Tuesday 3 May 2016 08:52, UK
Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen reckons it would be a senseless decision if he was dismissed following the club's relegation.
A campaign steeped in misery was capped for the suffering United fans when Dundee came from behind to win 2-1 in Monday's derby match at Dens Park.
Edward Ofere had given the visitors the lead before Kostadin Gadzhalov's equaliser, and United's fate was sealed in stoppage-time when Craig Wighton netted the winner.
Paatelainen replaced Jackie McNamara at Tannadice in October but his appointment did not produce the spark the stagnant squad required.
The Finn repeatedly questioned the character of the players he inherited but of the five signings Paatelainen made, only goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was in the line-up that lost to Dundee.
Although Paatelainen accepts his position is now in doubt, he insisted he is the man to lead United out of next season's Championship.
He said: "We have been here a few months now, working with this team and for the club. We've got the necessary knowledge of what has to be done.
"To be honest, we did identify early on the things that needed to be done. The knowledge is there, the plan is there. Not only player-wise but also off the field, football related. I think only a fool would put that to waste, the knowledge that we have."
After registering just five league wins since taking over, United are staring at their first campaign outside of the top division in 20 years.
When asked if he had considered walking away, Paatelainen said: "No. I don't give up. We came here this season. The ship was sinking already. We tried to tackle those problems personnel-wise. The January window is difficult and we have improved, just not enough
"Mistakes keep creeping in and we simply can't afford to have that. That is why we need a totally new angle on things. I am desperate to do that, I love working hard, I don't count hours, I don't have days off.
"Look at the support today... it has been a miserable season for us and the supporters have been there for us every day. Tonight we gave them a little bit, though not enough to put up with their suffering.
"I think the players' attitude towards work is excellent, they are honest boys, they try their best, it just isn't good enough. There is softness, slackness, they think someone else can track those players. It is a mentality thing."
Paatelainen concedes it would be helpful if under-pressure chairman Stephen Thompson, whose own future is undecided after he announced he is looking for someone to buy the club from him, set him and the supporters straight on his plans for next season.
"I don't dictate what the chairman does," said the 49-year-old. "I work for the club, for the team, and it is as simple as that.
"I have a contract and I work regardless of whether there is a statement out about my future. I don't mind speculation although I don't think it is healthy for the club, maybe that would help the situation but I don't advise the chairman. I don't expect him to do anything."
