Source: Team_Talk
New Terrors boss urged to aim high
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has told new boss Peter Houston to aim for the number one spot in the SPL next season.[LNB] Thompson is realistic enough to know that his club will most likely play a supporting role to the Old Firm in the race for the title.[LNB]But, having enjoyed their most successful season in a generation, he is ready to aim high after Houston signed a three-year deal yesterday.[LNB]Thompson said: "I always believe if you aim to be number one and you don't achieve that, then you might still get close to it.[LNB]"If you aim for the middle of the road then you could end up fighting relegation.[LNB]"We'll aim to be as high up the league as we can. So we will be aiming for first.[LNB]"Okay, it will be hard against the Old Firm but we also have the added bonus of playing in Europe next season.[LNB]"It means a lot to the fans at the club. We've been in European finals and the semi-finals of the European Cup and it gives us another campaign to look forward to."[LNB]With the Old Firm - and Rangers in particular - struggling financially it is possible that a club may emerge from the pack to become genuine challengers.[LNB]Thompson said: "I don't want to be too critical of the Old Firm.[LNB]"I will end up getting even more hate mail from them. I don't think I am particularly loved by either side.[LNB]"We want to be as strong as we can as a team and a club.[LNB]"If other teams aren't maybe as good as they have been in the past then there will be an opportunity there.[LNB]"That is football and the way it is just now. It is hard for us as well just now. It is hard for everybody in Scotland financially.[LNB]"But I think we have a young, hungry and ambitious squad and they want more success after last season."[LNB]Thompson insists nobody has bid for any of his players, although it is understood Hampden hero Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and Garry Kenneth are high on the list for several clubs in England.[LNB]And he warned players will only move on in the right circumstances for the club.[LNB]Thompson said: "We have not had one offer for anybody so far.[LNB]"I'm not going to speculate on speculation; I have made that clear.[LNB]"If an offer comes in we will deal with it, but we have received no offers at this moment in time.[LNB]"When you are successful, like we have been in finishing third and lifting the Scottish Cup, then it wouldn't be a surprise if there was interest in your players.[LNB]"It is a good problem to have because it means we have been successful.[LNB]"We have to get the balance right of having a good team on the park and also getting the finances sorted off it.[LNB]"Peter and I met last week and we had a chat about the squad and players.[LNB]"He knows what I need to try and achieve on the financial side but success on the park also brings money in.[LNB]"Being third in the league and winning the Scottish Cup brings you money.[LNB]"It is about getting the balance right - which is very difficult with the loss of Setanta.[LNB]"Our success last season has helped us and we don't have to make cuts we might have had to make.[LNB]"We would have been reluctant to make cuts but we will all have to get our budgets down."
