Dundee Utd manager Jim Goodwin came into the match with Rangers at Ibrox expecting the world – and once again left empty-handed.
The former Celtic defender has had his fair few run-ins with the Ibrox club over the years but this season is one defined by Rangers heartbreak for the Irishman.
Rangers ran out 2-0 winners in the clash at Ibrox and barely had to get out of second gear – much to the post-match frustration of Michael Beale – to edge out a woefully poor Arabs side.
Rooked to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, the club is without a win since they beat Stirling University in the Scottish Cup in mid-January.
You have to go back to January 2nd for their last win in the Scottish top flight, with Goodwin yet to pick up a win as Tannadice managerm after taking over in March.
And yet Jim Goodwin went into the game talking up his Dundee Utd side’s chances with a genuine sentiment from the former St Mirren boss that his side could beat Rangers.
That’s the same Rangers who had picked up 40 from 42 points heading into the match with that last-minute Scott Arfield turnaround double at Pittodrie amongst them. A devastated Jim Goodwin was Aberdeen boss at the time.
The manager even pointed to Scotland beating Spain as potential inspiration.
Jim Goodwin talks as Rangers shatter Dundee Utd delusions
Speaking after the game, Jim Goodwin conceded through gritted teeth that Rangers were the better side as the Ibrox team smashed the manager’s pre-match Dundee Utd delusion.
The manager also tried to keep things positive with his team, but the signs are very ominous at present.
“In the last four games I’ve seen a lot of positives. I see a team that hasn’t thrown in the towel and is very much up for the fight,” said Goodwin.
“I don’t think any neutrals would have given us much of a chance. Rangers are on a good run of form and we knew how difficult it was going to be.
“I didn’t see a lack of effort or commitment from the players. We kept going and stuck to the task. They are up for the fight.”
As Jim Goodwin and his team toil, they won’t be expecting much sympathy from Rangers fans, who’ve been railing against a Dundee Utd dive in the Ibrox victory.