SPL Fanzone: Season review - Dundee United

A slow start to the season ended in European football for the Tannadice club, as Jamie Kidd looks back on the past 12 months

Season highlight

The emergence of Gary MacKay-Steven. When GMS turned up with his bag of tricks, United fans were asking if he was Messi in disguise!

Season lowlight

Losing to Falkirk in the League Cup. Despite dominating, United somehow ended up out the cup. There was even talk that the manager was going to be sacked if he didn’t win the following match.

Manager’s report card

Despite losing six players and having a slow start, United have finished in a European spot for the third consecutive season. It took a while for a new and young squad to gel together but Peter Houston stuck by these players who eventually came up trumps. His signings of Gary Mackay-Steven, Gavin Gunning and John Rankin certainly strengthened the team. 9/10

Player of the season

The signing of Rankin raised a few eyebrows but he won fans over instantly with his consistency. However, it’s captain Jon Daly who gets this accolade after he gave the fans over 20 opportunities to “put their hands-up”. Even his fiercest critics have been silenced.

Expectations for next season

We will again be losing some key players so it’s important that expectations aren’t set too high. As always, top six is the target and anything else is a bonus. United have the players to get into Europe but it all depends on how many of the squad are sold.

What needs to be on the club’s summer shopping list?

We have already signed a new goalkeeper, as well as Michael Gardyne from Ross County, but a new centre half and left back are also needed.

What was the worst moment of the 2011/12 season?

The constant bleating that Scottish football would struggle without Rangers. When the Old Firm were flashing their knickers trying to get into EPL, the talk was how our game would thrive without them. Strange. . .

And what was the best?

Kilmarnock winning the League Cup when Celtic were chasing the treble. With Hearts lifting the Scottish Cup, it was great to reiterate there’s more to Scottish football than the Old Firm.

Jamie Kidd

www.dundeeunited-mad.co.uk