Craig Easton was proud to be a part of Dundee United’s class of 1997 that strung together a run of five successive premier league victories.
However, the Southend United player conceded that the fact the current crop of Tangerines have managed that feat in only 19 days beats the achievements of Tommy McLean’s team.
The fixtures come thick and fast in England, too, but “Eastie” was still astonished to read that United have played six matches in under three weeks including the Scottish Cup draw with Motherwell.
As well as the packed programme, the present-day Tannadice players have had to cope with injuries and suspensions, leaving manager Peter Houston to use Jon Daly at centre half.
So it is against that backdrop that Easton (32), who played more than 200 times for United, reckons they deserve even higher praise than his team got 14 years ago.
“It is amazing what United have done over the past few weeks, and under the circumstances it is a much bigger achievement than what we did,” he said.
“They have played so many games in quick succession and had to cope with injuries and suspensions at the same time. It really is remarkable.
“On top of their five wins they also drew against Motherwell in the cup-and that is not easy because they have been having a good season. I can only imagine how the players at Tannadice are feeling after so much football.
“It must have been so draining both physically and mentally, but when you are on a winning run like that it gives you such a boost. They must have a fantastic team spirit, so it is a great credit to them and the management to have recorded so many good results.
“The momentum will be with them now and there is no reason why they can’t keep it up for the rest of the season.”
Easton’s United side provided the fans with some memorable times, only for their achievements to be overtaken by those of Houston’s men third spot and the Scottish Cup last term.
He can’t believe it has taken so long for another side to equal their run of league wins.
“When we did it we had a great side,” he said. “I had broken through into the team and we had the Scandinavians across. We had signed quality guys like Kjell Olofsson, Erik Pedersen and Lars Zetterlund, as well as having Andy McLaren and Robbie Winters.
“I can’t believe it has taken so long for another team to come along and win five in a row. So the current players deserve so much credit for what they have done, especially in such a short space of time.”