Some say it doesn't matter, others will point to the fact that the two Dundee teams finished in lowly eighth and ninth places, but I for one, and many I know, can take a little something from finishing above our arch-rivals for the first time in four seasons. It's true that the Dee have under achieved – there is no doubt they have some talented players. I wouldn't go as far as to say as United have over-achieved. I don't see how coming eighth in a league of twelve can be seen as successful.
There have been some bright spots in the season though. Finishing unbeaten against the men from across the road with two wins and two draws, the emergence of some promising young talent like Duff and McCunnie, and the off-loading of some lesser-needed players to reduce the outgoings of wages which will steady the ship and ensure United's future.
Personally I still don't think Alex Smith is the ideal man for the job. He seems a steady enough character, a man with a great deal of experience, but I feel he doesn't quite get the best from the players at his disposal. Many players have left Tannadice this season only to go on and flourish at other clubs (notably Plymouth where ex-United legend Paul Sturrock is managing). To me this points to a manager who's motivational qualities are perhaps a little lacking. When the motivation for a game is ‘natural' such as a derby, the players seem to perform a lot better, whilst we seem to struggle against teams such as Motherwell and Kilmarnock where the tension beforehand is less ‘natural'. Tactically I don't doubt Smith, and he seems to give young players a chance should they deserve it, but I just don't think he fires up the players well enough. Having said that, we could definitely be doing a lot worse in the managerial stakes – and if he went, I would, despite my claims here, be somewhat sad to see him go. I think he'll stay for next season anyway. It's a long road back to United's former best – but at least I think we are heading in the right direction.
We have struggled against the Old Firm this season, we haven't taken a point from either of them. That's understandable of course, they have a great deal of income at their disposal, and of course they may not be playing in our league next season.