First Team

JIM GOODWIN | UTILISING THE DEPTH

26th February 2024

Dundee United Manager Jim Goodwin insists utilising the depth of a squad brimming with quality will be key for the Terrors to emerge out of a hectic cinch Championship schedule unscathed.

SPIDERS SUMMARY

Speaking to DUTV in the aftermath of our 3-1 victory over Queen’s Park, the Gaffer began by reflecting on the afternoon’s action.

A bright opening from the men in tangerine saw almost the entirety of proceedings unfold in the attacking half, but Ruari Paton stunned Tannadice at the midway point of the first period by capitalising on a rare error from Jack Walton to notch the opener.

“I’m pleased with the result - especially the reaction to to going a goal behind. I didn't feel that we deserved to go behind in that particular moment. It’s something for us to look back on - I thought we looked a little bit unorganized and ended up with a three-versus-two out on our right side.

“In fairness to Queens Park, they worked the overload very well. It's a ball across the face that, nine times out of ten, Jack Walton deals with. Unfortunately, it's a mistake. Jack is the first person to come in at half-time to hold his hands up and apologize but he doesn't need to because he's been exceptional all season.

On loan from Premier League outfit Luton Town, the English stopper has been faultless between the sticks for United this term. When compared to all other ‘keepers in the second tier who’ve made more than 20 appearances, his clean sheet percentage is double that of his peers - 54.2%. His nearest challenger is Airdrieonians’ Josh Rae with 27.3%

“I think every goalkeeper is entitled to make one mistake in a campaign. I’m just really pleased for Jack that the players showed a positive reaction and the goal that we conceded wasn’t costly.

ROARING BACK

Despite the early setback, Goodwin’s side roared back to score three without reply and retain pole position in the table. Louis Moult picked out the postage stamp with a sumptuous free-kick from range to restore parity with 37 minutes on the clock, before Jordan Tillson and latterly Glenn Middleton completed the turnaround. 

Goodwin continued: “It was a fantastic free-kick first and foremost from Louis - it's not an easy thing to do that close to goal - to get it up and over the wall into the top corner, brilliant from him. The initial play was really positive to win that free-kick. Set plays were something that we carried a big threat with.

“Queen’s Park have conceded a number of goals from corners and crosses from open play - it was certainly an area that we tried to target. The delivery from Miller Thomson was excellent. We wanted to hit the back post, with Kevin Holt spinning out into that area and he heads back across. Tony has the effort and I'm delighted for Tilly to be there in the right place to head it home.

“That gave us a lead at half time and we can get the instructions into the players that we need to improve on. The middle of the park was very congested so we had to use our full-backs a little bit better and I think we did that in the second half.”

A SQUAD GAME 

No fewer than four changes were made to the XI which lost out to Raith Rovers eight days prior. Scotland international Declan Gallagher reclaimed his place beside Kevin Holt in the middle of the back four, Jordan Tillson stepped into the pivot role, and Mathew Cudjoe made his first start since our last joust with the Spiders during the festive period.

Queen’s Park’s visit also brought the inclusion of 19-year-old Miller Thomson at right-back. Adept in a number of positions across the park, the Academy graduate deputised impeccably for Liam Grimshaw in his full Tannadice debut.

The rotation was a calculated effort to maintain the squad’s energy and performance levels throughout an arduous period of five games in just 14 days, according to the United boss.

“We've got a very good squad with a lot of competition for places and sometimes changes are made within the team for tactical reasons. That was purely what it was today. Nobody came out of the team from the Raith game due to performance - thought the performance was really good at Stark’s Park.

“The starting XI today will possibly change again for Tuesday and it could likely change again for the following weekend. It's my job as manager to try and keep players fresh and to pick a team that I think is capable of winning the game.”

GALLAGHER GREEN LIGHT

Veteran defender Gallagher made his long-awaited and welcome return to the fray having undergone minor surgery for a groin issue. In the first competitive 90 minutes he’s put under his belt since our trip to Hampden, our number 31 was coolness personified at the heart of the backline, limiting the lively Paton to few sniffs of goal.

“Gallagher and Holt had struck up the best defensive partnership in the league prior to Gal’s injury,” declared the 42-year-old.

“Gal played 17 games in the league - we'd conceded seven goals. I don't think it's any coincidence he goes out of the team for six and we concede six goals. 

“I’m not pointing the finger at Ross Graham by any stretch because he has been outstanding for the last four games that he's been involved in - he can feel very hard done by for coming out of the team.

“But Gallagher's experience is key to this team, to the back line. It brings reassurance and calmness. He's a player who's been involved in these promotion pushes from the Championship with other teams - he knows what it takes to win the league and that was purely the reason behind that decision.”

BACK THE TERRORS

Backed by another hearty Arab contingent in excess of 7,200 on Matchday 25, Goodwin reaffirmed the impact a buoyant home crowd can have on his charges’ quest to bring the Championship trophy to Tannadice.

Home hoodoo extinguished by seeing off Callum Davidson's side, a positive atmosphere within the stadium is crucial to ensuring the Terrors can continue dealing with business in the city of Discovery.

“We need to pick up more points at home. That's what we all feel as a group and that's where the fans can play a real key role.

“I remember when I used to come here myself at St Mirren many years ago, the talk was always ‘let's try and quieten the crowd. Let's try and, frustrate them.’ We can't allow opposition teams to do that to us as players on the park, but also as supporters in the stands."

A ticketing initiative as part of many season ticket holder benefits sees United fans able to be accompanied by a friend to tomorrow night’s clash with Airdrieonians free of charge.

More information on how to redeem your ticket is available by clicking here!

He concluded: “If we don't get that goal in the first 15 or 20 minutes, it's not a disaster. It's not a crisis. We really need them to stay with us - they've played a huge part up to now. We really do appreciate them. They hopefully understand the difference that they can make by encouraging the players, particularly those younger ones, because they need all of that.”

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