be a problem for me.
“I just want to work hard in pre-season and hopefully get my opportunity.
“There are still a lot of centre halves at the club but I just need to show the new manager what I can do and hopefully get some games.”
Souttar believes the future can be bright for United despite all their troubles on and off the park, with the young ones “excited” about what lies ahead for them.
He added: “There are some encouraging signs and I hope the fans see that.
“There were five of us playing against Kilmarnock and we also have Ali Coote and Jamie Robson, who were ineligible.
“We are all excited about the future.
“The youth team got to the Scottish Cup semi-final and the atmosphere has been really good among that squad.
“We are all close, we all socialise together and are friends.
“It’s great that seven of us have played over the last while.
“We have a good bond.”
