Jim Goodwin has delivered a rallying cry ahead of Dundee United’s return to Premiership action, urging his players to refocus and push for a top-six finish in the upcoming split. After a disappointing derby defeat to Dundee at Tannadice, United now have the opportunity to regroup and refocus as they head to Dingwall to face Ross County on Sunday.
The Tangerines’ boss acknowledged the frustration of the derby loss, particularly the self-inflicted mistakes that contributed to the defeat. However, he believes the time for reflection is over, and it’s now about looking forward. Goodwin insists that his squad is more than ready to rise to the challenge of securing a top-six spot, which would give them a chance at European qualification.
“We were punished for our mistakes in that game, and that was disappointing, especially in such an important match for both the team and the supporters,” Goodwin commented. “However, we’ve had time to reflect during the international break, and we need to learn from those mistakes moving forward.”
Dundee United’s focus is now firmly set on their clash with Ross County, a crucial fixture in the race for the top six. Goodwin believes that securing a positive result in Dingwall will be a major step towards achieving their goals for the remainder of the season. With the split just around the corner, every match becomes pivotal for teams fighting for European spots, and Goodwin is determined to ensure his team is ready for the challenge.
In addition to the preparations for the match, Goodwin also provided an update on Luca Stephenson, who has been sidelined with a concussion. The midfielder’s condition remains under careful monitoring, and Goodwin confirmed that Stephenson is making progress, though his return date is still uncertain.
As Dundee United prepares to face Ross County, Goodwin is keen to see his team put the disappointment of the derby defeat behind them and focus on the task at hand. With a top-six finish still within reach, the manager’s rallying cry is clear: it’s time for the team to deliver and seize the opportunity for European qualification.
