JACKIE McNAMARA, the Dundee United manager, last night told his players the should have no fear about their lofty position in the SPFL Premiership table.
United are just one point behind surprise league leaders Hamilton, in their attempt to improve on last season when they finished fourth in the table. McNamara's side were top of the pile themselves until recently when they went down 2-0 away to Kilmarnock and their manager is urging his new-look side to reclaim that spot after getting back to winning ways in convincing fashion with a narrow 1-0 victory over Partick Thistle last Saturday.
"The word I would use to assess the first quarter for us would be 'efficient'," McNamara said. "I want more than that because I know there is more there. We were really nervy on Saturday and that comes about by not doing things properly and not being at your best.
"I think fear is coming into it for us and playing a big part just now. That and the expectation level of being at the top end of the table.
"We are not handling things properly when we are being given the ball and it's down to me to try to improve that. I think most of our game [in Scotland] is built on fear.
"There is the fear of failure if you don't make the top six or top four or whatever. You should not worry about having possession or making mistakes but instead should have belief and assurance. Players shouldn't be fearful."
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