There may still be lots to play for this season but Dundee United assistant boss Simon Donnelly is already looking forward to the next campaign and the impact he hopes some of the club’s “forgotten” men can make.
The likes of Calum Butcher have endured a frustrating time in the last few months with the centre-half now on crutches after picking up an injury playing with the reserves.
Donnelly though is hoping that Butcher can hit the ground running next season along with others such as Chris Erskine and Mark Millar who have been out on loan to Partick Thistle and Falkirk respectively.
He said: “It is really frustrating for Calum as he has not had a lot of game time, then he goes and plays for the reserves and breaks his foot.
“That’s his season over really. He will just have to come back stronger. When he first came in, he did well but he missed out through illness and Soapy (John Souttar) took his place and did well.
“That’s football for you sometimes when someone takes your position through circumstances that can’t be controlled.
“Calum has found it hard to get back in. He did that against St Johnstone and then got sent off after 15 minutes. It has been that kind of season for him.
“He still has a big part to play for us and the same can be said for Chris Erskine. Chris didn’t hit the ground running but we brought him here because we know what he’s capable of.
“He’ll come back with the bit between his teeth and push on. Mark Millar has been with Falkirk and is helping them push for promotion. He’s got another year and there are things we’ll look at in the summer.”