Sam Stanton believes Robbie Neilson can emulate his achievements at Hearts by taking Dundee United back to the Premiership.
Just one game into Neilson’s reign, the doom and gloom of the Csaba Laszlo era appears to have been lifted and the team that limped to defeat at Ayr in their previous outing was virtually unrecognisable as the Tangerines saw off managerless Thistle at Firhill.
Goals from Fraser Aird and Pavol Safranko put United in charge before Jai Quitongo reduced the deficit to give the visitors a late test which they passed thanks to some resolute defending and a new-found determination.
Stanton, the provider for the opening goal, said: “The manager has given us a big lift. His training has been great, and he has given us all a new lease of life.
“The fans were great as well and we felt their backing for the whole game. It is a big lift for us as players to have them back on side.”
Neilson’s side would have been several goals to the good by half-time but for the heroics of Cammy Bell who was in fine form in the home goal.
Paul McMullan had gone closest to finding the breakthrough when he struck a post but, just when it looked like United’s endeavours would not be rewarded, Fraser Fyvie released Stanton on the right and his cross was hooked home by Aird.
United made the perfect start to the second half, doubling their lead when Safranko tapped in after McMullan had been denied by Bell and United looked set to canter to victory.
Instead, Thistle roared into life and Quitongo slipped the ball through Benjamin Siegrist’s legs after easing away from Rachid Bouhenna’s clutches with 13 minutes left.
United’s resolve was tested as Thistle dominated the closing stages but they held on to claim a crucial win and consolidate fourth spot in the Championship table.
Now, though, Stanton and his colleagues have loftier targets.
The midfielder added: “The manager wants to get us promoted. That is his aim. He has a belief in the squad and that is why he took the job. He has own ideas and everything he has done has been positive.
“The difference in a week is massive. Our belief has grown, and you could see that on the pitch. We were sharp.
“We are not isolated behind the leaders. It is still very tight and if we can put wins together we will be right up there.”
Neilson has been over the Championship course before and his success has not gone unnoticed with Stanton saying: “I was impressed with the job he did at Hearts. We had a few good games against them when I was at Hibs. They were a good side and it is nice to have him here now.
“Hearts had good players and were set up well. They were hard to beat, and we will take some of that. We need to do everything we can to be like that.”
Stanton had started for the first time since picking up a groin injury in August and he admitted afterwards that he was feeling the pace as Thistle looked to pick up a point.
The 24-year-old said: “We could have been three or four up as we created plenty of chances. Their goalkeeper was doing well but we were really positive up until the last part of the game.
“They were putting a lot of pressure on us at the end. I am not sure how long it was for, but it felt like an hour! I was a bit tired, but it is nice to be back after 7 or 8 weeks out. There was a bit of a lack of fitness towards the end.
“We managed to dig in and get the result which we may not have done last week.”
Stanton did however issue a note of caution, adding: “It cannot be a one-off. It has to be the start of something. We have to make it into a run now and win three or four games in a row.”
Neilson himself echoed those sentiments, saying: “This can’t be a false dawn – we need to build on this.
“The players showed energy for the first 60 minutes and then resilience at the end.”
