John Rankin isn’t one for goodbyes. The tears in his eyes when he talks about leaving Dundee United after the season closes at Kilmarnock tell you that.
But the reaction he got from Arabs when he was subbed minutes before the end of Tuesday’s final home game and again when he stepped on to the pitch after the final whistle will stay with him until his dying day.
“I don’t really like goodbyes if I’m honest. I’d rather trap door it and shoot out,” said the veteran of five mainly-good years at Tannadice.
“The way the season’s gone, I would not have blamed the fans if they hadn’t turned up — but to get that reception on the way off and then when I went on at the end to thank them was something that will be with me forever.”
And it’s clear his time in tangerine means he now considers himself an Arab. Not that he has much choice.
“My kids are now Dundee United supporters, they don’t know anything else.
“And I’ve said before, the way the club have received my family and the way the supporters have reacted to me has been amazing.”
For all the fond memories he’ll take with him, it’s clear the affection the United support has shown means most.
“The fans have been great and that goes for this season as well. To travel as they have has been brilliant.
“The crowds that stick in my head were the ones that went to Ross County two weeks running.
“To go all that way up the A9 and support the way they did in the situation we were in was unbelievable.
“Then the turnout at Partick Thistle on a Tuesday night was brilliant.
“They’ve stuck by us the full season and it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t give them the result they wanted last week (against Dundee) to keep us in the league for another few games.
“You never know what could’ve happened if we had. That’s the way it has gone this season but they’ve backed us to the hilt.”
Relegation has made it a nightmare end to his United career but, when he looks back, he does so fondly.
For him, there is no greater memory than helping steer the team to victory in a controversial Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers that was played on their home turf because Hampden was unavailable and Parkhead hadn’t been booked up in advance.
“Leading the team out at Ibrox when it was a siege mentality because we had to play Rangers there is something I will always remember.
“Our crowd were outnumbered but the noise they made was unbelievable and that’s probably the proudest moment I’ve had here. Leading United to the Scottish Cup Final was so special.
“I’ve also played with some great players and some young boys who’ve developed, moved on and earned the club a lot of money.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m just sorry for this season and that it’s all ended so quickly.”
Now Rankin has one more United mission to complete — victory at Killie.
Once that game’s over, he admits the reality of his departure will hit home.
“I think it’ll sink in after Kilmarnock. I knew Tuesday was my last home game and, to be honest, I wasn’t really sure how it would go but, after this one, I’ll know that’s it.
“The main thing, though, has to be winning the game. We are playing for personal pride now but we will be doing all we can to come away with a win.
“Then it’s on to something new for me but I hope United bounce back to the Premiership because this is a great club and a great place to be coming to work every day.”
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