Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has a hole to fill in the middle of his team. A big one.
As the cost cutting at Tannadice continued, yesterday saw the departure of midfield anchor man Paul Paton.
Given the work he’s done in a United shirt over the past three years, it comes as no surprise the 29-year-old has been fixed up by a high-end Premiership club in the shape of St Johnstone.
Genuine as them wishing him all the best for the future was, that’s not the Tangerines concern.
What is, is the fact with Paton and his partner-in-crime John Rankin both gone, there are now a couple of vacancies in central midfield that need addressing and quickly.
Because few people who’ve watched United in recent seasons would disagree, the pair were anything other than major figures in the team.
Their partnership in the engine room was formed early in the 2013/14 campaign, Jackie McNamara’s first full season as manager.
For a time that season United were sweeping all before them. As the goals and victories flowed, flair players like Ryan Gauld, Stuart Armstrong, Nadir Ciftci and Gary Mackay-Steven were receiving all the plaudits.
McNamara, though, never failed to recognise the freedom with which his attacking talent were able to perform stemmed from the defensive discipline of Paton and Rankin.
He knew when attacks broke down, those two filled the holes left by others rampaging forward, meaning United were defensively sound and in a position to get the ball back quickly.
Even so, they remained unsung heroes and, ironically, it was perhaps only when things started going wrong last season their true worth was there for all to see.
With Paton, it was a case that dawned on many when he wasn’t in the team. A knee injury that would eventually require surgery ruled him out for around eight months last year.
In that time, results slumped and, while United still ended up being relegated last month, had he not returned in January, their fate could have been sealed much earlier.
Without him, Rankin soldiered on manfully and it was no surprise when his last home game came against Partick Thistle, he was given a standing ovation by Arabs.
The decision to allow both to go was not taken lightly by new manager Ray McKinnon. He is of the opinion the timing was probably right.
At just short of his 33rd birthday, Rankin isn’t getting any younger, while Paton’s late arrival at Premiership level means his desire to remain there is understandable.
McKinnon, though, is also quick to recognise while a change of personnel is the right move, players of their ilk will be essential to his plans.
It’s no coincidence at Raith Rovers one of his big early moves was to bring Stark’s Park favourite Iain Davidson back from Dundee.
Like Rankin and Paton, he fits the profile of what United are looking for in a midfield anchor.
“Davo did a great job for me. He was a big player for Raith, who led by example on and off the park,” he said.
“Players like that are vital to your team. At United, with players leaving I’ve got the chance to go and find a younger, hungry player who can do that job — and I will.”
Ross County midfielder Stewart Murdoch is a target and, as a player not afraid to put his body in where it hurts, could help on that score.
Whoever takes on the role, one thing is definitely certain — they have big boots to fill.
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