News round-up: August 25th
A new recruit in time for Derby day and bye-bye to Kai.
New recruit in time for Derby day
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.