NICKY Clark will always be the first to tell you that football doesn’t really matter. Not that he doesn’t put his heart into every minute on the pitch for Dundee United, but he knows more than most life is all about perspective.
That’s why it was easier for the 29-year-old than most to shut out the noise surrounding impending pay cuts at Tannadice and do his talking on the pitch as he helped Micky Mellon’s side end their four-game hunt for a win on Saturday.
The next few days on Tayside could well be bleak as negotiations between board and staff step up a notch, but Clark’s view remains firm: this is a global pandemic and compared to his partner battling the disease on the frontline, the United squad is in a very fortunate position.
“We have seen what’s going on, the boys know what’s happening and we have spoken about it,” Clark said after Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Ross County. “That takes care of itself.
“We are football players and want to be out on the pitch playing football. That is what we do best.
“We were fully focused on getting this result and I think you saw that in the performance. It’s not just about us. It is a global pandemic, it’s out there and it is happening to everybody.
“Like I said, it’s a global pandemic – it’s not just about Dundee United.
“It’s about everybody because it is affecting everybody across the world.
“It is what it is but we will do what we can to help.
“We are in negotiations with the club just now and we will see where we get to.”
“She is still working there and has been on the frontline,” Clark added of his partner Gillian, who works as a physio at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital. “It is an incredible job that they do. I have seen it first hand how hard it is for them when they are in every day and even at home.”
A world away from the city’s fight against the virus, the former Rangers man’s brace was enough to secure all three points and lift United up to fifth in the Premiership table. More importantly, the home side made a point of showing they were together, uniting as one to celebrate Clark’s opener from the spot.
“The togetherness - the spirit in the dressing room - is probably the best I have experienced in my career,” Clark added. “We have a great group of boys and we’ll pull together.”
For their guests, it was another disappointing day as their early season form disappeared further into the Staggies’ rearview mirror. However, there were plenty of positives for County to take, least of all an impressive finale to the game where Oli Shaw’s stunning finish set up a nervy finish for the hosts.
It’ll also be a day Stephen Kelly will never forget as the Scotland youth internationalist, on loan from Rangers, made his full Premiership bow, holding his own on the country’s highest stage.
A lot is hoped for the 20-year-old, who impressed at Ayr United last season, with Gers loans boss Billy Kirkwood keeping a close eye on the youngster during his time in the Highlands.
“It’s good to get back playing although I felt it a bit in the legs towards the end,” Kelly said. “I felt like I had been doing well the last few weeks and the gaffer said he thought I’d been doing better coming on off the bench.
“I just made sure I kept training well and waiting for my chance. I was glad to get it and even though we never got the result I thought the team performed pretty well overall.
“It’s always hard coming off the bench, difficult to get a rhythm, but you just have to keep training well and when you get your chance be ready.
“He [Kirkwood] is always phoning asking about training and games and stuff.
“I’m just trying to focus on getting in the team here at County. If ever I need to speak to anyone at Rangers they are more than happy to.
“But once you are away it’s more about focusing on where you are.”
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