United -24h On

This season’s competition seems unlikely to live up to the excitement generated by that of a year ago. Then we had the Old Firm neck and neck at the top, a relegation struggle which went to the wire and our interest in making the top six ensured the there was a mid table battle to deliver a contest throughout the table.

This season, in comparison, seems to be a bit of a damp squib. Already the title seems set for the east end of Glasgow and there seems to be little hope for Livi though a new manager might be able to inject some hope. Our recent poor record has put a damper on the expectation around the stands at Fir Park. Four points from the last six games places us second bottom of the current form table.

We know all too well that Motherwell sides rarely get the job done the easy way and so the squad has to face the challenge offered by two away fixtures to keep us in the race. Hearts next weekend will not be easy. Nevertheless we should recognise that we have drawn with them already this season and that they needed a spectacular last minute save to take all the points when we visited Tynecastle in August.

After a blank weekend we go to Inverness at the beginning of March. Goals from McDonald and Kinniburgh were enough to secure the win there in September and there is every reason to hope that we might be able to win this important six pointer. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that, say, a point in Edinburgh and three in Inverness will install us in the top six but it will ensure that the race continues into April.

Let’s hope the squad enjoys a good week on the training ground and that the effects of Jim Hamilton’s birthday party wear off!