Ryan Edwards is adamant Dundee United possess the most talented squad since he joined the club.
And the Tannadice captain insists the players must shoulder the responsibility for a dismal start to their Premiership campaign — not head coach Jack Ross.
United are winless after four domestic matches; their worst league start since 2003/04 (when their opening four games were Hibs, Celtic, Hearts and Rangers).
More alarmingly, Ross’ charges have shipped 15 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.
The Tangerines look a side bereft of confidence and resilience, prompting one outlandish social media rumour that Ross had stepped down this week – entirely without substance, it must be said.
And while Ross has been quick to take the blame for United’s malaise, Edwards reckons accepting that would be a cop out for those in the dressing room.
“It’s the easiest thing for the manager to say that — but this is not the manager’s fault. It’s all on the players,” the straight-talking centre-back told Courier Sport.
“We have the opportunity during the week in training, if we think something isn’t right or isn’t clicking, to put our hands up and say something. But that hasn’t been the case.
“We’ve all taken to him, as a group and personally. So we need to start taking that good work on the practice pitch into the games and get positive outcomes.
“Whether it’s confidence or ability — and I don’t think it’s the latter, because I believe we are stronger than last year — we are just not performing.”
He added: “People are going to throw criticism at the manager now and, seeing that, we need to take responsibility because it’s down to us.”
‘On the money’
Ross cut a dejected figure following United’s 3-0 defeat against St Mirren on Saturday, rather damningly stating, “I feel like I’ve got a team that isn’t a reflection on how I manage and coach”.
▶️All the goals from Tannadice Park where St Mirren won 3-0 to move into the top-six of the #CinchPremiership while Dundee United drop to 11th after another disappointing display. pic.twitter.com/3wkDBEJIFL
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 20, 2022
“I don’t blame him saying that, at all,” continued Edwards. “Everything we are doing in training is absolutely on the money.
“Everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing and it’s so hard to put your finger on, in terms of what is happening on the match-days.
“What’s gone wrong? It seems like we are being punished for every mistake, then we are fighting losing battles trying to get back into games – getting hit on counter-attacks.”
Most talented
Edwards’ frustration is only exacerbated by his assertion that United have never had such a talented squad during his time at the club.
The Tangerines have made seven signings during the close season and, of those, Dylan Levitt, Steven Fletcher, Aziz Behich, Mark Birighitti and Jamie McGrath boast a cumulative 104 caps for Wales, Scotland, Australia and Ireland.
Those arrivals added to a squad that already included the likes of Edwards, Charlie Mulgrew and Tony Watt.
“This is my third season at Dundee United and this is the strongest group I’ve been part of, in terms of the individual talent,” continued Edwards.
“So when you are going through challenging spells like this — like we had last season, when Covid hit us — you need to find a way to battle through it and get the best out of people.”
Kick-starting the campaign is easier said than done, however, with reigning champions Celtic up next.
“I’m a so-called leader in the dressing room but there are plenty of others,” added Edwards. “There are a few more experienced lads than myself who have been in these positions more often than me.
“So we have experience in there and we need to find answers.”
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