“Their devotion just amazes me. Between 400 and 600 of them have made the trip to Gretna three times in the last week or so, each time in difficult conditions.

“However, none more so than on Monday night when conditions could only be described at treacherous.

“I went to Monday’s game by car and didn’t get back until 2.15 am — and that was only because some supporters had indicated to us that there may be problems at Auchterarder, so we went by the Kincardine Bridge instead.

“Our A90 fan club’s bus didn’t get back to Aberdeen until 4 am — that’s real devotion for you.

“The team didn’t get back until late yesterday morning, having been forced to abandon their journey home because of the blizzard conditions and check in to a hotel in Dunblane, so they had been away since Sunday lunchtime — two full days! It’s all been quite an experience, but we’re just glad that everyone has arrived home safely and, of course, we managed to win the tie.”

Meanwhile, manager Ian McCall was back at his desk today feeling none the worse for the marathon cup trek.

Defender Scott Paterson has been training with St Johnstone, while Collin Samuel has been linked with Scunthorpe, but there have been no developments on the other Tannadice players who have been told they are free to find another club — Chris Innes and Andy McLaren.

However, with less than two weeks of the transfer window remaining, the manager is hopeful of things “speeding up” in that department.

United continue to keep tabs on young Rangers keeper Graeme Smith.