Dundee United Preview: Now It Matters … Maybe

By: Ian Rose | February 12th, 2009

The first few matches of Terry Butcher’s reign at Caley Thistle have gone pretty well, but it’s been a bit of a soft launch, as we sometimes say in the web business. There hasn’t been a really important match, when it comes to the race to stay alive in the SPL. His first match, the 0-0 draw at home against Celtic, was a good start, and the point was a nice bonus, but that wasn’t going to be the game that kick started our season. Then came the Scottish Cup match with Killie. A good win, that one, but it was the Cup. I would love to see a Scottish Cup in the trophy case at Caledonian Stadium, but I’ve been very clear – I want survival more. So, this weekend’s match away at Dundee United is, for me, the real start to the Terry Butcher era. This is a good team, a better team in almost any measure than us, but a team that we can beat on our day.

Nearly three years ago to the day, we had our best ever visit to Dundee, returning home winners by 4-2. Late that same year, we had our worst trip, a 3-1 loss to at Tannadice. Overall, it’s been 2 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, so we are more than capable of taking some or all of the spoils there. Besides, what lovely symmetry would that be? 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses. That alone should convince the neutrals.

Then again, what really might need convincing is the weather. Tannadice, or “Tannad Ice” more appropriately, is covered in snow as I write this, and the fixture is very much in doubt. We up north like the snow, so I do hope that we can break out the yellow ball and play some football, despite the weather. I want to see how we do against the top side in Scotland outside of the Old Firm. Frankly, I’m cautiously optimistic, and the weather lately definitely suits our gritty style. And who knows – maybe we’ll get another ref that can’t see the penalty line and be saved again.

Mon the Caley.