Dundee United defender Sean Dillon is already aware just how demanding boss Ray McKinnon will be of his players.
The experienced Irishman, whose testimonial year was launched at Tannadice yesterday by his biggest fan Lorraine Kelly – TV star and honorary testimonial committee chairwoman – has spoken of life under the new managerial regime.
The Tangerines may only have been back at pre-season training for a week or so but even this early on Dillon and his teammates have been left under no illusions that McKinnon will expect the best of them at all times.
“It’s good to be back,” said Dillon. “We have been in for a week or so now and the vibe has been good.
“It is almost always the case that when a new manager comes in there is a buzz and everyone is keen to get back to work.
“That’s how it has been with us and when we first got together the manager spoke very well to the lads.
“The gist of it was that everyone has to work to their maximum as an individual.
“Also, collectively, we want to make the team as good as we possibly can.
“If we want to achieve our goal of promotion then we are going to have to do those things.
“He is demanding, has high standards and if you want to play in his team then you need to be performing to the best of your ability.
“It is early days but I can tell that those standards set by the manager don’t look like dipping.
“He looks as if it will be demanding the whole time, which is great.
“The man has high standards and that’s brilliant.
“You have to trust a manager, trust his opinion, what he is saying, what he is doing and what he is asking of you.
“Everyone has to buy into what he wants if we are going to do what we want to do as a group.
“It looks like everyone will get a fair crack of the whip from him and now it’s up to us as individual players.”
