Ray McKinnon has praised the part Arabs have played in helping his team to the top of the Championship for Christmas.
Dundee United’s weekend win over St Mirren combined with a draw for Hibs against Raith Rovers, saw them hit the top of the table for the first time this season.
And as well as giving credit to his team for that, the manager has highlighted the contribution of the fans.
“They’ve been brilliant. From the start of the season when we were trying to build a team and they were desperate for us to bring in big players and we couldn’t do it, they’ve stayed patient.
“We’ve built a team, done well for them, and the fans have been great.
“To have 7,000 on a day like Christmas Eve, when they could have been out shopping, was unbelievable.
“I’m so happy for them because they’ve been different class.”
Ray is confident that backing will continue and he feels it will be needed.
The gaffer knows promotion rivals Hibs won’t be going away.
That’s why Ray remains keen to add to his squad in the January transfer window.
“They will be there, there’s no doubt. We’ve got to keep pace and keep up there, but we probably do need to strengthen and we’ll try our best to do that.
“There’s a great feeling for the hard work the guys have put in over the last wee while to get where we are and I hope they thoroughly enjoy it and relish it and try to maintain that sort of desire to stay top of the league if they can.
“There’s pressure — they’re a big club and we’re a big club, so there is pressure but both teams just have to deal with that.
“I still think we need something else. We’re getting there and we have a good bunch of players.”
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.