Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon is not sure what kind of reception he will get when he goes back to Stark’s Park.
However, he stressed that he felt he had to leave Raith Rovers in the summer after being given an offer that he just couldn’t refuse from his former club.
The ex-Tannadice midfielder enjoyed his time in Kirkcaldy last season, leading Rovers into the play-offs, but he now has the Tangerines as his only concern as they battle it out with Hibs at the top of the Championship.
“I couldn’t have turned down a move back to United,” admitted McKinnon, who will return with his in-form side on Saturday.
“I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.
“I honestly couldn’t say what kind of reception I expect when I go back to Raith.
“If anything I maybe think it will be half-decent because we did well for them last year.
“They were good to me, too, and I really mean that.
“They were fantastic to work for and really bent over backwards to try to get people in.
“They were so supportive.
“I am looking forward to heading back to Stark’s Park because I had a great time there.
“They are a great club with great fans.
“Raith also have some really top players, like Kyle Benedictus for example.
“They have a balanced side and are strong physically.
“However, I am now the manager of United and all I want are three points for my team.
“We are so motivated because we are on such a good run, stretching back 12 matches unbeaten.
“I am pretty sure Raith will be up for it too so I can’t wait.”
United must up their performance level this weekend, though, after a dip in form at Ayr last Saturday despite winning the game 1-0.
McKinnon added: “If we can get back to how we had been playing before Saturday then I’ll be quietly confident.
“We have to be tuned in.
“I said to the lads that I was going to give them the Ayr performance because for the 11 games before that they were outstanding and their effort was great.
“Too many players were off their game but they showed real character to get the victory.
“We were not great with the ball but we were excellent defensively.
“Now what we need to avoid is back-to-back poor displays and I’m confident that won’t happen.”
Paul Dixon and Simon Murray are recovering well from injury but the Raith match could come too early for them, with the Christmas Eve clash against St Mirren at Tannadice a more realistic target for both players.
Frank van der Struijk, though, has a chance of being available this weekend.
