Dundee United

United fans, we asked for your views on what would constitute a successful return to the top flight.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Steve: As long as we are above Dundee it will be a successful season.

Shaun: This season, the only objective is survival, which means 10th or above. The play-off won't cut it.

Gary: Given where we were just 14 months ago, most Dundee United fans would class a mid-table finish and a decent cup run this season as a huge success. Ultimately though, anything from tenth upwards would be very welcome!

Blake: Well, I think if we can beat Dundee and Ross County and maybe possibly get a draw or a good result against Hearts, I really believe we could be top-eight, hopefully we can finish sixth or seventh.

Steve: It's the first season in a long time we've had managerial stability. With up to seven new signings, this is a transitional season for the club but Jim Goodwin has said we're looking to push for a top-six finish. A trophy is probably beyond us but it's all about cementing our place in the league and looking to push on from that.

George: I would like to think that we can finish in the top-six but I would settle for comfortably staying in the league and ready to push on the following season. Best wishes to Jim and the team.

Anonymous: Success this season is staying up. A good season would, as ever, be top-six and finishing above Dundee would be a bonus.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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New signing Will Ferry says his move to Dundee United can help fulfil his international ambitions with the Republic of Ireland.

The 23-year-old left-back became United's first summer signing when he arrived from Cheltenham Town on a three-year deal at the start of last month.

Ferry has represented the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 level.

"There are lots of eyes, you get a good bit of recognition in this league," he said.

"Hopefully I play well and some recognition comes. Obviously I have got to play well first but I think it is definitely a good stage to catch some attention and maybe get rewarded for it.

"Honestly, playing for Ireland at 19s and 21s were the best times of my life in terms of going away with boys.

"It would obviously be a dream to do it again but at senior level so I am hoping I impress and you never know, we will see what happens."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland senior reporter

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Manager Jim Goodwin says Dundee United are better prepared to tackle the League Cup groups after admitting their early exit last term "set a negative tone".

They get their campaign under way with a trip to Falkirk on Saturday, their first game in a section that also includes Ayr United, Buckie Thistle and Stenhousemuir.

United failed to progress beyond this stage of the competition last season.

"It is certainly one that gets the players minds focussed very early," Goodwin said. "It's a competitive competition, one we want do well in.

"We didn't do well in it last season and it set a bit of a negative tone early on, whereas this time round I think we are better prepared in terms of the recruitment we have done.

"We will be the favourites in our group, being the Premiership team, but there are a lot of league winners within our group, so it is probably the toughest section within this stage of the competition.

"But it is a great opportunity for the new players to go and show the supporters why we brought them to the club and a great opportunity for us to try and get off to a good start."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland senior reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has confirmed his interest in North Macedonia attacking midfielder David Babunski.

The 30-year-old Mezokovesdi player, who began his career at Barcelona, has spent the last couple of years playing his club football in Hungary.

"He is a very good player and he is one I have known for a number of years," Goodwin said.

"David is among a number of other players we are looking at and speaking to at the moment, but I don't have anything further to add to that at this time."

Premiership newcomers United have already recruited six new players during this transfer window and Goodwin is hoping to add more to his squad.

"We are still going to be active," he added. "We are still a little bit light in certain areas of the squad, we want to have competition in all areas, that is healthy for the group.

"We have got discussions with a couple of players at the moment, but nothing to be confirmed yet.

"I think it is credit to the recruitment department and the club as a whole for how well organised we have been going into this transfer window."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland senior reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media prior to the start of his side's competitive campaign.

The Tannadice club travel to Falkirk on Saturday in their first League Cup group game.

Here are the key lines:

• Goodwin says he is expecting a very difficult game against a side he regards as "play-off contenders in the Championship".

• He is looking for United to make a positive start to the season after admitting their failure to get out of the group last term "set a bit of a negative tone".

• He believes his squad is better prepared this time round and feels they are "probably in the toughest group".

• Having brought in six new players already in this transfer window, Goodwin says "we still want to add" and feels they are still a little bit light in areas.

• On reports linking United with a move for North Macedonia midfielder David Babunski, he said: "He is a very good player and he is one who I have known for a number of years, David is among a number of players we are looking at and speaking to".

• On his team news, Goodwin adds "we are in good shape".

United fans, after your immediate return to the top flight what would constitute a successful season this time around? Is it just about survival? Would you like to see a decent cup run or a high league finish?

Have your say on what you want to see from Jim Goodwin's side here, external.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin believes most Scottish Premiership clubs struggle to compete financially with teams in England’s National League. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip

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Dundee United academy product Chris Mochrie has joined Airdrieonians following his Tannadice exit earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old made his United debut in 2019, becoming their youngest ever player, before going on to play 51 times.

Thirty of those appearances came last term in the club's Championship-winning campaign, but he departed at the end of the season.

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At Dundee United, this pre-season is an opportunity for young players to stake their claim ahead of the Tannadice side's return to the top flight.

That's according to manager Jim Goodwin, who says he selected the "best crop" of academy prospects to join the first team on their trip to Mottram Hall in Chesire.

Reflecting on the four-day trip, Goodwin says the youngsters immersed themselves in the group and did their prospects of breaking into his plans no harm.

"The young lads have got a lot to learn, obviously," he told club media. "I think it's a great experience for them to be around the senior players and involved in those conversations about the game.

"We've taken what we believe to be the best crop of youth players we've got at the club at the moment. They deserve to be here.

"Obviously we're still looking to add some new faces between now and the end of the window, but I've been very fair to the academy players since I came to the club.

"If they're doing well at their own level, they'll get the opportunity to step up and train with the senior team and see how they handle it. Some of them take to it like a duck to water. Others aren't quite ready and have to drop back down.

"The young players have done themselves no harm at all in terms of their attitude and application. It's been a worthwhile trip for everybody."

Ross Graham. Kevin Holt. Declan Gallagher.

Not a bad trio of defenders for United youngster Sam Cleall-Harding to look up to and learn from.

The 18-year-old centre-back is enjoying his first pre-season trip away with the Dundee United first-team and he soaking up every second of it.

"To be a young boy and come on trips like this, you don't get to do it a lot so you've just got to make the most of it," he told club TV.

"Learning off pros every day that have done this their whole life, whole career, taking wee tips on the training pitch and the gym, it's just so enjoyable.

"I look up to Ross [Graham] being a United fan, coming through the academy and the career he has had so far is something I look to do in my own career. Gal and Holty are two really experienced centre-half's who have played at a top level their whole career so I just look to add bits from their game to my own.

"It's just about doing extra when training is finished to make myself a better player."

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Former Dundee United academy director Paul Cowie has joined forces with his brother Don at Ross County as first-team coach.

Paul spent five years with the Tannadice club and became academy director in October 2022 before announcing his departure two weeks ago for a then non-specified club.

His destination has now been confirmed as Dingwall, with his brother officially confirmed as manager.

Don noted the "great job" Paul did at Dundee United but said "he felt he was ready for a role in a first-team environment".

County CEO Steven Ferguson echoed such sentiments, adding Paul was a "fantastic capture" as he is held "in very high regard in footballing circles".

We asked who you are backing to be Dundee United's breakout star in the new season.

Here's what some of you had to say:

George: Don’t think they have signed him yet. Striker with eye for goal will always be the standout.

Jim: Could be Kai Fotheringham's season. Looked promising in the Championship and is in good hands.

Charles: The one who stands out for me is Miller Thomson as he really impressed me and many other fellow supporters. Certainly one to watch since he has broke through the ranks.

Who do you think will be Dundee United's breakout star in the coming season?

Is there one particular youngster you are backing to impress or perhaps a fringe player who will come to the fore?

Have your say here, external.

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BBC Scotland pundits love a prediction, but usually they're not asked until the beginning of the season.

But, with a Dundee derby to kick off the campaign in early August, one question has been posed well in advance...

Who is going to finish higher? Dundee or Dundee United.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, former Dens Park striker Kenny Miller backed Dundee in a one word answer, while ex-United forward Billy Dodds opted for the Tannadice club as long as "they sign half a dozen players".

With no skin in the game, former Scotland midfielder John Collins had the deciding say and he agreed with Miller... just about.

"I think you've got to say Tony Docherty after last season, they were outstanding in the Premiership," he said.

"United have just come up with a lot of Championship players and there is a big difference between the Championship and the Premiership.

"They've signed six new players, they need new players, a lot of foreign players so you don't know how long it's going to take them to adapt, but Dundee United are a bigger club with a bigger budget and a bigger support."

Scottish former Dundee United head coach Tam Courts, 42, is expected to return to management in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee United defender Ryan Strain believes has the ability to be one of the leading full-backs in the Scottish Premiership, as he targets a return to full fitness.

The Australia international missed a large portion of last season through injury, as St Mirren finished fifth in the top flight.

He made the switch to Tannadice earlier this summer and wants United to aim high on their return to the top flight.

"I want a big pre-season to get as fit as I can," Strain told club media. "I know if I'm fit I can be one of the best right-backs in the league.

"We want to be pushing for top six, pushing for European places, so that's a reason I came here.

"I want to make my mark on Dundee United and hopefully make some history for the club."

Manager Jim Goodwin wants to sign five more players for Dundee United's Scottish Premiership return. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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Newly-signed forward Kristijan Trapanovski has wasted no time in making his mark at Dundee United, scoring on his debut in a friendly win over Annan Athletic.

Macedonian Trapanovski, who joined on a two-year deal earlier this week, netted after the interval in the 120-minute closed-door game at St Andrews.

Louis Moult scored United's other goal and 24 members of Jim Goodwin's squad got game-time in the club's second pre-season outing.

We asked for your views on where Dundee United will be 10 games into the new Premiership season after the fixtures were announced.

Here’s what some of you said:

Gail: I think we'll do well. Jim Goodwin seems to have recruited positively and was ruthless at the end of the season in thinking he had better options coming in. I’m looking forward to the new season and getting off to a winning start in the derby!

Gary: On paper the fixtures look great for United. We’ve had good signings so far. Jack Walton back makes a big impact. Come on United, let’s have a good season.

Paul: The first three games are Dundee, Ross County and St Johnstone. Looking for nine points and there’s no reason why that isn’t achievable.

Alan: The new signings are looking positive, looking like a solid backline now with Walton back in between the sticks, hopefully a couple of playmaking midfielders and a proven striker to push for a place against Tony Watt and Louis Moult. The derby at home for the first game back should be a brilliant atmosphere for the new season, I’m buzzing!

Brian: Hopefully Dundee United stay up and be a challenge in the Premiership against other teams. We need as many points as possible in the first 10 games to see where we stand and we need to get a win against Dundee in first game of the season.

Stephen: Every signing so far has been positive and seems to have been well planned to build a squad prior to the transfer window opening. The club are seemingly moving in the right direction so why not start with a good win against the wee team from across the road! Yet another 6-2 would be just about perfect!

Iain: We will definitely win our first game of the season, as for the rest, we will finish top six and maybe get a place in Europe.

Glen: It’s hard to say but I like the way Goodwin is going about his business nice and early with minimum fuss. I would like to see a central midfielder as I’m not sure about Ross Docherty in the top league with the injuries he took last season and he’s untested at this level. We also need a bit of a targetman up front to mix things up. My heart says top six but my head says anything like 10th or above.

Tam: Great opening match for the new season, with the wee team from along the road visiting, following another one of our traditional 6-2 victories we'll be set up to push into the top six, where we belong.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jack Walton said he "always hoped" for a Dundee United return after helping his side to the Scottish Championship title.

The 26-year-old, who spent last term on loan from Luton Town, has got his wish, checking back in to Tannadice on a similar deal as the Tangerines gear up for life back in the top flight.

"I always hoped this would happen because when we got promoted I made it clear I would like to have a shot at the Premiership," Walton said.

"It is the next step in my development, in my career. I pushed to come back here and try and carry on from what I did last season.

"I made it very clear I was happy up here, I enjoyed my football last season, which is really important to myself.

"As soon as the season was over the conversations were happening behind closed doors, but it just took a bit of time to get the deal finalised."