British Isles opponents could await United in Conference Leaguepublished at 18:05 BST 17 June
18:05 BST 17 June
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Image caption,
Jim Goodwin has led Dundee United back to European football
Dundee United return to European football after a two-year absence in Wednesday's Conference League second round qualifying draw.
After finishing fourth in the Premiership last term, they are looking to reach a group/league phase for the first time.
Having lost 7-1 on aggregate to AZ Alkmaar in the third round of Conference League qualifying last time, United will be glad they and the Dutch side are both seeded and therefore cannot meet at this stage.
That is one of the few certainties in the draw, with Jim Goodwin's side having more than 60 potential opponents.
Among those, Swedish sides AIK and Hammarby might be ones United would want to avoid.
Republic of Ireland duo St Patrick's Athletic and Drogheda United, Northern Ireland's Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts, or Welsh teams Haverfordwest County and Penybont, would be classed as easier opponents.
Dundee United target Kucherenko & two more - gossippublished at 07:42 BST 17 June
07:42 BST 17 June
Dundee United have targeted 25-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, currently with LNZ Cherkasy in his homeland's top flight, and are in advanced talks with a central midfielder and another striker. (Courier - subscription required), external
United confirm pre-season schedulepublished at 17:54 BST 13 June
17:54 BST 13 June
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Dundee United have finalised their pre-season schedule, which includes a trip to the Netherlands.
The Tangerines had already confirmed their first two pre-season games, the first, at Glebe Park against former Tangerine midfielder Ray Mackinnon's Brechin City on Saturday 28 June, and then, seven days later, their trip to Arbroath in player-manager David Gold's testimonial.
Following their trip to Gayfield, Jim Goodwin's side will head to the Netherlands for a training camp, before taking on PEC Zwolle at Sportpark Bovenmolen in Oldebroe on Friday, 11 July.
On their return to home shores, they make the short trip to Scottish Championship side St Johnstone four days after facing the Eredivisie outfit.
The visit of League Two Oldham rounds off the pre-season action on Saturday, 19 July before United turn their attention to their European exploits.
SPFL breaks attendance record for third consecutive yearpublished at 15:43 BST 13 June
15:43 BST 13 June
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The SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".
Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.
"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.
"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."
Goodwin backs 'fearless' Iovu to flourish in Scotlandpublished at 22:33 BST 10 June
22:33 BST 10 June
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Image caption,
Iurie Iovu (right) was a regular starter with Moldova Under-21s
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has expressed his "unwavering confidence" that Iurie Iovu will strengthen his defence - even though the centre-half ended last season in the fourth tier of the Spanish league.
The 22-year-old, who has been capped four times by Moldova, has signed a two-year contract, with a club-held option of an additional 12 months, after leaving Croatian top-flight outfit Istra 1961.
Goodwin believes "committed and fearless" Iovu will be ideal for the physicality of the Scottish Premiership and that he will prove "a fantastic asset" financially in the long term.
The United boss pointed to his "dominant displays across three different European countries".
Iovu came through the youth ranks with his local club, eight-time Moldovan champions Zimbru Chisinau, but moved to Cagliari's academy in Italy at the age of 16.
Yet to make a first-team appearance for his club, he was nevertheless handed his international debut aged 19 in a World Cup qualifier against Austria in 2021.
The following summer, he switched to Venezia but was loaned out to Istra before making the move permanent in 2023.
This season, he made 16 appearances for the side who eventually finished eighth in the 10-team Croatian top flight but was sent on loan to Alaves' B side in January, starting 12 games as they finished eighth in the 18-team league.
Nevertheless, United point out that Iovu "ranked in the top two for aerial duel success rate and shots blocked per 90 minutes in the division for players aged under 23" in that first half of the Croatian season.
They add that he helped Alaves B win eight of their last 13 matches while on loan.
The 22-year-old striker, who scored nine goals and provided four assists last term, has agreed a three-year deal at Tannadice.
The signing comes as a welcome boost for United following the news Sam Dalby, who was the club's top scorer last season while on loan from Wrexham, has joined Bolton.
"Zac was a player who piqued our interest after being flagged by the club's internal data models," said head of recruitment Ross Goodwin.
"And he impressed when we followed this up with more traditional scouting methods. These new processes combined with conventional, in-person talent ID will be pivotal in identifying new additions throughout the summer and beyond.
"We fought off stiff competition from across the globe for his signature, so we're incredibly pleased to have the deal over the line so early in the window, and we look forward to unveiling more exciting new signings."
'Bolton poised to beat League One rivals to Dalby' - gossippublished at 08:52 BST 8 June
08:52 BST 8 June
Bolton Wanderers are set to beat League One rivals Wigan Athletic and Blackpool to land Sam Dalby on a free transfer after the 25-year-old striker left Wrexham following his loan to Dundee United. (Football Insider), external
United to face Arbroath in pre-seasonpublished at 15:10 BST 6 June
15:10 BST 6 June
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Dundee United will face Championship newcomers Arbroath next month in a pre-season friendly that doubles as a testimonial for David Gold.
Jim Goodwin's side travel to Gayfield on Saturday 5 July (14:00 BST) to honour player-manager Gold, who has made over 300 Arbroath appearances.
United begin their pre-season schedule the previous weekend at former Tannadice midfielder Ray McKinnon's Brechin City as Goodwin's men build towards their Conference League second round qualifier on 24 July.
Gallagher joins County after United exitpublished at 10:00 BST 6 June
10:00 BST 6 June
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Defender Declan Gallagher has joined relegated Ross County following his Dundee United exit.
The 34-year-old former Scotland international spent two years at United, helping the club to promotion then making 40 appearances last season as they finished fourth in the Premiership.
Gallagher has signed a one-year deal in Dingwall as County bid to bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt following play-off defeat to Livingston.
County manager Don Cowie hailed Gallagher as a "fantastic addition" and added: "We have had a number of players depart and this marks the first step in rebuilding the squad.
"He brings a wealth of experience in the Scottish game and has recently won the Scottish Championship with Dundee United which is ultimately our aim for this season."
'At least three strikers' - your transfer priorities in 'big summer' at Tannadicepublished at 14:36 BST 4 June
14:36 BST 4 June
We asked for your views on what business Dundee United need to do the transfer window.
Here's what some of you said:
Zak: Ronan Hale at Ross County is a must, scored a good amount for a struggling side and has pace in behind which we have lacked for a while!
Cammy: We let half the team walk away and the recruitment team, it's a fresh start and a big summer. Most fans are expecting 15 new players but I'd go as far as saying we need 20 new players in. It's exciting times, but scary as you never know with United.
Jim: I'm becoming a tad concerned at the number of seasoned professionals who have now left. I cannot see any part of the team that now does not need some attention. New signings and loans will need to hit the ground running otherwise a season in the doldrums awaits us.
George: Feels like a complete rebuilding exercise is required following the departures. Some of which deserved to go. Hopefully we have another Sam Dalby and Luca Stephenson waiting in the wings. Better still the originals. We need some experience to help the younger players who are in and around the squad and the trust in their ability to be part of the team. European football should help attract ambitious players to the club. Whoever is signed has to give their all and get the supporters behind them.
Eddie: We need at least three strikers, one needs to be pacey. Two fast, tricky wingers, two experienced centre-backs, cover for both full-backs and three in central midfield, one a warrior and one creative at least, and a replacement for Jack Walton too. I make that 13 in to replace the 15 that have left. Anything else is a bonus.
Kenny: We've let go of so many first-team regulars, I half expect to see Luggy, Heggie and Eamonn Bannon being drafted in to fill the gaps. We need a significant rebuild. Retaining Stephenson would be a great start. Break the bank for Dalby - he's talismanic.
Oleksa: United shopping list - an experienced goalkeeper, cover for full-backs, two experienced centre-backs, a creative midfielder, right winger, big physical striker and a smaller strike partner with pace - not much to ask for!
What must United do in transfer window?published at 15:59 BST 3 June
15:59 BST 3 June
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The transfer window opened on Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.
Are there certain players you are desperate for Dundee United to sign, or a particular area of the squad that needs improving?
Or maybe holding on to a key player is your biggest priority? And what about sales - should there be more outgoings to follow the 16 departures?
We want your take on what business United need to do this summer.
United seek Stephenson return & eye Moldova defender - gossippublished at 08:25 BST 3 June
08:25 BST 3 June
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin wants to bring Luca Stephenson back Tannadice after the 21-year-old midfielder's loan spell and also tap further into the Liverpool development ranks. (Daily Record), external
Moldova international Iurie Iovu, who has been on loan at Deportivo Alaves B team from Croatian club Istra, is on a list of central defensive targets for Dundee United. (Daily Record), external
Bolton Wanderers have made a move to try and land Sam Dalby, with the striker also wanted by League One rivals Blackpool and Wigan Athletic after the 29-year-old turned down a new contract with Wrexham and was offered a permanent deal following his loan to Dundee United. (Daily Record), external
United keen on defender Mitchell - gossippublished at 08:28 BST 2 June
08:28 BST 2 June
Dundee United are among clubs interested in a loan deal for Charlton Athletic defender Zach Mitchell after the 20-year-old impressed for St Johnstone last season. (The Courier, external - subscription required)
Dundee United owner Mark Ogren thinks the San Francisco 49ers' involvement with Rangers will increase revenue throughout Scottish football – and hopes it could be a step towards lifting the alcohol ban in stadiums. (The Athletic, external - subscription required)
What do the stats say about United's impressive season?published at 15:50 BST 31 May
15:50 BST 31 May
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Dundee United's impressive fourth-placed finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership has garnered plenty of plaudits.
So what do the stats say about how Jim Goodwin's men fared?
United were solid rather than spectacular, an effectiveness amplified by their results. Only twice did they win a league game and score more than two goals in the process. Eight of their 15 league wins were by a 1-0 scoreline.
Wrexham loanee Sam Dalby bagging 15 goals on his own certainly helped.
United racked up an xG (expected goals) of 48.53 - below the league average of 52.79 - so their 45 goals in the league is a slight underperformance and they outscored only the bottom two Ross County and St Johnstone.
Seven errors led to goals being conceded, too, the league's third-highest number.
A sturdy defensive unit was key to their success, however.
While Goodwin's side were content to cede possession - their average of 42.93% ranks them eighth in the Premiership - their clean sheet tally of 12 is bettered only by Celtic and Rangers, and goalkeeper Jack Walton impressed again on loan from Luton Town.
United overperformed compared to their xG against of 56.31 - pretty much bang on the league average - by conceding 54 goals, further suggesting a stout defence. And only four sides let in fewer goals than the Tannadice outfit.
Until the post-split fixtures, United never went longer than four games without a top-flight win.
On matchday seven in early October, they beat St Mirren 1-0 away and climbed to fifth. Remarkably, they would never be lower than that for the rest of the season.
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