| His reward for guiding the Tangerines to SPL safety with final day victory at Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday will be confirmation he is to continue as manager on a permanent basis.
That announcement should come in the next 24 hours or so and is being regarded by the Tannadice board as a major pre-final boost.
It also comes as little surprise given the interim manager’s record since taking over from Ian McCall in March with the team rooted to the foot of the SPL.
He’s masterminded five victories in the 10 games since, and just one defeat in the last eight outings has seen United stave off the threat of relegation and reach the cup final.
In the process, he has become the choice of players, fans and now the board to take the reins for next season.
Today, Gordon was still not discussing his position, but was instead delighted to now be able to concentrate on and talk about the cup final.
“I’m really happy that the boys did the job on Saturday and we can now enjoy the build up to this Saturday. I’ve not discussed my own situation with the chairman yet, so I’ve nothing to say on that,” he said.
“I’m just pleased for the players and fans that we did what was needed. I thought the boys handled a pressure situation on Saturday brilliantly and we deserved to win, though it was not the greatest game ever.”
Goal hero Barry Robson was red carded in the final minute for a second bookable offence, but is free to face a Celtic side who suffered the agony of letting the SPL title slip to Rangers in the final minutes of the league season yesterday.
Gordon was quick to dismiss suggestions that result will make his team’s task any easier on Saturday.
“They will be gutted, particularly at the way it happened and they will be feeling bad for the next couple of days. However, they are big-time players and they will be lifted and determined by the time they reach Hampden.”
Injured defenders Paul Ritchie and Lee Mair apart, the Tangerines expect to have a full squad to choose from at Hampden. |
