Peter Houston, the Dundee United manager, last night paid tribute to the club's supporters for helping him through his most difficult week in management.

His tenure had appeared to be under threat after Stephen Thompson, the United chairman, flew back from a holiday in the United States for talks with his manager following a poor sequence of results.

It had been speculated that Houston would be removed from his post if United lost to Dunfermline Athletic at the weekend, but a 4-1 victory was followed by fans chanting Houston’s name in support of the manager.

Talks were still held between the Scotland assistant and Thompson, but the United board later issued a statement which gave Houston their full backing.

“The fans were magnificent on Saturday,” said the United manager. “They have been good with me and I want to thank them for that. Even before a ball was kicked they showed their support and I think they realise that everyone is trying their best.

“It was very nice to hear them chant my name and I’m just glad we gave them a victory to send them up the road happy. I have said in the past that our away fans are perhaps not the biggest band of followers but they are always noisy and get behind the team. The players and the coaching staff appreciate it.”

Both United and Houston are now keen to draw a line under last week’s events and the manager has turned his focus towards a match with league leaders Rangers on Saturday.

“The meeting went fine and the club’s statement says it all. We are moving forward,” he said. “A situation developed and it has been brought to a conclusion now. I have been focused on the job and as a manager you have to handle these things when they come up. Now we just want to get on with the Rangers game.”

Following their trip to Ibrox, United face Hearts, Motherwell and Celtic. However, Houston has insisted his side are relishing the prospect of facing the top four teams in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

“We have some hard games coming up but it is something we’re looking forward to,” he said. “We have moved up the league and are only five points behind Hearts, who are in fourth, so we want to keep that going.

“Going to Ibrox will be difficult, but if we are at our best and they are 10% off it, then we’ll have a chance. If they are at the top of their game then it’s very difficult but, if you catch them on a poor day, then it’s possible.”