Fans’ favourite John Rankin has thanked Arabs for their backing as he became one of the early big-name casualties in the week of the long knives at Tannadice.
As the price of relegation hit home, the 32-year-old was one of a batch of an initial eight players United told they will be on their way this summer.
Accompanying Rankin through the exit are Edward Ofere, Callum Morris, Guy Demel, Ryan Dow, Euan Spark, Joe McGovern and Florent Sinama Pongolle, all of whom are out of contract at the end of the season.
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, also a free agent soon, will be added to the list and the vast majority of players with time still left on their deals have been told to find new clubs.
So long is that list it’s easier to name the exceptions.
Sean Dillon, Lewis Zwick, Simon Murray, Scott Fraser and Blair Spittal have been told to carry on working normally.
Virtually every other member of the first-team squad can go.
That includes the likes of Paul Paton, Paul Dixon, Coll Donaldson, Henri Anier, Darko Bodul and big-money signing Charlie Telfer.
The size of other departments is being slashed as well.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen was first to pay the price when his sacking was confirmed.
His assistant, Gordon Young, is set to take charge for tonight’s game at Inverness but his days are numbered.
There’s a big question-mark over other back-room staff members, including goalie coach Stuart Garden, and also the physio department.
When the new boss, likely to be Raymond McKinnon, is appointed, he’ll work with much tighter numbers both in terms of those who assist him and the squad.
United want him in the hotseat as soon as possible but won’t move while present club Raith Rovers remain in the Premiership promotion play-offs.
After five years as a Tangerine, popular midfielder Rankin took to social media to say goodbye.
“I’d like to thank everyone connected with Dundee United for their help and support over the last five years,” he said.
“Had some great times and wonderful memories to look back on, also had the pleasure of playing with some great lads.
“I would also like to apologise to all Arabs for our dismal performances this season and ultimately the lowest point of those five years.
“Unfortunately my time here is coming to an end. However, I have the privilege of pulling on the tangerine three more times at most and I promise everyone I will give 100% in those games.
“I wish the club all the very best in the future and, hopefully, it gets back where it belongs ASAP.
“The supporters deserve that.
“My family and I were always welcomed and will hold Dundee United very close to our hearts.
“Thanks for everything.”
As head of the players’ union in Scotland, Rankin has been sitting in on meetings between club chairman and those being told to leave.
United made a point of thanking him for that.
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