John Rankin admits he's worried about the future of Dundee United after the club were relegated to the Championship.

The Tannadice side threw away a one-goal lead in the Dundee derby to be sent down by their city rivals after a torrid season at the bottom of the table.

The midfielder, who described the evening at Dens Park as the lowest point in his career, says clubs can get stuck in a downward spiral once they take on life in the Championship.

He urges United to be a one-season wonder in the second tier but fears they might not be able to bounce back quickly.

"It will be a difficult division to get out of," he said. "I know that from previous experience about 10 years ago and it's got stronger since then. There's a lot of good players finding their way down into that division.

"It's one you need to invest in and make sure you come out of it with flying colours, and not be in it for too long.

"We all see Hibs, they've been there for two seasons now and possibly a third. It needs to be a one-hit wonder, one season and straight back up.

"You can be stuck in the Championship for one, two or three years and before you know it it's six, seven, eight."

Rankin also expressed the importance of clarity throughout the club amid speculation of potential changes in at boardroom and management level.

He admits the problems off the pitch is a cause for concern adding: "If the chairman came out and made a statement, I don't know who's in charge of matters like that, but it would help the players and supporters focus for the last three games and next season."