Jim Goodwin makes Dundee United 'early days' claim and reveals 'only objective' after derby win

The Tannadice gaffer wants his team to finish the highest ranked team in the bottom six after failing to secure their spot in the top half before the split. They will need to continue to perform as well as they did in their derby win where a Will Ferry brace and Ryan Strain header secured the three points.

The former Aberdeen and St Mirren boss, two clubs they will face again this season, was obviously frustrated not to be on the other side of the split especially after finishing fourth and earning European football last season. With his side mathematically safe from a relegation battle, all that remains is for his team to play well and give a good account of themselves.

Dundee United have ‘found ourselves in a position where we didn't want to be’ with bottom six fixtures says Goodwin

On their goals for the rest of the Premiership season, and finishing ‘best of the rest’ he said: “That's the only objective now that we have available to us. We found ourselves in a position where we didn't want to be.

“We had a terrific finish to the campaign last year, finishing fourth. If you finish below that, then it's seen as a mishap and a negative. But I think this is really still early days of the project for us as a club and we're continually trying to get better both on and off the pitch. We want to finish seventh, absolutely.

“Players have still got a lot to play for, as I've said. There's a lot of players within our group that want to be involved in the international stage in the summer and if they can put in performances like that between now and the end of the season then hopefully they can catch the eye of some of the international managers out there.”

Even if they have little glory left to play for in the league it is never a bad day when you manage to convincingly see off your rivals. A big crowd of 13,207 inside Tannadice got to enjoy a very positive performance from their team.

“Obviously we're really pleased with the end result” added Goodwin. “I thought the performance was really solid from start to finish. We could have got our noses in front a little bit earlier. Sapsford has a great chance [in the first minute].

“There's a bit of good fortune in the goal. I'm not sure Will Ferry knew a great deal about it, but we'll take it.

“I thought for the majority of the game, we were very much in control. Derby day tends to be decided by the team that wins those individual battles.

“I thought collectively as a group, the defenders were outstanding, winning a lot of first contacts. We always looked to carry a threat in the forward area. I can't be any more satisfied with the way the team defended and the three goals of the icing on the cake.”

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly