Blair Spittal admits he and the rest of the Dundee United players are determined to put last season’s “disaster” firmly behind them – starting tonight against Arbroath at Gayfield in the Betfred Cup.
No-one of a Tangerine persuasion needs reminding about what the 20-year-old was referring to but that is in the past and everything has been upbeat around Tannadice since Ray McKinnon took over as boss at the club.
He has also left the players in absolutely no doubt about the high standards he expects and Spittal insists everyone in the Tangerines squad is ready to deliver for him beginning in what will be the manager’s first competitive game in charge against the Red Lichties.
He said: “We are really looking forward to the new season.
“The manager has come in and it is a fresh start for everyone. We are buzzing for the game at Arbroath.
“The manager is all about setting standards really high and when you do play, you have to be at your best – if you’re not, then you will not be in the team.
“So it is up to the boys who start against Arbroath to ensure they are at their best to keep their place in there.
“This is a massive club and we shouldn’t be in the position we are in.
“Last season was a disaster from start to finish so we all have to put that to the back of our minds.
“It is a fresh start and we are raring to go.
“I have played at Gayfield for the Under-20s and it is a tough place to play football.
“But if we play the way we are trying to play, set a high tempo and do well, we will put ourselves in a good position in the game.”
McKinnon’s rebuilding job has continued this week with the capture of Cammy Smith on loan from Aberdeen and the permanent signing of Willo Flood from the same club yesterday.
Spittal believes both will be valuable additions and he confessed he is glad the latter will now be a team-mate and not a midfield opponent.
He said: “I played against Cammy quite a few times when I was younger and also in the last couple of seasons.
“He is a good player and I think he is suited to us with the way the manager wants to play.
“He is quick, he is strong, he is good on the ball and I am looking forward to playing alongside him.
“Willo knows the club from the times he has been here before. He adds a lot of experience and steel in the midfield.
“I am sure he will be a great signing for the club.
“I have played against him quite a few times now and he is a really good player.
“So we are delighted he is on board – and we don’t have to play against him.
“Obviously, a lot of players have left the club this summer and the manager has brought a lot of lads in. I am sure Willo will add to the squad.
“There is a lot of competition in the squad now. It is strong and looking good for the season ahead.”
