Sieb Dykstra: I thought Ray McKinnon was too nice to be a gaffer

Former fans’ favourite Sieb Dykstra has expressed his delight at Dundee United’s revival under old team-mate Ray McKinnon.

And the man who’s now a respected goalkeeping coach and agent back in his native Holland has also been pleased to see the Tangerines rekindle their liking for Dutch talent in the shape of Nick van der Velden and Frank van der Struijk.

But he admits of the players he played alongside at Tannadice, the current manager is not one he would have tipped to go into coaching.

Sieb is quick to stress that’s because he felt Ray was too nice!

“I remember playing with Ray for United and he was a very talented, creative player.

“He had a lot of skill and I remember at Kilmarnock when we beat them 3-2 because Ray scored a hat-trick of free-kicks. It was unbelievable but that was the kind of talent he had.

“He was a great guy as well and maybe I would have said he wouldn’t go into coaching because he was too nice to shout at players like managers have to do sometimes.

“But I know he has done well as a coach in Scotland and I saw he did a good job for Raith Rovers last season. Now he’s doing the same for United, so I’m very happy for him.”

For Sieb the current manager’s decision to go double Dutch and bring in Van der Velden and Van der Struijk this season only serves to reinforce his view now that the club have the right man in charge.

“I keep in touch with how United are doing and I see Van der Velden and Van der Struijk are doing a good job for the team.

“When they signed, I knew they would because you are talking about two good players with experience of the top division here in Holland.

“I probably know more about Van der Velden and I have always liked him as a player, he has talent.

“He’s in his 30s now but he has looked after himself and I think he can play on for another year or two.

“Van der Struijk is a reliable full-back and he also played a lot of games here in Holland.

“I see from the reports of games he has been playing well and his experience will also be a big help.

“As a goalkeeper, I was happy to see United sign Cammy Bell from Rangers.

“He’s an excellent keeper and I think Ray has done good business to bring him in.

“For me, though, it’s nice to see United come back to Holland for players. Before and after me they had some good Dutch players like Freddy van der Hoorn and then Guido van de Kamp and it’s good to see my fellow countrymen doing well at my old club.”

These days, Sieb’s time is split between his own goalkeeping school, duties as a goalie coach at Fortuna Sittard, who are in the second tier in Holland, and his work as an agent.

If time permits he would love to come across to see his old team in the flesh — hopefully, as they’re closing in on a return to the Premiership.

“I am keeping very busy and that’s good. As well as my work as a coach, this is a busy time with the next transfer window coming closer and I am speaking to a lot of clubs and players right now.

“If I get time, I would like to come over to Dundee — I notice you can fly there from Amsterdam now.

“And I would love to see United getting back to the Premiership this season. If they do, players like Van der Velden and Van der Struijk would do well at that level.

“For me, the main thing is the team gets back there. I find it strange when I look at the league tables and see United and Hibs not in the top division.”