When confirmation of Dundee United’s relegation finally came, it felt like a mercy. The club had been struggling all season, with successive defeats by St Johnstone, Ross County, Livingston, and Kilmarnock doing the decisive damage. The loss at Motherwell sealed their fate. It was clear from late August that United were in trouble, and manager Jack Ross was unable to turn things around. Assistant Liam Fox was promoted but was unable to rouse the squad either. Jim Goodwin was brought in after Craig Levein stepped down, but he too was unable to save the club from relegation.
The finger of blame has many targets, with whispers of malign influences in the changing room and questions about the coaching staff and recruitment team. Owner Mark Ogren has invested in the club, but allowed the mess to unfold in his absence. He has now issued a statement insisting he remains “fully committed” to the club and admitting “mistakes have been made”. Goodwin has been given a two-year deal to lead the challenge of revitalising the football department. It is no small task, but one that must be undertaken if Dundee United are to return to the top division.