Ryan Strain has left Dundee United after two years at the club.

Strain is the second confirmed departure from United’s out of contract players, with the club yet to confirm all the players who have been released.

Earlier this year, midfielder Craig Sibbald announced that he would leave at the end of his deal to rejoin boyhood club Falkirk next season.

Kristijan Trapanovski, whose knee injury ended his season in March, is also out of contract, while United legend Johnny Russell’s six-month contract at the club is up.

United also have a big decision to make about who they want between the sticks in the long term. Injured Ashley Maynard-Brewer’s initial six-month deal coming to an end, while substitute keeper Dave Richard is also out of contract.

Strain came to Tannadice in 2024, leaving St Mirren to join newly-promoted United.

The Australian international came back from an achilles injury to make 29 appearances for the club as they grafted to secure fourth place and a European tour.

Injury struck Stain again in the opening half of this season, where knee and groin injuries forced him to the sidelines for months.

Battling back to fitness and regain his place in the starting line-up, the 29-year-old made 13 starts and 20 appearances for United in the 25/26 campaign.

He has been a more regular fixture in recent weeks, where the highlight of his season was his maiden goal for the club in the final post-split derby.

A well-placed header from the right-back rubber-stamped United’s 3-0 derby victory to secure bragging rights for the summer.

Strain’s celebration in front of the away support was the icing on the cake and a hint of the infectious personality which has endeared him to his teammates.

Strain had hinted at his uncertain future at the club last month, telling The Courier: “It’s been a frustrating year, personally.

“I’ve not had the game time I would have liked, and picking up a few injuries has been my downfall, really.”

He indirectly addressed his departure on social media today, writing: “Thank you, United! Some memories to last a lifetime.”

Australian attacker Zac Sapsford has described scoring the winning goal against Celtic at Tannadice as “the best feeling I’ve had in football”.

The striker ended his first season at Tannadice with 11 goals and 15 goal contributions overall.

Sapsford quickly found his feet in Scotland, scoring early against the likes of Rapid Vienna, Dundee, Rangers and Celtic.

While his performance dipped in the second half of the season, he scored three goals in his last seven appearances, including finding the back of the net against St Mirren to score United’s final goal of the 25/26 campaign.

The 23-year-old was recognised at the club’s Player of the Year awards, where he won Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.

Sapsford said: “That moment to win the game against Celtic was probably the best feeling I’ve had in football.

“Coming into Scottish football, I always knew that Celtic and Rangers were these powerhouse teams, so being able to beat Celtic at our home ground … everyone felt that.”

Sapsford also reflected on his own first season playing football halfway across the world.

He said: “I think I’ve grown as a player and as a person coming over here.

“I hit the ground running, and that always helps as an attacker to score goals early.

“I set goals for myself as an individual and I hit those this season. It’s my best return as a player of professional football.

“Hopefully I can get more next season.”

Manager Jim Goodwin fully expects Sapsford to enjoy a successful second season.

He said: “We’ve asked a lot of Zac over the season because of certain situations at certain times. We’ve been short of players at times, and he’s played pretty much every position across the front line.

“He always gives 100% and that was really good way for him to sign off, with a goal in the last game of the season. It’ll give him a bit of confidence and he’ll feel good about himself going into the close season.

“We’re expecting big things from Zac next season.”

Max Watters has been released by parent club Barnsley after spending a season on loan at Dundee United.

The League One outfit, who finished 15th this season, announced a list of retained players just a few hours before United kicked off against St Mirren in Paisley.

And Barnsley opted not to exercise the one-year option they had on Watters‘ deal.

Watters has had a really difficult season at United.

He started the campaign in fine form, scoring four goals in five games, before a hamstring injury put him on the sidelines for a couple of months.

When the 27-year-old returned from the treatment table, he struggled to find his form again.

By the time the season ended, he had scored five goals in 31 appearances — but only one goal since August.

Dundee United wingback Will Ferry is now an Ireland international, earning his first cap in a 5-0 victory over Grenada.

Ferry, who was a half-time substitute at the Estadio Enrique Roca in Murcia, made an immediate impact off the bench to set up the opening goal.

Within 60 seconds of coming on, Ferry played a characteristically incisive pass to Tom Cannon, who fired a low shot away to the open the first of five goals.

Although the friendly fixture falling outside of the international window, United granted Ferry permission to miss the club’s final game of the season.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said that United called the Ireland squad to offer Ferry after Joel Bagan pulled out due to injury.

He also speculated that part of United’s motivation for offering Ferry up was to increase his value in the upcoming transfer window.

Ahead of the game, Hallgrimsson said: “Dundee United called us and said he would be available.

“I think he is on the move, so they probably wanted him to have a cap, I don’t know.”

Ferry is entering the final season of a three-year deal with United and it is widely expected that, if the right offer comes in, the left wingback will leave over the summer.

In January, United knocked back a six-figure bid for Ferry from the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps.

Manager Jim Goodwin said: “We brought Will in when he was 22 and gave him the opportunity to raise his profile and to continue his development.

“He has developed well over the last couple of seasons. With that, there’s always going to come a little bit of attention.

“Every player in our squad has got a valuation. We’re no different to any other club out there. If the valuation is met, then there’s decisions that need to be made.

“If it’s not, then there’s no decision and Will Ferry will stay at Dundee United next season.”

With another major squad rebuild ahead, and a limited budget to do it, United have been keen to emphasise how coming to Tannadice has provided up and coming players an important platform to earn an international call-up.

Emmanuel Agyei was also granted permission to miss the final game of the season to travel to Ghana, where he hopes to earn a spot in the Black Stars’ World Cup squad.

Dario Naamo is also expected to be named in Iraq’s 33-man squad for an upcoming friendly against Andorra at the end of May after switching allegiance from Finland.

Will Ferry and Emmanuel Agyei will not feature in Dundee United’s last game of the season due to international commitments.

Ferry has been granted an early release by United to join the Ireland camp in the hope that he will make his full international debut in a friendly against Grenada on Saturday.

Meanwhile Agyei is seeking to earn himself a place in the Ghana squad ahead of the World Cup.

With United having already secured seventh place, it was decided that the pair could afford to miss out on Sunday’s curtain call match against St Mirren in Paisley.

Manager Jim Goodwin explained: “With the game on Sunday not being able to impact our league position, we didn’t want to stand in those players’ way of going and experiencing the international setup.”

He added: “We felt that – for what [Ferry] has given Dundee United, and me, over the last two seasons – we owed him the opportunity to go and stake a claim in the national team.”

Goodwin also credited United with creating a “huge opportunity” for Agyei as he received his first call-up to the Black Stars.

Goodwin said: “The reality is, this opportunity wouldn’t have come had he not come to Dundee United. He understands that. That’s what playing for a club like United – the stature of the club in a good league here – can do for all players looking to raise their profile.”

Other players missing the final clash of the season are Neil Farrugia, who took a knock during Tuesday’s lacklustre game against Livingston, and Dario Naamo, who is still nursing an injury he picked up at Pittodrie.

Goodwin hinted that this Sunday’s match would be a further opportunity for the squad’s more junior members to gain some game time.

Sam Cleall-Harding played the full 90 minutes against Livington on Tuesday, while Owen Stirton came off the bench to inject some life upfront, and Scott Constable made his Premiership debut.

Goodwin added: “The team that started on Tuesday won’t be the same team that starts on Sunday.

“There will be a few opportunities there for one or two members of the squad. We’re planning towards what next season looks like as well.”

Here’s a grim statistic: Dundee United haven’t defeated Kilmarnock at Rugby Park for a decade. Cast your minds back to this time time 10 years ago, visitors United beat Kilmarnock 2-4. United would come back from being 2-1 behind to score three goals the space of 15 minutes. Unfortunately the comeback was too little too late for the United team whose position at the bottom of the Premiership had already been rubberstamped. Since then? Well, it’s been a fairly thankless task for United’s travelling support.

That terrible away record remains intact after another fairly miserable performance in Ayrshire. Indeed, Kilmarnock can thank United for eight of their 31 points this season. What was a relatively meaningless fixture for United was a crucial game for Kilmarnock, who were hoping to capitalise on a return to form to narrowly avoid the relegation scrap. Three points for Kilmarnock cemented Livingston’s return to the Championship and, following a defeat against Dundee, dragged St Mirren down into the play-off spot instead.

If the last derby was a masterclass in everything United has gotten right this season, this game was a stark reminder of everything that has gone wrong. A defeat away to a Kilmarnock side who have everything to play for, on a pitch which closely resembles the worn-out carpet on my upstairs landing, is forgivable. Less so is the latest string of basic defensive errors to add to a longer list of backline eff ups. Our defenders have not covered themselves in glory this season and, while there have been some questionable individual performances, manager Jim Goodwin has got to own the role that his own tactics have played in that.

After Zac Sapsford fumbled a couple of early chances, the opening goal came from the hosts. A well-placed corner by Kilmarnock’s Greg Kiltie saw Robbie Deas move in quickly to tuck the ball away while Ross Graham and Max Watters were still scratching their heads over who they’re supposed to be marking. With keeper Dave Richards blocked in, Graham is far too slow off the mark and Watters looks how he has looked ever game for the past few months: absolutely aimless. Sapford would miss another opportunity to level the scoreline before half time, sending a well-placed ball from Neil Farrugia skying over the crossbar.

The second goal had much less to do with Kilmarnock and everything to do with United’s torrid defence. Krisztian Keresztes, a player whose infuriating attention span has tripped the team up a fair few times this season, fails to win a straightforward duel with Bruce Anderson when the ball is punted up the park. The lacklustre header away from Keresztes puts the ball directly into the path of Finlay Curtis, who bursts past a lost-looking Graham. Our captain is still flat on his arse by the time Curtis drives his shot home.

The third and final goal is the worst of the lot. It’s a simple but costly error from Sam Cleall-Harding, who short changes a basic pass back to his keeper. Joe Hugill is quick to punish the error, nipping in to poke the ball home and … well, it’s 3-0. It was the most embarrassing error of the 90 minutes but, with United doing very little to mount a comeback at the other end of the park, the 20-year-old can take comfort in the fact that his mistake was of no consequence to the overall game. “[Sam] has never let us down before this afternoon and we’re not going to dwell on this mistake,” Goodwin said. A bigger error, perhaps, is the failure to give Cleall-Harding some regular game time this season.

A slew of United substitutions saw a brief up-tick in performance in the closing 20 minutes. United came close to finding the net themselves through Craig Sibbald and Vicko Sevelj, although Hugill dragged wide a chance for a fourth Kilmarnock goal. Ivan Dolcek looked relatively dangerous and played well enough to earn worth more than the five minutes of game time that he is usually permitted. Owen Stirton — another youngster who has been stuck in the awkward spot between first team football and keeping the bench warm — came on for the final 10 minutes but was unable to add to his existing scoring record against Kilmarnock.

“We’re thoroughly disappointed to lose the game and to lose the goals in the manner did is the most disappointing part of it,” Goodwin lamented at full time. “We concede really soft goals from our perspective. All three goals were really bad.”

He added: “We know how difficult this fixture has been … I was delighted to hear that this pitch is going to be ripped up over the summer. We’ll have no more excuses when we come back down here next season if Kilmarnock manage to stay in the league.”

And so our cursed record at Rugby Park rumbles on.

🥇Man of the match: Probably Will Ferry, but it wasn’t a high bar.

🥈Runner-up: Pass.

🏅Honourable mentions: The ever-reliable Craig Sibbald also showed us exactly what they’re going to miss when he departs at the end of the season.

That wasn’t just in the minds of the fans, but in the minds of the team too. “How we drew the game at Dens six weeks ago was a bitter pill to swallow for everybody,” manager Jim Goodwin said. “I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t mentioned a few times in the build-up. We really wanted to make amends.”

Team news leading up to the fixture wasn’t exactly encouraging. Loanees, fan favourites and, more crucially, previous Derby scorers Luca Stephenson and Amar Fatah would miss the fixture and indeed the opportunity to finish their seasons at United due to respective hamstring injuries. Stephenson appeared on the pitch before kick-off to say his goodbyes to the United support for the final time. After two incredibly successful seasons, leaving to rapturous applause from a support who have adored him, the 22-year-old will return to parent club Liverpool to figure out what the future has in store for him – though, and we’d expect nothing less, he would be seen in celebrating in the tunnel with his teammates at full time.

However, this derby would turn out to be all about another man: Will Ferry. Our Vice Captain would find the back of the net twice – at least one of those on purpose – and tee up a fine header for Ryan Strain to kill off the game with a clean sheet intact. Did anyone have that on their coupon?

Ferry’s grit and determination to kick on has been an incredibly important part of United’s positive performances over the past two seasons, and that was before the wing-back discovered his penchant for putting away goals of his own — scoring his first United goal in a hugely enjoyable 2-0 win against Celtic in March. Asked where four goals in four games have come from, Ferry joked: “I don’t know, I’m prolific.”

While his tongue was firmly in his cheek, Ferry is undoubtedly United’s strongest and most consistent performer, and his season will end on a personal high. Watching him on throw-ins, corners and free kicks — with a scout for Charlton Athletic in the crowd to watch it all too — you can’t help but wonder how United begin to replace him if he is courted away in the summer. But, when you’re celebrating a derby victory, that has to be a worry for another day.

The first 45 minutes was relatively competitive. Ferry opened the scoring account in almost slapstick fashion when a shot from Zac Sapsford cannoned off his knee and deflected in off the post in agonising slow motion. A few minutes later, Iurie Iovu sprang into action to deny Dundee an equaliser, heading a cushioned volley from Luke Graham over his own crossbar after it had made it past the gloves of Dave Richards.

Rivalries were briefly set aside in the 16th minute to pay tribute to Dundee fan Lennon Thomson, who passed away just a few days before the derby. Lennon, who lived with cerebral palsy, was just 16 years old when he died and the minute of applause in his honour was a poignant reminder that both sides of the street will always come together when it counts.

Next Neil Farrugia came within inches of his first United goal with a low effort which was parried onto the woodwork by keeper Jon McCracken. Dundee’s Joe Westley did find the back of the net shortly before half time, but his effort was ruled out for a handball near the goal line and put Dundee supporters back into their seats as quickly as they had leapt out of them.

The second half remained on a knife-edge until the final third. A headed effort from Vicko Sevelj went inches over the bar. However, soon after, Ferry found the net again – this time in a significantly more deliberate fashion. Left wide open at the edge of the box, the Vice Captain collected a long pass from Sevelj and sent it effortlessly passed keeper McCracken, who watched the ball fizz past him as though his feet were nailed to the ground.

Two minutes later, it was Ferry again. Charging down the left flank, he left Westley in his dust to play a clipped cross to Ryan Strain who headed in his first goal for United. Strain, unable to find his partner and newborn daughter in the stands to celebrate with, settled for taunting Dundee supporters instead.

United fans who, having become overly with the team’s tendency to come undone in the dying minutes, masked some nervous excitement as the clock ticked down by asking Simon Murray to remind them of the score. When a last-gasp Yan Dhanda free kick spilled from the hands of Dave Richards and landed at the feet of Murray, Dundee looked almost certain to claw a goal back. However, some quick thinking from substitute Dario Naamo saw the ball safely back into the hands of Dave Richards and kept United’s clean sheet intact. Remind us of that score again, Simon?

It doesn’t get much better than this. With the last home game of the season against Livingston, whose relegation fate will almost certainly be sealed by then, the atmosphere of a sold-out home support basking in the glow of 3-0 victory against their nearest and dearest rivals feels like the best way to say goodbye to the class of 25/26. As Goodwin put it: “You can see how much it meant to supporters, I’m glad that the players could show the fans that it means just as much to them.”

And man of the match Will Ferry couldn’t resist taking a jab at the way the wee team up the road celebrated their 2-2 ‘victory’ a few weeks ago. “As much as we’re happy, we’re not going to celebrate like we’ve won the Champion’s League as some teams do,” the wingback said. “We’re just going to keep going to the end of the season and try to be as professional as possible.”

🥇Man of the match: Will Ferry. Our Vice Captain, trusty wingback, and soon-to-be top goal scorer.

🥈Runner-up: Despite only arriving in January, Emmanuel Ageyi comfortably looks like United’s best signing of the 25/26 season and looked like he very much enjoyed his first derby win.

🏅Honourable mentions: Ryan Strain has had a torrid season and struggled to get back in the squad after injury, so his maiden goal for United and subsequent Dee-riling celebration was a nice moment for him and the fans.

Ross Graham and Vicko Sevelj will both return to Tannadice next season, according to transfer reports.

Dundee United are set to trigger one-year options on both players.

Sevelj, described by his teammates as the “gaffer’s favourite”, has enjoyed a strong season, while Academy graduate Graham — named the squad’s captain despite still recovering from injury at when the season kicked off — has been a less consistent performer as United’s backline continues to leak goals.

Similar contract extensions are also available on Ryan Strain and Kristijan Trapanovski, who have both battled injuries this season.

Strain has struggled to get back in the squad, while Trapanovski’s 25/26 campaign is over as he awaits surgery for knee ligament damage.

United also hold a two-year option on goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer, who also is currently out of action due to a dislocated shoulder.

Will Ferry is expected to attract some suitors as he enters the final year of his deal at the club, while Craig Sibbald will depart at the end of the season after penning a three-year deal to return to his boyhood club Falkirk.

United have tied up some early transfer business with the pre-contract signings of two A-League stars: Lachlan Rose and Jesse Randall.

Talks have also begun with a third A-League star, Melbourne Victory right-back Joshua Rawlins.

Season over for Fatah and Stephenson?

Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson are both waiting on the results on the scans which will determine whether their respective seasons are over.

Fatah left Tannadice on crutches after crumpling to the ground less than 15 minutes into the clash against Livingston.

You could almost hear the collective wail from the stands when Fatah hit the deck clutching his hamstring after attempting to catch a wayward pass from Vicko Sevelj.

Flanked by two United medics, Fatah struggled to walk off unaided and was later seen on crutches in the stands.

The 22-year-old has been one of the Premiership’s standout players this season and a real coup for United.

Meanwhile fellow loanee Stephenson, who picked up a hamstring injury in training, has been spent to a specialist amid fears he may have kicked his last ball for United.

The Liverpool loanee, who returned to Tannadice for a second season, faces an anxious wait to see if he will be fit to play again before the end of the season.

The 22-year-old fan favourite has quietly been one of United’s most consistent players, even leading the team out on one occasion.

Stephenson’s 24/25 campaign, which saw him named the club’s Young Player of the Year, also ended prematurely when he required surgery for a double hernia, which it emerged he had been playing through for months.

Manager Jim Goodwin said: “Luca picked up a knock in training on Wednesday, which ruled him out for [Livingston]. He’s going to go and see a specialist in the early part of the week.”

Ferry pays tribute to much-loved United fan Iona

Will Ferry dedicated his second ever goal for United to a young fan of the club who recently passed away.

Iona Stewart was just eight years old when she died after a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer.

Described by her father Iain as a “very happy little girl who especially enjoyed dancing and football”, Iona enjoyed visits from her favourite United players Ferry and Luca Stephenson while she was in hospital.

Fans at Tannadice paid tribute to Iona with applause in the 8th minute of Saturday’s game against Livingston with Iona’s father and sister in attendance.

Ferry later dedicated Saturday’s goal — his second ever for the club — to Iona and her family.

The Vice Captain told The Courier: “I spoke to Iona’s dad on Saturday morning, and I said I had a feeling I was going to score.

“I said I’d do my best for him and the family – hopefully by winning – so that just felt perfect.”

In other news:

• Manager Jim Goodwin swapped the dugout for the starting XI as he played in a charity match to raise cash for Alzheimer Scotland.

• Lee Wilkie: Why dangerous Dundee United will rack up goals in bottom six [The Courier, £]

• How Dundee and Dundee United have fared against ALL bottom-six rivals – and what it means for the run-in [The Courier, £]

• Tickets for the last Derby of the season are on sale now.

Dundee United are considering a third A-League signing for next season.

As previously reported by the Dispatch, United confirmed the signing of Lachlan Rose earlier this week. He joins fellow A-Leaguer Jesse Randall in a move to Tannadice in the summer.

However, according to The Courier, United are also looking closely at a third A-League star: Melbourne Victory right-back Joshua Rawlins.

Following the Derby upset at the weekend, a frustrated Jim Goodwin hinted that a clear out of United’s defence would be one of the club’s priorities over the summer.

Sibbald’s departure confirmed

Craig Sibbald will return to his boyhood club Falkirk at the end of the season, it has been confirmed.

The midfielder, who has quietly been one of United’s most effective operators this season, has inked a three-year deal with his former club.

With his contract at United expiring at the end of the season, the Dispatch previously reported that sources close to the club hinted that Sibbald set to return home.

United tried to retain the services of the 30-year-old midfielder, reportedly being offered a two-year deal and a pay bump, however he turned them down.

The PR around Sibbald’s exit caused some mild controversy when the Bairns published freshly-taken photos of their new signing draped in a Falkirk scarf.

United fans were understandably miffed and the club made their feelings known to Falkirk, who have since apologised.

A club statement read: “Dundee United are aware of an announcement made yesterday by Falkirk FC regarding a pre-contract agreement with one of our players, which included imagery not appropriate to the circumstances.

“We have since received a formal apology from Falkirk, which we have accepted.

“While we are disappointed with how the situation was handled, we now consider the matter closed.”

In other news:

⚽ United duo Sam Cleall-Harding and Ruairidh Adams have both been named in the latest Scotland Under 21s squad.

🚨An 11-year-old boy has been referred to the Children’s Reporter after being found in possession of pyrotechnics outside Dens Park on Derby day. A 15-year-old boy has also reported over alleged disturbances after the game.

🤳Fancy yourself as the next Yannis? Dundee United are hiring a Digital Content Lead.

Dundee United have agreed a pre-contract with Newcastle Jets striker Lachlan Rose.

The 26-year-old will come to Tannadice in July on a two-year deal, Sky Sports News reports.

It is the second new signing for the 26/27 season after United announced that fellow A-Leaguer Jesse Randall will join the club in the summer.

Rose is the second top scorer in the A League with eight goals, just behind Randall, who has scored nine.

That makes it three Australian attackers in the United squad next season, including Zac Sapsford.

The 23-year-old, who was signed from Western Sydney Wanderers, started the season as one of United’s brightest prospects but has struggled to find his previous form in recent months.

Sibbald still out and Trapa scan fears

Craig Sibbald will be missing for at least another two weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The midfielder has missed four games so far and a mid-week update from club medics has been ruled out of this weekend’s Derby.

Manager Jim Goodwin said: “We are looking at probably another couple of weeks for him to return. He’s on track in terms of what the recovery guidelines were from the medical team.”

Things looks less straight forward for Kristijan Trapanovski who is awaiting the results of a scan on his knee.

The winger was forced off after half an hour at the Falkirk Stadium last week.

In other news:

• A Dundee United fan has been fined £320 and banned from attending football games for a year after racially abusing a steward at Pittodrie. Vikki Ogilvie, 43, has previous form for getting drunk and harassing stadium staff. She certainly won’t be missed.

• Luca Stephenson insists that United’s season isn’t over and there’s ‘still a lot to play for’. The 22-year-old Liverpool loanee, who has filled in as captain during his second season at Tannadice, told The Courier that the team are motivated to “finish this season as strongly as we can.”

Johnny Russell will return to Tannadice until the end of the season.

The striker’s Dundee homecoming is now a done deal after he underwent a medical in St Andrew’s, the Dispatch understands.

His return is expected to be officially announced by the club later today.

Russell, now 35, started his career at United in 2007 and has more than 100 games and 31 league goals for the club under his belt.

He left Tannadice for Derby County in 2013, before heading across the Atlantic to play for Sporting Kansas City. While stateside, he racked up 67 goals and 39 assists over 232 appearances for Sporting, which he also captained until his release from the squad in 2024.

Russell was also capped 14 times by Scotland.

The Courier reports that United expressed an interest in bringing Russell back when he was initially released from Sporting, but the winger decided to join Real Salt Late — where he played for a year before being released at the end of 2025.

Rumours of his Tannadice homecoming have been buzzing around for a couple of weeks, with Russell spotted in the attendance as United met Motherwell at Fir Park.

His return will strengthen the club’s attacking options — which have weakened in recent weeks, with Max Watters failing to find his feet after returning from injury and Zac Sapsford’s recent faded form — and add some much-needed leadership and experience to an incredibly young United squad.

In other news:

🖊️Academy graduate Sam Cleall-Harding has penned a new deal which will see him remain at Tannadice until at least 2029.

🟨 Jim Goodwin has branded the “ridiculous [penalty] decision” that went against United against Motherwell on Saturday. VAR intervened over an off-the-ball clash between Vicko Sevelj and Tawanda Maswanhise, which resulted in a yellow card for Sevelj and a penalty for Motherwell.

“It was a sucker-punch and the players didn’t deserve it,” Goodwin raged. “A decision like that really takes it out of the players – mentally, as well – after working so hard. A coming together of two players like that happens 100 times in football. However, that’s what we’re used to this season, with the way games are being refereed.”

🥅 Owen Stirton, who is now part of United’s cooperation agreement with Airdrie, has scored a penalty and earned an assist in his first two appearances for the Diamonds. Stirton effortlessly tucked away the first shot of a tense shootout in the KDM Evolution Trophy semi finals and teed up the second goal in a 3-1 victory against Greenock Morton at the weekend.

💬 Manager Jim Goodwin has gone for a walk and talk with beloved United alumni Seán Dillon to mark three years in charge at Tannadice — a feat which, after April 25th, will make him our longest serving gaffer since Jim McLean.

Latest update: 12/03/26

Kristijan Trapanovski

Injury: His knee. Again.
How long out? Who knows.
Latest update: 12/03/26

In a frustrating case of deja vu, Trapanovski was forced off at the Falkirk Stadium. The winger, who started the game with a strapped knee, quickly hit the deck and stayed there. Trapanovski’s previous knee complaint was described as a minor contact injury and he was back in action the very next game, however club medics reported that the Macedonian has now been for a scan and the extent of the damage will become apparent in the coming days. Trapanovski, who is out of contract at the end of the season, missed the start of the 25/26 campaign due to a hamstring injury.

Craig Sibbald

Injury: Hamstring strain.
How long out? Back by mid-March.
Latest update: 12/03/26

Craig Sibbald will be missing for at least another two weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury. After being forced off against Kilmarnock in February, he has missed a string of crucial fixtures including United’s Scottish Cup crash-out against Falkirk. He will also miss the next Derby at Den’s Park. Manager Jim Goodwin said: “We are looking at probably another couple of weeks for him to return. He’s on track in terms of what the recovery guidelines were from the medical team.”

Isaac Pappoe

Injury: Knee ligament
How long out? He’ll never kick a ball for United again.
Latest update: 2/02/26

A serious knee injury ended Issac Pappoe’s season at Tannadice before it even began.

Arriving on loan from Ferencvaros in the summer, Pappoe was earmarked to make a positive impact in the middle of the park and put in an encouraging pre-season stint. However, when he went to the ground against Rapid Vienna, the Ghanaian midfielder’s face said it all.

He underwent knee surgery in September for serious ligament damage. At the time, when if there was any chance of seeing Pappoe in action as a United player again, Goodwin said: “I hope he can play a part, I really do. More for the boy than anything else.”

However, it was always a long shot and, unfortunately, Pappoe’s season is over. In January The Courier reported that United were in talks to return Pappoe to his parent club. However, it appears that his parent club were happy for us to foot the medical bills until the end of the season.

All the best to Pappoe with the rest of his recovery. He could have been great for us.

Jim Goodwin has said that United will be sitting down with players with expiring contracts over the next couple of weeks, while he ruled out shopping for any free agents.

United have six players who will be out of contract at the end of the season, including captain Ross Graham, though the skipper has the option of an additional year on his deal.

Kristijan Trapanovski and Vicko Sevelj have similar 12-month options, while Ivan Dolcek and Kristian Keresztes both have option to buys.

Goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer, who was signed for an initial six months, is understood to have an option to secure his services on a two-year deal at the end of his current contract.

But the likes of Craig Sibbald, who has been a standout player for United this season, and Ryan Strain will be out of contract entirely. Unverified whispers suggest that Sibbald may have already agreed to return to his boyhood club Falkirk in the summer.

Goodwin told the Daily Record: “Now, over the next few weeks, we’ll sit down with all those players that we’re looking to extend and we’ll have those discussions with them in the next couple of weeks.”

The gaffer also confirmed that the club would not go shopping for any free agents following the surprise exit of Nikolaj Moller and hinted that Academy graduate Owen Stirton will get more time to shine.

While Moller’s stint at United was relatively underwhelming, scoring just one goal against Ayr United amid 19 appearances for the club, his departure leaves the team a little light on options.

He said: “I’m happy with what we’ve got in the building. It weakens us slightly at the top end of the pitch, in terms of the options that we have available to us, but it’ll certainly give more opportunities now to young Owen Stirton.”

It also comes as:

• Will Ferry has shrugged off the suggestion that he’s unhappy at Dundee United, telling The Courier (£) that it “pisses him off” when fans accuse him of “not trying”. He told the paper: “I’ve not been distracted, not been unhappy – I’ve always been ready to see out this season, and the rest of my contract.”

United look to string together three back-to-back wins

United are hoping to end a bogey run against Kilmarnock as they seek their third consecutive win later today.

Will Ferry said that having so many games was a “blessing in disguise”, adding: “You can build momentum quickly rather than Saturday-to-Saturday, where it might be more of a struggle to get going.

“Putting two results together, taking that momentum and hopefully putting together a few wins – then you never know what happens after this seven-game period. Where are we going to be? It’s kind of season-defining.

“So, it’s down to us to deal with that reality and make sure we don’t do anything with a whimper.”

But Goodwin acknowledged the scale of the task ahead as he praised the Kilmarnock’s stark turnaround under new manger Neil McCann.

He said: “He’s made a lot of changes to their system and their style of play. His teams are scoring a lot of goals; there’s no doubt about that.

“I’m sure they’ll be very disappointed in the manner that they lost the (Celtic) game last weekend and will be looking for a reaction from his players. We’re expecting a difficult game, as always.”

Collum doubles down on dodgy VAR calls

The Scottish Football Association’s head of refereeing has defended the sending off of Falkirk’s Liam Henderson against Dundee United last weekend.

Falkirk fans made their feelings known when Liam Henderson was dismissed for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity after a tactical foul on Max Watters who had found a breakthrough near the halfway line. Referee Ryan Lee initially flashed a yellow card but was called to the VAR monitor to reconsider.

Collum doubled down on the controversial decision, saying: “You look at the distance [Neilson] needs to make up and the speed [Watters] is running. The ball is on the ground, and the direction is very central. This is clear for us.”

He also backed the sending off of Amar Fatah, who was suspended for two games after a mistimed, studs-up challenge.

Collum said: “[Fatah] is stretching for the ball, and I don’t think there’s any intent from the player at all. But if you enter into a challenge showing your studs, and the studs make contact high up on the ankle and the ankle bends, then it’s endangering the safety for us.”

In other news:

🏆 Craig Sibbald receives a well-earned place in the SPFL’s Team of the Week.

🪃 United’s A-League incomer Jesse Randall nets two more goals as Auckland batter Wellington 5-0.

🤝 Fans Supporting Foodbanks are at Tannadice today. Donations can be dropped by the door of the club shop (they’re looking for non-perishables and toiletries), while volunteers in pink vests will gladly receive your donations by the turnstiles.

📖 Dundee United fan Jon Attenborough is penning a new book about the history of guide dogs around the world to be released in 2027. Jon, who is frequently spotted at Tannadice with his own guide dog Harry, is known for his advocacy work to improve access to live football for all fans.

🎙️The Terrace podcast sits down with the Dode Fox Podcast’s Paul McNicoll to unpack United’s ‘difficult second album’ season (£).

After United’s last performance against Hibs — which saw their defence collapse and surrender a 1-2 lead to a 3-2 defeat over the course of five excruciating minutes — a furious Jim Goodwin questioned the players’ character. It felt like a last-ditch attempt to provoke a response from the squad, albeit unfortunately timed as the chance to mount a comeback has proved difficult with consecutive match postponements.

And so, United walked out at Falkirk Stadium under a lot of pressure. Anything less than three points would have been an unacceptable outcome. Falkirk have proved formidable opponents this season though. Buoyed by two consecutive promotions, and consistent positive performances in the Premiership, they’re currently occupying the spot in the league that United fancied for themselves at the start of the season. The last time the two teams last met, United dropped three points and a goalkeeper. It always going to be a fight.

In the opening minutes, United proved themselves a threat, with Ross Graham forcing a save from Scott Bain from a confident header and a strike from Sibbald landing inches wide of its intended target. But, in what has become an all too familiar story this season, it was the Tangerines who conceded first. A clever lay-off from Barney Stewart — a striker who was plucked from university leagues just over a year ago and has netted three Premiership goals since January —helped Aston Villa loanee Ben Broggio find the back of the net.

Less than 10 minutes later, a gaffe from Bain offered United a reprieve. A miscommunication between Bain and defender Liam Henderson saw a high ball spill out of the keeper’s hands and fall into straight into the path of Graham. The United captain was quick off the mark, planting a powerful volley into the back of the net to level the score. One all.

Not too long into the second half, United found themselves a goal down yet again after a well-worked play courtesy of Flip Lissah and Leon McCann. The gulf between Krisztian Keresztes and Will Ferry, both in terms of space and communication, has gifted far too many opposition goals over the course of the season.

However, just minutes later, Craig Sibbald had levelled the scoring again. With Zac Sapsford’s effort denied by a Lissah block, Sibbald was on hand with an effortless low strike. It may have lacked the power of some of his other screamers this season but, from 20 yards out, the placement was spot on and the ball rolled in safely out of Bain’s reach. In a mark of affection for his boyhood club, or perhaps in recognition of a job not yet done, there was no celebration from the 30-year-old midfielder.

In a game that rarely paused for breath, it was United’s No. 1 who was called into action next, offering a terrific diving save to block Lissah from scoring a second time and tipping the score line in Falkirk’s favour. Then, in true Scottish Premiership fashion, it was time for a contentious intervention from VAR.

When substitute Max Watters made a break from the half-way line, it looked like he was heading for a one-on-one with the Falkirk keeper. Henderson launched in with a tactical foul, prepared to take a booking for the team. But he got more than he bargained for when referee Ryan Lee was called to the VAR monitor to consider upgrading his initial yellow card. By that point, the decision was only ever going to go one way and Henderson was sent packing for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

With Falkirk down to 10 men, United made a few personnel changes. Brought into the fold for the last 20 minutes were Julius Eskesen and Ivan Dolcek, two players who have made consistently failed to make Goodwin’s starting 11 and whose cameos in the dying minutes of a game generally provoke grumbling from the United support.

However, in an incredible turn of events, it was the two substitutes who secured United’s winning goal in the 83^rd minute. A well-placed cross from Ryan Strain was headed on by Dolcek to Eskesen, who had found himself open space at the side of the box to place a calm and tidy shot into the bottom corner. As the away stand exploded, a visibly delighted Eskesen celebrated surrounded by his teammates. When the whistle blew 10 minutes later — United’s lead still intact — the pint-sized midfielder got his flowers in front of the United supporters. He might have needed that just as much as they did.

One performance does not save a lacklustre season, but it does change the narrative. United still trail Falkirk by 11 points but, with two games in hand, United have the potential to narrow that gap to five if they do their jobs properly. And, even if a top-half finish feels increasingly unlikely now, there’s no better way to give it a go than by snatching three points from the team immediately ahead of you. At the very least, United are now looking up instead of watching their backs for a relegation battle. As Goodwin put it after the game: “We know we’ve given ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb, but we certainly won’t stop trying.”

Latest update: 14/02/26

In …

Ashley Maynard-Brewer

Position: Goalkeeper
Deal: Initial six-month loan, with option to secure a two-year deal.
Coming from: Charlton Athletic

Ashley Maynard-Brewer arrived from English Championship side Charlton Athletic on an initial six-month deal.

United wasted no time in giving him the gloves, with the club understood to hold a two-year option if the 26-year-old impresses between now and the end of the season.

It’s not Maynard-Brewer’s first stint in the Scottish Premiership, having played 17 times for Ross County during a loan spell in 2021-22 .

Neil Farruga

Position: Wingback.
Deal: Two-year deal.
Previous club: Barnsley

Wing-back Neil Farrugia was the first of Tannadice’s January arrivals.

The wingback, who once turned down the chance to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, joins United from Barnsley on a two-year deal.

Farrugia began his career with University College Dublin, where his form led to a trial at Manchester City, but he rejected a permanent deal to focus on completing his degree in biomedical science.

He signed for Shamrock Rovers in 2019, where he netted 136 appearances and 12 goals.

Since making the switch to League One outfit Barnsley in January 2025, he has played 30 games, scored once and provided three assists.

Faruggia has been called up to the senior Ireland squad but is yet to make his debut.

Jesse Randall

Position: Winger
Deal: Two-year deal, with option to extend another year, starting in summer 2026.
Previous club: Auckland

New Zealand winger Jesse Randall will join United on a free transfer this summer when his contract with A-League side Auckland expires.

He has agreed a two-year deal at Tannadice, with United also having the option to extend by a further 12 months.

The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted four more in 37 appearances for Auckland since signing from Wellington Olympic in 2024.

Out:

Nikolaj Moller

Nikolaj Moller was sold to Norwegian club Sandefjord less than six months after his arrival for free from Swiss outfit St Gallen.

United reportedly agreed a £700,000 fee for the 6’4” striker, who scored just one goal in 19 appearances for the club.

It would be fair to say Moller was not embraced by United fans, who became frustrated at a string of lacklustre performances. His final appearance for the club, against Hibs, was a particularly poor showing from the Swede.

“We hadn’t planned for losing any of the players [after the window], but we got a call out of the blue and we felt it was too good a deal as a club to turn down,” Goodwin explained. “I’m disappointed to lose him because I don’t think he was able to show everyone what he was capable of in the short time that he was here.”

Yevhenii Kucherenko

Goalkeeper Yevhenii Kucherenko joined Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC on a permanent transfer after just 17 appearances for Dundee United.

Kucherenko dropped from the starting line-up after costly mistakes in the opening months of the 2025/26 season, which included three own goals.

The 22-year-old Ukrainian showed moments of real promise but, as the mistakes started stacking up, there was no way back for him.

“Unfortunately, in the early part of his United career, he made a few big mistakes that were costly,” Goodwin explained. “I think that ultimately led to a real drop in confidence. It was very hard for him to come back from that”.

On the way out?

Will Ferry

It’s hard to overstate the impact of Will Ferry at Dundee United, where he has played almost every minute of game time since signing for the club in 2024.

However, as the final year of his three-year deal approaches, the club seems prepared to cash in on the wing-back if the right deal comes along.

In August, United dismissed a six-figure offer for Ferry from Vancouver Whitecaps.

Goodwin said at the time: “If we have a player that’s worth a certain amount of money and it’s not matched, the player won’t be leaving.”

While the MLS transfer window has only just opened, The Courier has reported rumblings that two English championship outfits may make a last-minute swoop for Ferry’s services.

Ivan Dolcek

Ivan Dolcek started the season as one of United’s brightest summer prospects, but quickly fizzled out.

Rumours of Dolcek returning to his parent club didn’t come to anything over the January transfer window, so it looks increasingly likely he’ll stay at Tannadice until his deal is up in the summer.

Julius Eskesen

Danish midfielder Julius Eskesen has failed to find his feet at Tannadice.

Transfer talks with Kifisia in the January window reportedly stalled and, while the 26-year-old is staying put for now, he is thought to be eager to leave Tannadice.

Out of contract:

Dundee United have six long-term players whose contracts are coming to an end in the summer: Ross Graham, Dave Richards, Vicko Ševelj, Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, and Kristijan Trapanovski.

There are unverified rumours that Sibbald, who celebrated his 500th professional league appearance this season, could be headed home to his boyhood club Falkirk when his deal expires at the end of the season.

Amar Fatah and Pan Camara will both be out of commission for Dundee United’s next two league games as appeals to rescind their red cards have been rejected.

Fatah and Camara were both sent down the tunnel on Saturday’s 0-3 drubbing by Hearts at Tannadice.

Fatah’s accidental, mistimed challenge on Marc Leonard saw the 21-year-old sent off after an intervention from VAR, while Camara was punished later for a confrontation with Leonard when tempers flared on the pitch.

A fizzing Jim Goodwin criticised both decisions after the game, adding: “If I can’t appeal both of those, we’re going without two really key players and that’s something we can’t afford at this crucial stage of the season.”

But he will have to head to Easter Road without them as United confirmed on Tuesday night that the SFA had rejected both appeals after two fast track tribunals.

St Mirren, who appealed against a red card given to Jake Young at the weekend, also had their claim dismissed.

🗨️ Dundee United’s crazy clash with Hearts was a prime example of VAR ruining the game, argues Lee Willkie (The Courier, £).

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Edinburgh, Goodwin said he stood by the remarks he made after the Hearts game, saying: “The whole club, from top to bottom is in agreement: we owe it to players and supporters to appeal these decisions. We don’t feel they were right, it’s as simple as that.”

Goodwin said he agreed with the referee’s original decision on Fatah’s challenge — “by the letter of the law, that should be a yellow card” — but was particularly incensed with the referee’s decision to send off Camara.

He said: “The more I watch it back, the more angry I get by the whole decision. If VAR can step in for the Amar Fatah challenge, I don’t know why it can’t stand in and say that the Hearts player has made a meal of it.

“You could give [Camara] a yellow card for needlessly getting involved, but our young striker Owen Stirton was getting dragged all over the place by senior players from the opposition and I think Pan feels that he has every right to go in there and defend his teammate.”

‘Aggressive’midfielder Emmanuel Agyei completes January signings

The signing of midfielder Emmanuel Agyei, from Israeli Premier League club Ashdod, has completed Dundee United’s January incomings.

The 21-year-old Ghanian has joined Tannadice on a permanent deal, believed to be a multi-year contract.

Agyei has played 27 times for the Israeli top-flight outfit after arriving in the Middle-East in the summer of 2024, with nine appearances during a loan spell at Hapoel Ramat Gan.

He was the final arrival of the winter transfer window following the signings of winger Neil Farrugia and goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Jim Goodwin described Agyei as an “athletic” and “very aggressive” midfielder who “will add real strength and depth” to the squad.

He said: “Emmanuel is a player whose energy and willingness to play forward quickly caught our attention.

“He’s comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has shown he can operate in different roles, whether that’s sitting in front of the backline or playing in a more advanced, box-to-box position.

“We’re confident he’ll adapt well to the demands of Scottish football and give us energy, composure and athleticism in the middle of the park, and the statistical evidence supports our view.”

-

Will Ferry go?

It’s hard to overstate the impact of Will Ferry.

He has been chief among United’s hardest-working players, playing virtually every minute of game time since he came to Tannadice from Cheltenham Town in 2024.

But, as the final year of a three-year deal looms, it seems increasingly likely that United will look to cash in on the wingback if the price is right.

Several English Championship clubs are preparing to make a move for Ferry, according to reports by The Courier (£), before the window shuts tonight, with at least one scout reportedly in attendance on Saturday night.

Other potential movement includes:

• Julius Eskesen: The pint-sized midfielder has failed to find his feet at Tannadice and is believed to be seeking some first-team football elsewhere. Initial interest has dropped off, but there’s a chance talks could reignite before the headline.

• Ivan Dolcek: Despite being one of United’s brightest summer prospects, the winger suffered a steep drop-off in form, fell out of favour with Jim Goodwin, and has missing in action entirely for the past three weeks.

Goodwin ‘wouldn’t hold out hope’ for red card appeals

Jim Goodwin has said he “wouldn’t hold out hope” on the two red cards against Amar Fatah and Pan Camara being overturned.

Amar Fatah was pointed towards the tunnel — the 21-year-old’s first ever red card — after a mistimed challenge on Marc Leonard that was subject to an intervention from VAR.

And Pan Camara was sent off soon after for squaring up to Leonard, who used the confrontation as opportunity to hurl himself to the ground as if he’d been shot.

“Absolutely everything that could have gone against us did,” Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin said after the game. “We’ll have to look at the red cards and see if there’s any chance of an appeal but I wouldn’t hold out hope.”

He added: “If I can’t appeal both of those, we’re going without two really key players and that’s something we can’t afford at this crucial stage of the season.”

Goodwin was incredibly dismissive of the two red cards.

The first came after Hearts had already opened the scoring when Fatah mistimed a challenge as he sought to win a 50/50 against Leonard. It was accidental and without any force, but referee Calum Scott was summoned to the monitor and a card was produced a few moments later.

Goodwin said: “It’s incredibly really. It’s reckless, if anything. He’s overstretched to get a touch on the ball and he’s half a second too late. It’s not high, there’s no intent. You see those types of tackles happening week after week and they’re yellow cards, depending on what referee you get on the night.”

The fizzing gaffer added: “When a Scottish referee is called over, they go with VAR. I’ve yet to see a ref have the courage to go with his own opinion.”

For Camara’s ill-judged confrontation, Goodwin slammed Leonard’s behaviour as “really, really embarrassing”.

He said: “I think when he watches it back, the boy should be mortified. He goes down holding his nose as if he’s got a broken nose. Then the red card is shown and he very quickly bounces back up to his feet. It is ridiculous.”

-

‘A remarkable life, filled with passion, resilience, and stories that could light up a room’

Tributes have been paid to Dundee United’s longest-serving season ticket holder, who sadly passed away shortly before his 94th birthday.

Ron McCabe, who was born in Dundee in 1932, was a well-kent face around Tannadice where he supported the club in a number of volunteer roles over the years.

He attended his first match 1942 dur­ing the Second World War, with United confirming that he was the longest-serving season ticket holder in the club’s history.

“Ron lived a remarkable life, filled with passion, resilience, and stories that could light up a room,” his carers Discovery Homecare said in a statement.

“His love for Dundee United, his pride in his family, and his ability to make others smile will forever stay with us.”

A ser­vice will take place at Inver­gowrie Par­ish Church at 12pm on Feb­ru­ary 9th.

You can read more about Ron’s incredible life here.

Jim Goodwin has insisted that his team “know what’s expected of them” ahead of Sunday's derby at Dens Park.

With just one point from their opening two Premiership fixtures, Goodwin said it was time to “get back to winning ways” if the side had any hope of matching the success of last season.

He said: “We need to get back to winning ways. We've had a really good week's training and there's a real air of excitement building up to this big game.

"I think it's equally important for both teams to get those three points. If we want to go on and have the success we had last season, we need to get back to winning ways."

Returning hero Luca Stephenson said the squad was “feeling confident” ahead of the clash.

He said: “The focus has been really strong this week. We've had time to rest after a busy start and we've gotten a few bodies back. The squad feels fresher, more focused, and really ready for the weekend.

“Derby Days are always exciting. Everyone around the country gets up for them, and it’s no different here. It’s a huge game. When I came back up, the first fixture I looked for was the Derby - it’s come around quickly, which I was buzzing about.

“These games bring out an extra 10–20 per cent in you because it means so much to the club and the fans. I remember losing last year and how horrible that felt for us and the supporters. But when you win a Derby, it’s the best feeling in football — you feel invincible. Hopefully, this is the moment we use to kick-start the season.”

Despite having the best out of 10, United have lost the previous two derbies.

"There's a lot on the line for the players and for Steven [Pressley] and myself," Goodwin admitted.

"For the supporters who all want to go to work on Monday morning with the bragging rights.”

United’s transfer window is ‘pretty much done’

Dundee United is not expected to sign any more players before the end of the transfer window.

Manager Jim Goodwin said the club was “pretty much done” with recruitment, having signed 14 players over the summer.

Goodwin said injuries had forced him to “question one or two areas of the squad” but signalled that Swedish striker Nikolaj Moller would be the last man in the door before the close of business on Monday.

He told journalists: "Once everyone is back and available we've got a group of players that can really go and challenge in this league."

However, that doesn’t mean there will be no movement at the club.

There is an expectation that Richard Odada will move on, despite having a year left on his deal. The Kenyan midfielder was loaned out to Serbian side OFK Beograd last season after a forgettable start to his Tannadice career and hasn’t been seen since the start of the season.

United also has until the end of September to decide which players to loan out to lower leagues.

But United won’t be doing business for the sake of it.

The club shrugged off an underwhelming bid for vice-captain Will Ferry, according to reports by The Courier.

He told the paper: “We’ve had bits of interest in a number of players. However, the reality is we’re not letting anybody walk out the door if the valuation isn’t what we consider to be an attractive number.

“We don’t need to sell anybody and it’s important that clubs don’t show themselves to be weak in negotiations. If we have a player that’s worth a certain amount of money and it’s not matched, the player won’t be leaving.”

Swedish striker Nikolaj Moller has become United’s 14th signing of the season.

The Arsenal academy graduate joins United on an initial two-year deal from St. Gallen, with a club-held option of an additional year.

Manager Jim Goodwin says that Moller is “perfectly suited to the combative nature of the Scottish Premiership” — at 6’4”, he stands a wee bit taller than last season’s main marksman Sam Dalby — but stresses that he’ll be “more than just a traditional target man.”

Hot on the heels of Luca Stephen’s much-celebrated return to Tannadice, the arrival of reinforcements will come as a relief going into this weekend’s Derby.

While there are some rumblings that we might see the return of Zac Sapsford this weekend, Moller gives an assurance that Owen Stirton isn’t the only fully fit striker in the building.

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Bye-bye Kai

Kai Fotheringham has departed Tannadice after seven years at United, signing a two-year deal with St Johnstone.

Academy graduate Fotheringham, now 22, was a crucial part of United’s 23/24 Championship campaign, and made a respectful 16 appearances for the Tangerines in the Premiership last season.

The forward also looked bright earlier this month when he bounded off the bench to breathe life into a fading United side during both legs against Rapid Vienna.

Ultimately, Fotheringham was unlikely to get as many minutes as he wanted this season, so a move in the summer transfer window seemed inevitable.

In a sign-off, the young forward described his time at United as a “real privilege”.

“From coming through the Academy to making my first-team debut, playing for this club has been a real privilege,” Fotheringham wrote on Instagram.

“To the fans, thank you for all your support in the good and bad times. It’s something I never took for granted … so many top memories and one that’ll stay with me forever. Thank you, and all the best.”

He will be joined by former United full-back Liam Smith, who has also agreed to join the Saints.

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Fine behaviour

Dundee United have been slapped with more than £20,000 worth of fines in the opening weeks of the new season.

A statement from the club condemned the “wholly unacceptable” conduct of a minority of fans as they revealed financial sanctions from UEFA and the SPFL.

The club’s charge sheet includes pyrotechnics at both Conference League fixtures against at Tannadice and objects hurled onto the pitch during the away legs. (Sitting in the Shed for the second leg of the Rapid Vienna tie, one of those flares narrowly missed Panutche Camará who had ran over to celebrate our first goal.)

Perhaps most disappointingly, Hearts defender Stuart Findlay was hit by a lighter during the first home game of the season.

United also highlighted the “significant damage” done to facilities at Tannadice after this month’s European exit.

It’s a bit of a sore one, given the impressive turnout of fans for United’s European showings and incredible sell-out crowds back at Tannadice.

“The vast majority of our supporters represent the club and the city of Dundee with pride. It is now vital that, as a collective, we ensure this minority does not continue to undermine the reputation built by the many,” the club said in a statement.