Dundee United have now played every team in their division. Ian Roache compares this campaign, just 10 games’ old, to the other two spent in the Championship at the same stage.
United’s 1-1 draw with Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday saw them complete the set of opponents in the Championship.
The result, widely regarded as being positive despite earning only a point, left them in fourth spot in the table with 15 points.
They trail league leaders Ross County, who have played a game fewer than the Tangerines, by five points.
For the record, United have beaten Queen of the South, Partick Thistle (twice) and Falkirk; drawn against Alloa, Morton and ICT; and lost to Dunfermline, Ross County and Ayr United.
New manager Robbie Neilson himself is unbeaten after two matches, having secured a win in his first match in charge at Firhill following Csaba Laszlo’s exit.
However, United are actually in a worse position than in either of the two previous seasons at this stage.
Going back a couple of years, Ray McKinnon’s side reached their 10th league match at home to Dumbarton on October 22, 2016.
An own goal by Greg Buchanan and a close-range finish from defender William Edjenguele was enough to give them a 2-1 victory over the Sons.
The win moved them up to second place on 18 points, just three behind leaders Hibs – also on the 10-match mark.
United’s record at the time was five wins, three draws and two defeats.
McKinnon said: “It was a fine three points for us. We’ve passed the ball really well and had some great performances. A lot of teams are coming here and making life difficult for us. My team had to be patient and we had to work at getting the result.”
A year on and match number 10 was to be McKinnon’s final one as Tangerines manager.
Goals from Iain Vigurs and Connor Bell gave Inverness a 2-0 success at Tannadice on October 21, 2017 and it was time up for McKinnon, whose sacking was confirmed three days later.
That loss left them in fourth place on 17 points – five behind leaders St Mirren, who had also played 10 games.
United’s record was five wins, two draws and three defeats.
After his departure was announced, McKinnon said: “It been an honour and a privilege to play for and then manage my hometown club that I have supported all my life. I wish the club every success moving forward and I’m certain they will be back where they belong shortly.”
Next up for United this season is a trip to East End Park to play Dunfermline on Saturday, then they host Queens on November 3 before the big one up in Dingwall against the Staggies a week later.
