Dundee United were officially crowned champions on Friday night.
In truth, their promotion was sealed the previous weekend following a 1-0 win over Ayr United.
And they played like it at Airdrie.
The Diamonds were the dominant force at the Excelsior Stadium but, largely thanks to Jack Walton, United claimed the 0-0 stalemate required to get that “C” beside their name and spark another pitch invasion.
Courier Sport was in Lanarkshire for the Tangerines’ final road trip of the season.
Pitch invasions were for the fans; upcoming Friday night is for the players and staff
It is fair to say the United fans have enjoyed the last couple of fixtures. Or more precisely, the scenes that followed full-time.
Exuberant Arabs spilled onto the pitch at Tannadice AND the Excelsior and, aside from a handful of embarrassing Green Street wannabes at the latter, both incidences were relatively good natured.
Those moments were for the fans.
It is important that next Friday night is for the players and staff.
Winning silverware is a rarity. For some, it could be once in a lifetime.
Following a gruelling Championship campaign, they are desperate to receive the trophy on the pitch and complete a lap of honour in front of the supporters with their loved ones by their sides.
Another mass pitch invasion would threaten that.
To simplify Jim Goodwin’s typically diplomatic words: stay in your seats.
Could Jack Walton return to Dundee United?
Jack Walton is a Scottish Premiership goalkeeper. If he wants to be.
For most of this season, United’s No.1 has excelled due to his composure and solidity, exuding confidence and – on the comparatively rare occasions he has been called upon – displaying a penchant for big saves.
Friday night was arguably his busiest outing in a United jersey, and he was superb.
Walton’s stop on the cusp of half-time – tipping a Chris Donnell drive onto the base of the post – was nothing short of outstanding. He went on the thwart Aaron Lyall and Josh O’Connor after the break.
Chris Mochrie may have scored the goal that effectively secured promotion, but Walton produced the performance that made the title official.
There is no doubt Walton could handle the step up in level next season. Allied with his showings this term, almost 50 appearances in the English second tier speaks to that fact.
One suspects Goodwin would love to have Walton between the sticks in the Premiership.
Whether that is possible? Another matter. As with any transfer, three parties need to be satisfied.
The on-loan Luton Town man has another year left at Kenilworth Road on English Championship money.
If the Hatters are relegated, it could alter their perspective on whether he plays. If they survive and Walton perhaps becomes dispensable, he could have other very attractive offers. He had plenty last summer.
Nevertheless, Walton has loved his time in Scotland, has been embraced by the club and its fans, and even coaches with the United academy on a voluntary basis.
He’s a fan of the golf courses, too.
Pop the return of Walton in the “so, you’re saying there’s a chance” pile.
Resilience in the face of an underwhelming showing bodes well
There is a limited amount to be gleaned from an encounter during which United were, at best, on autopilot. There was very little intensity. No zip to the passing or snap to the tackles. Pedestrian stuff.
Even Goodwin stated that he wouldn’t “over-analyse” the game, while acknowledging “it wasn’t a good performance, and nobody needs to tell them that”.
But if nothing else, the visitors continue to illustrate a resilient streak which – notwithstanding inevitable changes in personnel over the summer – will stand the Terrors in good stead in the Premiership.
Ross Graham was solid and made some important blocks, while Sam McClelland won everything in the air. They duo had to be good because the United midfield was totally outplayed, meaning the defence faced waves of attack.
Scott McMann was decent but will have better days going forward. Miller Thomson and, latterly, Liam Grimshaw struggled on the right, with a host of Airdrie attacks coming down that side.
Nevertheless, with the help of the inspired Walton, United dug deep and held on to their clean sheet; a fourth in their last five matches.
If they shut out Partick Thistle on Friday, they will be the most watertight defence in the second tier since the 36-game season was introduced in 1994, with just 22 goals conceded.
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