Dundee United

Bolton Wanderers have joined Wigan Athletic and Blackpool in the race to sign ex-Wrexham striker and free agent Sam Dalby, who spent last season on loan at Dundee United. (Football League World), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

While Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup was a blow to Dundee United - knocking them down from Europa League second round qualifying to Conference League - they shouldn't be disheartened.

European qualification was in the realms of fantasy this time last year for the Tannadice faithful, who had just watched their side successfully emerge from Scotland's second tier.

The Tangerines enjoyed a fine first campaign back at the top table, finishing fourth, but Jim Goodwin now has to guard against the dreaded 'second season syndrome'.

There's also a cautionary tale from the club's previous European foray. Back in 2022-23, United claimed a memorable 1-0 home win over AZ Alkmaar - before being spanked 7-0 in the return leg and making a dismal start to the domestic campaign, which culminated in relegation.

They will have plenty of positivity to take into new campaign but expectation levels have inevitably risen.

Matching - or exceeding - those lofty expectations will be tough, but Goodwin has shown he can embrace the challenges Scottish football throws up, and you fancy he will be ready to embrace what is on the horizon.

Image source, Getty Images

Dundee United were all set for a place in the Europa League at the second qualifying round, with the second chance of Conference League preliminaries.

Then Aberdeen stunned Celtic to win the Scottish Cup.

That means the Pittodrie side are elevated from Scotland's fifth European representatives to the third. As a consequence, Hibernian and United shuffle down to fourth and fifth respectively.

Jim Goodwin's side are still guaranteed European football, but they will now go straight into the Conference League second round instead.

The draw will be on June 18, with the ties on July 24 and 31.

Dundee United defender Scott Constable, 17, has agreed a new two-year contract. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

As Dundee United's longest-serving and most successful manager, Jim McLean is a legendary figure at Tannadice.

The former United boss, who died after a long battle with dementia in 2020, led the team for 22 years from 1971 to 1993, guiding United to unprecedented success.

A top-flight winner in 1983. Back-to-back League Cup triumphs in 1980 and 1981. A Uefa Cup runner-up in 1987.

Despite that success, there was no love lost between McLean and an up-and-coming Duncan Ferguson, who played for three years under the ex-Tannadice manager.

Speaking to BBC Scotland's chief sports writer Tom English, Everton legend Ferguson describes McLean as a "tyrant" and a "bully".

"I didn't like that," he says. "I didn't like the way he talked to me. I didn't like the way he talked to other people.

"There were senior players in the dressing room who were petrified of him. I've seen them crying their eyes out. I didn't care. He didn't bother me. I wasn't scared of him."

Following McLean's death in 2020, Ferguson was asked to go to his funeral.

But the former Rangers and Newcastle striker said it would not have been appropriate for him to attend, adding: "I didn't like the guy. He did nothing for me.

"He shouted at my mum on the phone because I wasn't in my digs. Mum's crying her eyes out. I didn't hate him. I don't hate anybody, but I didn't like him."

Read more: Big Dunc - From Barlinnie hell to Goodison heaven

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Departing Dundee United captain Ross Docherty is ready to prove his Premiership pedigree once again and hopes advice from a podiatrist has put an end to recent injury problems.

The 32-year-old helped the Tannadice team finish fourth on their return to the top flight but made just 14 league starts.

The former Ayr United and Partick Thistle midfielder, who led United to the Championship title in the previous campaign, missed most of October, November and March due to various niggles.

"It's obviously frustrating and I can totally understand why everyone else was frustrated as well," he said.

"But I want to put it out there that I was trying my best and doing a lot off the pitch to try and get myself right. It was only in the last few months that we managed to get to the bottom of a few things and get that run of games."

One of the unexpected remedies came when a podiatrist advised him to get his feet remeasured.

"Long story short, I was wearing shoes that were a bit too small and it was kind of killing my calves and hamstrings and stuff like that," explained Docherty.

"We ended up getting the right size of shoe for a start, but also got custom made in-soles. So we managed to get to the bottom of it but maybe a bit too late.

"I'm a wee bit ashamed to tell that story to be honest but, touch wood, that was what was affecting me for so long and I think especially from the last month or two, it's the best I've felt since I've been at United and it gives me that confidence to go and put it right somewhere else by playing and proving myself again.

"I'd love to stay in the top flight but I'll explore any option that's put in front of me."

We asked for your views on captain Ross Docherty being released and Dundee United's 16 end-of-season player departures.

Here's what some of you said:

Kevin: We can only hope the manager has some irons in the fire and we can get real quality in to progress further. I struggle to see how ripping the squad apart can help improve the core of the team. Personally I would have kept Declan Gallagher on a one-year extension and Doherty on a pay-as-you-play basis as when he plays he makes a difference.

John: Absolutely gutted to see Docherty leave. When he played, United were a better team. His control of the midfield was masterful at times. When he wasn't playing other midfielders often fell short. Sure he has been horrendously unlucky with injuries but a pay-as-you-play and bonus for every 10 games played might have suited. Not an easy player to replace.

Calum: Letting all three of Docherty, Gallagher and Louis Moult go is quite risky in terms of the experience and leadership leaving the dressing room. We'll just have to trust that Jim Goodwin knows what he's doing and can successfully pull off a third successive summer rebuild.

Mick: I would have liked to have seen Docherty and Gallagher given at least another year. Their performances, when fit, have been exceptional and their influence on the players around them cannot be underestimated. Most United fans would agree that the side is better and more difficult to beat when Doc is in it, and Gallagher has been a key part of what was, in the main, a very stingy defence. We did start leaking goals when Kevin Holt left, so his contribution should be acknowledged too. Wish these guys, the loan guys, and King Louis all the very best for wherever they roll up next. It's been a pleasure having you at our club.

Derek: The January signings certainly appear to have had little impact. Letting both Docherty and David Babunski go looks a bit cavalier - let's hope there is someone else lined up.

Scott: A bit concerning that we are getting rid of some of our leaders, albeit, as a club we need to progress by bringing in even more talented players. I'm sure Goodwin has a few cards up his sleeve regarding a few players coming in. I just hope they have some pace, power and equality as important, the right personality.

Jeff: All the players released are the correct decisions. Docherty was good for us but was always injured and Gallagher is 34 and another season in the Prem would be too much for him, St Johnstone would be a good fit for both of them, as well as Moult. Hopefully Jim has some players in mind for next season and if he can get Sam Dalby, Luca Stephenson and Jack Walton in again then hopefully it will be another good season.

Ali: Docherty was easily one of our best players when fit but understand he's missed a lot of the season, would have liked to see him on an earn-as-you-play deal but understand that may not have suited both parties. Hoping we have Will Ferry-calibre replacements lined up for the boys who are leaving because everyone was upset when Scott McMann was let go last year and Ferry has definitely been an upgrade.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the start of the Premiership season few would have predicted a fourth-place finish for Dundee United.

Yet Jim Goodwin's men have done just that, with smart recruitment and great organisation two of the main planks upon which their success was based.

The question for Goodwin now is how can he better this season?

There is no doubt it will be tough, but Goodwin will fancy his chances of doing it again next term.

Goal machine Sam Dalby and goalkeeper Jack Walton were integral to United's success. Dalby, who is a free agent this summer, is weighing up his future while Walton has returned to parent club Luton Town where he is looking to "challenge for the number one jersey".

Replacing those two will be a huge task.

And there are others who have played a big part over the past 12 months who have also moved on, such as loanees Luca Stephenson and Emmanuel Adegboyega.

So there is plenty for manager Goodwin, and new head of recruitment Ross Goodwin, to do over the coming months as they look to put together another squad capable of challenging at the right end of the table again.

Being able to dangle the lure of European football in front of prospective new signings will certainly help.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United have confirmed the appointment of Ross Goodwin as head of recruitment.

The 28-year-old moves to Tannadice after three years as head of football data at relegated English Championship club Plymouth.

Goodwin, who replaces the outgoing Michael Cairney, said: "I'm delighted to be joining one of Scotland's biggest and most historic clubs.

"Following a terrific season in which we qualified for European competition, we must ensure we continue to plan for the future while appreciating current success, and my role in that is to further the ambitions of the club by unearthing talented players."

Image source, SNS

Captain Ross Docherty is one of 16 players departing Dundee United.

The 32-year-old midfielder skippered the team to the Championship title last term but has struggled with injuries this season, making 15 starts, as United secured a fourth-place finish and European football.

Docherty will exit with fellow first-team regulars Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher - whose exits were confirmed last month - with the Tannadice club hailing the trio as "pivotal members" who made "priceless contributions" in the second tier and top flight.

North Macedonia midfielder David Babunski is on the way out too - after United opted not to trigger the option of a further year on his deal - along with winter signing Allan Campbell and loanees Lewis Fiorini and Ruari Paton.

On-loan Wrexham striker Sam Dalby, who was United's top scorer this term with 15 goals, and Luton goalkeeper Jack Walton will also leave.

Luca Stephenson and Emmanuel Adegboyega will depart after impressing on loan from Liverpool and Norwich respectively.

And Tony Watt, who spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Motherwell, will also leave this summer, as will academy graduates Ollie Simpson, Zeke Cameron, Adam Carnwath and Bryan Mwangi.

In a statement, United say they "remain in contractual discussions with several players" and will provide a further update.

United fans, have the club made the right decision in cutting captain Docherty loose? Are there any other released players who should have been kept?

Tell us here

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Saturday was up there. It had everything.

United sealed fourth place and European football in our first season back in the big league, after starting the day in fifth and slipping to sixth at one point.

Goals from Declan Gallagher and Sam Dalby completed a 2-1 comeback win over Aberdeen, leapfrogging them as they finished fifth - this alone should've been the headline.

But it wasn't. Because once again, a mindless idiot overshadowed everything.

The image of Jack MacKenzie with blood pouring from his face after being struck by a flying seat launched from the away end was sickening. That's not just bad behaviour - it's criminal.

And while it's one person responsible, the impact is felt by everyone - MacKenzie, the fans, and the game itself.

This has to be a turning point as this time a player was genuinely hurt. Lifetime bans, legal consequences, stronger deterrents - nothing should be off the table.

And as if that wasn't enough drama, the full-time whistle went and the fans poured on to the pitch. Emotions do this to you. Football does this to you.

But the consequences hit hard as our players, heroes to some, many pulling on that magnificent tangerine shirt for the final time, never got their deserved send-off. No lap of honour, no farewell wave. That stings.

Especially when you look at the names: Gallagher (immense again), Louis Moult, David Babunski, even Dalby – we don't know who'll be here next season. But they gave us pride back. They represented the shirt, fought for the club and were part of a brilliant season. They deserved that applause.

And what about Jim Goodwin? Gorgeous Jim as we call him on the podcast. Two years ago he was a punchline. Now he's built a team that's hardworking, united (pun intended), and effective.

From promotion to a top-four finish and for the first time in his career as a player or manager, European football. That's redemption.

We don't yet know if it'll be Europa League or Conference League as it all depends on the Scottish Cup final. But regardless, United are back in Europe.

Shame it ended with stitches and sirens instead of cheers and salutes but make no mistake – this club is on the rise again.

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

Sam Dalby has refused to rule out extending his stay with Dundee United after the 25-year-old striker turned down an extended contract with Wrexham. (The Courier), external

David Babunski will depart Dundee United this summer after the Premiership club opted not to take up the option of a one-year extension to the 31-year-old midfielder's contract. (The Courier), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Luca Stephenson has hinted that he could return to Dundee United next season after playing a key role in helping Jim Goodwin's newly-promoted side qualify for Europe.

The versatile 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan from Liverpool, making 34 appearances.

Despite being ruled out by injury for the final five matches as United sealed fourth spot, Stephenson landed the club's young player of the year award on Sunday.

The Englishman, who joined Liverpool's academy from Sunderland in 2018, is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds and has just a year left on his contract with the Premier League club.

Asked in a club interview if he fancied some European action with United next season, Stephenson smiled: "Maybe, maybe. I can't say too much on it yet. I don't know everything that's going on.

"There's going to be a lot of movement, a lot of talk over the summer, but we'll see what happens."

Reflecting on his season at United, Stephenson added: "It was far in advance of anything I expected. I've played a lot of games but feel like they've been good minutes as well."

Stephenson underwent surgery on a double hernia last month but reported he expects to be fit for pre-season.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss the incident involving an object hitting Aberdeen's Jack MacKenzie during a full-time pitch invasion at Tannadice.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dundee United produced a superb comeback to defeat Aberdeen, leapfrog them into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership and clinch European football on Saturday and one of Jim Goodwin's departing men has made my team of the week.

Declan Gallagher signed off with a goal an important win for the Tangerines.

Watch all the action as Dundee United secured a European spot with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen in their final Scottish Premiership game.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United goalkeeper Dave Richards admits he had "3,000" supporters keeping him up to date with the score in the St Mirren game as the Tangerines clinched a European spot.

Jim Goodwin's side came from behind to snatch fourth spot in the Premiership with a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen and ended the Buddies' hopes of European football for next season.

"We're all over the moon," Richards said.

"It's been a long season. It's been a tough season as well but the boys have been absolutely incredible in there from start.

"We had a little blip the last couple of games but we came out of it [on Saturday] and we've been absolutely brilliant."

At one point during the game, with United trailing the Dons by a goal and St Mirren leading champions Celtic, it looked as though United were missing out on European football for next term.

"I had about 3,000 fans behind me telling me that St Mirren were 1-0 up," the goalkeeper added.

"And they keep me updated with the scores.

"All we were focused on at the start of the day was just to do our job, do what the gaffer said, because we all believed that whatever we would come out on top.

"We did that and it was a good win."

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 2-1 win against Aberdeen.

Here's what some of you said:

Kenneth: What a difference a year makes. Promotion, avoid relegation, target a place in the top six, qualify for Europe. Any team would take that trajectory. Well done United and well done Jim Goodwin, the back room staff and the squad. You have made a lot of people happy. Come on United! Now, where's my passport?

Gary: A massive congrats too Jim and his staff. First half was shocking, second half we were a different team. 110 per cent from United. Pity the players didn't get to say goodbye at the end. No holiday for Jim now, rebuilding starts Monday, as Europe beckons soon. Been a long hard slog, United your supporters have got their reward. Well done.

George: Great end to the season which exceeded expectations. European football should help with signings which will have to be better than this season with exception of Sam Dalby. January signings were particularly disappointing. Several changes to the squad are required and trust in our younger players to step up.

Chris: Huge congrats to Jim and the lads! What an achievement, a season with some ups and downs but clinching fourth place is the result of a team. The club need to back Jim with some shrewd additions for what will be a challenging season at home and in Europe!

Steve: From deep down somewhere, an exhausted United team found the grit and determination to turn the match in their favour. A great end to a terrific season. The fans have stayed behind the players in great numbers home and away and everyone got their reward today.

Image source, SNS

• Dundee United have won 14 points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, only Rangers (16) have recovered more.

• Aberdeen have lost an away game after leading at half time in the Premiership for the first time since 2nd March 2024 against St Mirren (seven games without defeat).

• Sam Dalby has scored 15 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Dundee United player.

• Aberdeen have lost their last four games in the Premiership, their last longer losing streak was from 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, a run of five games.

Image source, Getty Images

We already know Celtic will be in the Champions League play-off round.

And that Rangers will start in the second qualifying stage.

Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen will all be in Europe, too, but the outcome of Saturday's Scottish Cup final will decide who enters which competition and when.

If Celtic win the Scottish Cup...

Hibs will be in the Europa League play-off round. Win that, and they will be in the competition proper. Lose, and it will be the Conference League until Christmas.

Either way, good games and good money.

United will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round, with the second chance of Conference League preliminaries.

And Aberdeen will enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round.

If Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup...

They will be the ones who will be guaranteed continental combat until December.

Hibs would go into the Europa second qualifying round, with the safety net of a second shot in the Conference preliminaries. But no assured league stage football.

And Dundee United would enter the Conference League second qualifying round.