Peter Houston has thanked the Dundee United support for standing behind him in his hour of need.
Following a difficult few days during which it had been reported his job was under threat, Houston walked out at East End Park on Saturday to hear his name being chanted by the large travelling support.
A polished performance from the players helped, too, as the 4-1 relieved any pressure he was feeling.
A clear-the-air meeting between directors and manager on Sunday, during which he was given the board’s full backing, has drawn a line under the episode and the atmosphere at training on Monday was upbeat as the Tangerines looked ahead to this weekend’s trip to Ibrox to face Rangers.
There seems a real determination to move on, but Houston took just a bit of time to say thanks to the supporters.
”The fans were magnificent on Saturday,” he said. ”They have been good with me and I want to thank them for that. Even before a ball was kicked they showed their support and I think they realise that everyone is trying their best for United.
”It was very nice to hear them chant my name and I am just glad we gave them a victory to send them up the road happy. I have said in the past that our away fans are perhaps not the biggest band of followers but they are always noisy and get behind the team.
”I want them all to know that the players and the coaching staff all appreciate it.”
As for the get-together with chairman Stephen Thompson and the other directors, Houston reflected: ”The meeting went fine and the club’s statement says it all. We are moving forward. A situation developed and it has been brought to a conclusion now.
”I have been focused on the job and as a manager you have to handle these things when they come up. Now we just want to get on with the Rangers game.”
United face a tough schedule over the next few weeks. After the Light Blues, it is Hearts at Tannadice, Motherwell away then Celtic at home.
”We have some hard games coming up but it is something we are looking forward to I really mean that,” he said. ”We have moved up the league and are only five points behind Hearts, so we want to keep that going.
”Going to Ibrox will be difficult but if we are at our best and they are 10% off it then we will have a chance. If they are at the top of their game then it will be very difficult, but if you catch them on a poor day then it is possible.
”You don’t judge your team on those games but you certainly don’t go to places like Ibrox or Parkhead with any fear either.”
United will have defender Garry Kenneth back for the trip to Ibrox after he sat out the win over Dunfermline with a groin problem. Houston had hoped to have key man Sean Dillon available but the Irishman, who has already been out for eight weeks with a calf injury, will be given more time to fully recover.
”Garry will be OK for Saturday but Sean probably won’t make it,” the manager confirmed. ”He is getting better but has worked so hard to get back he picked up another injury in the same area.
”He is getting over that now and is feeling much better but he has missed a lot of games so we won’t rush him back.”