DEREK SOUTAR last night insisted he knew all along Dundee United were heading for crisis – and claims it will be karma to see them relegated at Dens Park on Monday.
A year ago, Soutar was the talk of the City of Discovery when he was sacked by United over his public support for Dundee’s 3-1 derby win in April.
The former Dens Park keeper, who was helping to coach the young Tangerines goalies, celebrated his old club's first derby win in over a decade with jubilant messages on his Facebook including "If Carlsbergs did Wednesdays”, before being told by Tannadice chiefs his services were no longer required.
Now the 34-year-old has told of how he spotted the writing on the wall for the Tannadice club who will drop down to the Championship should they fail to win the televised derby and Kilmarnock defeat Hamilton this Saturday.
“Looking back, I felt this was always going to happen," said Soutar.
“It was petty the way they dealt with my situation and it struck me that the club was only going one way, which was downhill.
“From being in and around the place, there was so much going on and the way they've dealt with staff and employees just didn't seem right to me.
“Now, though, I can look back and laugh, although it's anything but a laughing matter for United.
“The whole club is in disarray and when you see the fans demonstrating against the chairman, Stephen Thompson, like they did last Sunday after the 3-1 defeat by Hamilton, it shows you how far they've fallen in the past 12 months.
“Monday night could cap it all. Personally, there will be a sense of karma should Dundee put them down.
“I said the last time “If Carlsberg did Wednesdays”. Now, if Dundee do relegate United this time round, it will be a case of “If Carlsberg did Mondays.”
United are eight points behind second-bottom Kilmarnock with just four games remaining and Soutar sees no way out for the Tangerines.
He added: “Some of their own players have even been saying recently that some of their team-mates look like they have downed tools which tells it's own story.
“They just don't seem to have the fight that's required when you're down at that end of the table.
“It's sad that the derby probably won't be a fixture next season but maybe the best thing for them is to go away and build again, like Hearts did during their time in the Championship.”
Back in 1983, United won the league at Dens Park but Soutar knows the hosts have the chance to gloat this time.
Soutar said: “United famously had their day in the sun at Dens back in 1983.
“But now this is Dundee's turn to savour and for some of their supporters who've waited so long to get their own back it will be sweet.
“Never mind this being an end-of-season derby for Dundee. This will be like a title-decider for some of their fans.
“I will be there with my Dundee scarf on, cheering on the lads.
“I strongly fancy Dundee to do the business on the night.
“When you've got two players like Kane Hemmings and Greg Stewart who've been nominated for Player of the Year, it's clear they're doing something right as a club.
“Both are terrific strikers with the capability of doing a lot of damage on Monday night.
“And if the club can keep a hold of those two while adding to the pool over the summer, then I'm sure they can go from strength to strength.
“It could be years before United find their way back to become a force again, but I did honestly see this coming.”
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