Houston defends tenure at Tannadice

DUNDEE UNITED manager Peter Houston insists he will leave Tannadice proud of his record if he loses his job – and says that only Jim McLean has a better record in the manager’s job at Dundee United in recent years.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Oct 2011, 12:29 BST

Houston was reacting to the news that club owner Stephen Thompson is returning from his holiday in Florida early, fuelling speculation that his job is under threat if they lose to Dunfermline tomorrow.

United have struggled to find top gear this season and have won only twice from 12 matches in the SPL but Houston reckons his past record means he deserves more time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 53-year-old led the Tangerines to Scottish Cup success in 2010, only the second win in the club’s history, and gained European football back-to-back with third and fourth placed league finishes.

Houston says he has not spoken to Thompson about his plans to return to Scotland early but will be holding showdown talks when he arrives back in the country.

He said: “I have read the reports in the newspapers. In football nothing should shock you but it’s something I have to deal with.

“I don’t know if it it true or not because I have not spoken to the chairman. But, if he wants to bring in a new manager, then I’ll look at my own record and walk out the front door of Tannadice with my head held high.

“I don’t fear the sack, it’s up to the club to decide what they’re going to do. But what I will say is that if I do get the sack on the back of this season, and it’s only October remember, then I think it will be harsh.

“I have the second-best winning record behind Jim McLean and am one of only three cup-winning managers the club has ever had. We have been in Europe twice in a row as well, despite the budget being cut. I have worked with the board to cut the budget back and have lost some good players.”

He added: “If they want me to go then I’ll accept it, it’s football. But I will stand by my record, we are two points off six place.