Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United striker Ruari Paton hopes the way he was rekindled his career can inspire young players cut loose by clubs to keep chasing their dream.

Irishman Paton, who arrived on loan from Port Vale in January, admits being part of United's European challenge is a far cry from where he was when he was released by Hibs as a 19-year-old.

Speaking prior to Saturday's Premiership visit of Celtic, he said: "You are 19, your life is just starting, even now I am 24 I feel like a completely different person that I was then. But did I feel like the bottom of my world had gone? Absolutely.

"I would love if even one younger person watched my interviews and my story and understood that through a couple of years of really hard graft and performing at certain levels and just scaling bigger and bigger, they can look at my story and think your career is not over just because you were released by a professional club. It is far from over.

"I would reinforce that to every young person I meet. Don't be resentful to football, because football isn't the problem.

"Don't get resentful towards the game, enjoy it and play it while you can, immerse yourself in it every day because it doesn't owe you anything.

"But it is absolutely brilliant to play in and there is no reason why you can't go back up the way again, especially in Scotland."

After his Easter Road exit, Paton rebuilt his career at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park before making the move to England.

He has struggled for game time and has yet to score since he arrived at United but maintains he has "loved it".

He said: "I knew fine well I was putting myself in a situation where I wasn't guaranteed to play every minute.

"It is not in my personality to be fearful or afraid of a jump or failing. I would be more than happy to come and fail, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I have failed miles worse before.

"I have loved it. A lot of people fall out of love with football, they will come up here and tell you they love it, but they don't. A lot of footballers don't love football.

"I still do love it when I look around and think 'the stadium is full, it is amazing' you have to try to enjoy every moment as it comes."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

The decision not to renew the Dundee United contracts of "influential" duo Declan Gallagher and Louis Moult was "not taken lightly" and they can leave with "heads held high", says manager Jim Goodwin.

Defender Gallagher and forward Moult have been informed at this stage of the season out of "fairness" while Goodwin is adamant it will not disrupt their focus in the final five games as United chase third in the Premiership and European football.

"Such decisions are not taken lightly, there is a lot weighed up," Goodwin said.

"There is always an argument about when do you break the news to the players. Some people think you should wait until the end of the season but personally I don't think that is fair to players.

"They have wives, kids and mortgages, just like the rest of us, and I think you have got to be fair to the lads and give them enough time to try and sort out their futures at other clubs."

Goodwin believes the pair still have a big part to play between now and the end of the season and are "on board" with United's task at hand.

"They have been extremely professional since we have had those conversations and they both want to play a part in the next five fixtures and leave Dundee United with their heads held high," he added.

"I know they will leave with the greatest of respect from the Dundee United supporters and all the staff here as well."

Though Gallagher and Moult know where they stand, goalkeeper Jack Walton's future is less clear.

The 26-year-old, on loan from Luton Town, has been a standout for the Tannadice club and is currently set to be a free agent this summer. While Goodwin would love to retain his services, he is aware it is outwith United's hands.

"He's a terrific goalkeeper who's had a brilliant season," Goodwin said of the shot-stopper who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season.

"But we are not in control of that one unfortunately, because Luton Town have got the option of Jack for next season. But he knows my thoughts on him.

"He has been a really influential figure for us and of course you want to hold on to your better players and Jack is certainly one of those."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership visit of Celtic.

Here are the key lines:

• With Celtic needing just a point to win the title, Goodwin says fourth-place United are "very determined" to avoid a title party taking place at Tannadice.

• He bristled at any suggestion the pressure is off United: "We are not just satisfied by the position we are in right now. We have still got a hell of a lot to play for ourselves."

• United have five "huge" games to go and with Aberdeen hosting Hibs on Saturday, "something is going to give at Pittodrie" and Goodwin wants his side to "try and capitalise on it".

• Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher won't be offered new deals to stay beyond the summer. Goodwin says "those decisions are not taken lightly" and he "can't speak any higher" of the contribution they have made to the club.

• Goalie Jack Walton's loan from Luton Town is up in the summer and Goodwin says his future is out of United's hands, with the English club having an option for him.

• On possible new signings: "Conversations are ongoing with numerous players and agents at the moment."

Image source, SNS

• Should Celtic avoid defeat, they will be crowned Scottish champions for the 13th time in 14 seasons, failing only in 2020-21 in this period.

• Dundee United are winless in their past 22 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D5 L17) since a 2-1 league victory in December 2014 under Jackie McNamara.

• Celtic have kept a clean sheet in four successive league meetings with Dundee United, their longest ongoing run against any current Scottish Premiership club.

• Dundee United have won their past three league games (all 1-0); they last won more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in December 2013 (five).

• Since winning 10 successive away league games from late April to early December 2024, Celtic have since won just three of their last eight on the road (D2 L3). They have suffered three defeats in their last seven away league outings, more than their previous 28 beforehand (W22 D4 L2).

Winger Glenn Middleton, 25, vows to be "professional" as he enters the final few weeks of his contract at Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Glenn Middleton says Dundee United always believed they could challenge for Europe this season despite being the Premiership new boys.

The Tangerines occupy fourth place with five games remaining and a top-five finish is highly likely to be enough to secure European football.

"We had a meeting on the very first day of pre-season and we set realistic targets for ourselves and I think the gaffer won't mind me saying now Europe was always the end goal in terms of where we thought we could maybe push for," says winger Middleton.

"The first one was to maintain our position in the league and then it was to get into the top six.

"But at the same time we knew the quality we had in the dressing room and the attitude we had as well and I think more times than not that goes a long way."

On Saturday United host a Celtic side who can secure a fourth successive title by avoiding defeat at Tannadice.

"It's going be a big occasion in the making for them and one that we'll be trying to postpone, as much as we can," said Middleton.

"It's going to be a very hard task. We know the quality that they have as a team. But we've shown in a couple of games that we've played against them this season that we're capable of frustrating and of course, causing our own problems going forward.

"So it's one we're looking forward to. It's up to us to carry out the gameplan and cause them problems because we're more than capable of doing that."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United have had plenty to celebrate so far this season, but their main objective this weekend will be to prevent a Celtic title party at Tannadice.

United open their post-split fixtures on Saturday when a point for the visitors would be enough to see them crowned champions again.

That might act as an added incentive for Jim Goodwin's side, but in truth they have plenty of motivation themselves as they look to turn an already terrific campaign into a truly memorable one.

United sit fourth in the Premiership, above Aberdeen on goal difference, and three points behind third-place Hibs.

With the latter two playing at Pittodrie this weekend, United know they can take a huge step towards enhancing their top four – and possibly top three – credentials if they can capitalise on what happens in the Granite City.

European football is all but assured for United, which is incredible in itself when you consider they were playing in the second tier last season.

In a campaign where they have constantly defied the odds, you wouldn't put it past Goodwin's men to do just that by finishing third – and ensuring Celtic's title champagne stays on ice for another week.

Image source, BBC Sport

Striker Louis Moult is to follow Declan Gallagher in leaving Dundee United at the end of the season (Courier - subscription required), external.

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip column...

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

With the final fixtures set to get under way, us United fans know the next five games will define what's been a solid return to top-flight football.

Sitting fourth in the Premiership, there's pride in what's been achieved so far but we're under no illusions that the job isn't done yet.

It starts with a massive lunchtime fixture as we host Celtic. The champions-elect are flying – 26 wins, a ridiculous goal difference and, let's face it, a dominant record over us in recent years.

But stranger things have happened. If we can keep it tight early doors, who knows? At worst, it's about limiting damage and bouncing back fast.

Easter Road follows – never an easy place to go, especially with Hibs in good form. But we've got a decent record there and if we can frustrate them, there's a chance to nick something. A point in the capital would be a solid result.

Then it's back to Tannadice for what feels like a must-win against St Mirren. We've got the edge on them this season and their away form has been out of sorts. If we play like we can, that one's there for the taking.

Next up – Ibrox, a midweek trip to face a Rangers team whose home form has stuttered although they usually do the business against us. But pressure can do funny things and if we're on it defensively, we might just make life awkward for them.

We finish at home to Aberdeen in what could be a straight shootout for fourth place. These games are always tight and with both teams likely to have something to play for and the Tannadice crowd behind United, we'll fancy edging it.

If we can take points from Hibs, St Mirren and Aberdeen, fourth is achievable. It won't be easy, but this team's got a bit about them.

The next few weeks will test our character – but that's exactly when Dundee United tend to show their teeth.

Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

Former Scotland centre-half Declan Gallagher is set to leave Dundee United when his contract expires at the end of the season after the 34-year-old was told last week he would not be offered a new deal. (The Herald), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Three of Hibernian, Dundee United, Aberdeen and St Mirren will join Celtic and Rangers in Europe next season after Brendan Rodgers' treble-chasing side reached the Scottish Cup final.

Had bottom-six sides St Johnstone or Hearts progressed through the last-four stage, they could still have claimed the European place awarded to the cup winners.

But that is no longer a possibility, which adds another layer of intrigue to the post-split fixtures in the top half of the division.

So what do we know?

Well, Celtic have secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers and will enter at the play-off round assuming they clinch the title.

Rangers will almost certainly be in that competition, too, but at the second qualifying round stage.

After that, there remains a wee bit of uncertainty.

The Scottish Cup winners earn a spot in the Europa League play-off round, so if Aberdeen upset Celtic at Hampden on 24 May, that's straightforward.

However, should the holders retain the trophy, the place would go to whoever finishes third in the league.

Currently, that's Hibs. But United and Aberdeen and St Mirren - albeit the arithmetic is hugely against them - are still in the mix.

Given whoever it is would be guaranteed - at worst - a six-game Conference League campaign, it's a lucrative prize for their season's work.

But two of the clubs who miss out on third would still be rewarded.

Fourth place would be upgraded from Conference League second qualifying round to the Europa League equivalent, with the Conference spot going to fifth place.

Read more: Premiership quartet fight for three European spots

Dundee United will strongly argue their case after Celtic contacted the SPFL regarding an alleged pricing discrepancy for their visit to Tannadice next weekend. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United striker Sam Dalby has been named in the PFA Scottish Premiership Team of the Year.

Dalby, who joined United on loan from Wrexham in the summer, is one of only two non-Old Firm players included in the XI voted for by fellow players.

The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals in the Premiership this term and has helped the Tangerines secure a top six finish as well as maintaining their push for third place.

Celtic have raised concerns with the SPFL over ticket arrangements for their potential title-sealing trip to Dundee United next weekend. Upper tier seats for away fans in the Jerry Kerr Stand have been priced at £42, while home season-ticket holders can bring a friend for £10. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

We asked for your views on whether keeping Jack Walton at Dundee United should be a priority this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: If United want to stay a force in the league, they must get Walton and Sam Dalby to sign, and keep most of last seasons signings. No doubt a list will be made for new faces. Come on United, show your support to those who have stuck with you home and away in large numbers.

Ronnie: I think his impact has been overstated if I'm honest. He's been much less effective and [more] mistake prone this season than last, and I'm factoring in the higher level of opposition.

George: There is significant, often justified, criticism of Walton's distribution but, apart from one blunder in the most recent Dundee derby, his shot-stopping is exemplary. For that reason alone United should be doing everything they can to get him tied down to a long-term contract. For those who may disagree I have one word: Birighitti.

Jim: Walton has been a great signing for United. No fancy playing to the gallery stuff but a lad who fully concentrates on what he is there to do. I am one of many who hopes he will still be at Tannadice next season.

Calum: Walton has taken the step up to the Premiership in his stride and has had another great season. He had a howler in the last Dundee derby but the whole team was off it that day. Yes, we should be doing everything possible to keep him at United! I heard he likes the golf in this area, so maybe it will easier than we think!

On-loan Luca Stephenson has intimated that he would be open to returning to Dundee United next season after hernia surgery prematurely ended his campaign. (The Courier - subscription), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hibs have cut the away ticket allocations for their final two home matches this season to allow more of their own fans to attend.

Both Dundee United and final-day visitors Rangers will be given just under 1,500 tickets at Easter Road next month.

When Rangers last played in Leith - the 3-3 draw in January - they had around 2,900 tickets for the 3,800-capacity South Stand.

Hibs fans will now be able to purchase tickets in that stand.

A club statement said: "As we look to create a raucous atmosphere for our final two home fixtures of the season, we have reduced our opponents' allocations to provide more tickets to Hibernian supporters."

Hibs have won their past seven games in the capital and are unbeaten at home since November.

David Gray's side, who last weekend equalled a 77-year club record by making it 17 top-flight games unbeaten, have a three-point lead over Aberdeen and Dundee United with five matches left in the battle to finish third.

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Sam Dalby's goal-getting role in Dundee United's impressive season so far is crucial, but the man keeping them out at the other end has been a totemic figure too.

Having helped secure the Championship title last term, Jack Walton returned on another season-long loan from Luton Town with "unfinished business" at Tannadice.

He hasn't disappointed. Walton has been a rock for United and is one of only two Premiership players (Ross County's Akil Wright is the other) who have played every minute of the league season.

Walton racked up his third successive clean sheet as United beat St Johnstone on Saturday to make it three 1-0 wins on the bounce. That took the 26-year-old's Premiership shutout total to 12 - only Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel has more (19).

And it's not as if Walton hasn't been kept busy. The United number one has faced the most shots - 466 - of any top-flight keeper this season who has played at least 20 games.

And his save ratio of 69.92% is second highest, again topped only by Celtic's Schmeichel.

Walton has proved a safe pair of hands and is set to be a free agent as his Luton deal expires this summer. Should United be doing all they can to land the Englishman on a permanent deal?

Let us know your thoughts on Walton.

Dundee United are "realistic" about keeping top scorer Sam Dalby but manager Jim Goodwin says the on-loan Wrexham striker is "worth pushing the boat out for". (The Courier - subscription), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.