Put down on paper or in various forms of social media, the exclamation “FFS” is normally one no family newspaper would want to use.
Right now, those letters probably describe the mix that’s sparked the Dundee United rise up the Championship and given new boss Csaba Laszlo a great launchpad for his time in charge.
Finesse and fighting spirit have been the blend used by caretaker boss Laurie Ellis to secure vital successes over bogey team Dumbarton and then division leaders St Mirren.
Throughout the team in these performances players have used the ball intelligently to produce attractive football and, when the opposition has had it, there’s been no lack of dig as they’ve set out to get it back.
While everyone’s played their part, another “FFS” have been pivotal in taking those six points.
Flood, Fraser and Stanton have been standouts.
On-loan Sam Stanton’s grabbed three of the four goals that have got the Tangerines to within goal difference of the Buddies.
They’ve been enough to earn him a massive pat on the back but the man, who’s normally a Hibee, has brought so much more to the party.
His starting position has been deep, anchoring the midfield alongside Willo Flood but he’s been urged to get forward whenever is prudent and done so magnificently.
As well as the strikes that have hit the back of the net, he’s been denied by a couple of fine saves and had a few near misses.
He’s also worked hard, getting back to help do the defensive work when the ball has been lost. That’s made for a lung-busting shift.
It is, of course, his raids forward that catch the eye and there is no question the presence of skipper Flood beside him makes those forays possible.
Restored to the centre of the pitch by Ellis, the Dubliner has covered the space left by Stanton in sensible fashion.
He’s also led the way when it’s come to making sure the other team have not been allowed to get into their stride.
A feature of the last couple of games has been the way United have pressed hard and fast to get the ball back.
On that score, Flood’s been to the fore and his appetite for the task was typified during Saturday’s win when, in the space of two or three seconds, he flew into three tackles in the centre circle and finally emerged with the ball.
For all they have shown a fighting spirit some fans felt had been lacking in previous outings, this United’s big strength will always be their ability to play quality passing football.
Scott Fraser, arguably the best player over the two wins, is no finer example.
Running with the ball at his feet, there is no better performer in the Championship and few in the league above who can match him.
And when it’s come to an end product, against Dumbarton and St Mirren we’ve also seen the best of him.
In keeping with the worth ethic of the team, Fraser has also been seen working hard to win the ball from opponents.
That’s not something he’s renowned for but shows the determination of the Tangerines to show they can live up to expectations for the campaign.
And it’s given the new manager something to work with.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.
