Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson has told the club’s frustrated fans that he and the players “feel their pain.”
The Tangerines are simultaneously edging towards the Championship title and going through a slump in form.
It didn’t get any better for the supporters last Saturday as United could only draw 1-1 at home to bottom side Partick Thistle.
Neilson remains confident that performances will improve in time for the grand finale of the campaign but he acknowledged that the fans have been looking for more from the players.
The United boss said: “We are Dundee United and, when we are in the Championship, we are expected to win every single game.
“There is a frustration, of course, but the players have been phenomenal this season.
“They have been brilliant and have the club in a good position.
“It is unsustainable to keep up that form but I do have sympathy with the fans – they have been phenomenal as well.
“We are getting 8,000 at Tannadice and taking 2,000 on the road with us.
“It has not been ideal lately so we do feel their pain.
“They are not seeing the free-flowing football and three points they are used to.
“There are parts of every club’s season where things tail off a bit,” added Neilson.
“We set our bar very high – going unbeaten 14 games on the bounce – we wanted to sustain it but there are going to be highs and lows.
“We have to get back to our levels.
“Results have not been good enough of late but we need to stick together to make it right again.”
What might help them out it right is the return of key midfielder Calum Butcher.
He trained with the squad yesterday and looks set to come back when the Tangerines travel to Cappielow to face Morton this Saturday.
Neilson confirmed: “Calum was back in training (yesterday) and we will see how he is later in the week with a view to the Morton game.
“I’m pleased to get him back in because I think we missed him.”
Having to wait a while longer if another key member of the squad – Nicky Clark.
Neilson added: “Nicky is a couple of weeks away.
“He is desperate to get back.
“If he had his way he would be back on Saturday but we need to make sure he is all right.”
