Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin says Dundee United can push for the top six, while remaining "realistic" about their ambitions in the Scottish Premiership.

After winning the second tier last term, United are stepping up their preparations for life back in the top division this time round.

While survival is the initial aim, they have taken hope from the top-half achievements of Kilmarnock, St Mirren and city rivals Dundee last season.

"I want the supporters to be optimistic and be excited about the season ahead but I want them to be realistic as well," he said.

"I think our main objective initially is to get enough points on the board to ensure that this time next season Dundee United is a Scottish Premiership club.’

"But we have got inside ambitions, we believe in the squad we are putting together. We look at the likes of Dundee, Kilmarnock and St Mirren last season and take a bit of hope from that as well.

"I would expect the likes of Hibernian and Aberdeen to strengthen this summer and to not have a repeat of last season.

"We want to ensure we remain a Premiership team next season but we are not losing any ambition or optimism in terms of trying to push for that top half at the same time."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to embark on life back in the Scottish Premiership after winning last season's Championship.

Here are the key points:

• On his targets for the season he says United are "optimistic but we are realistic as well".

• Goodwin adds: "We want to ensure we remain a Premiership team next season but we are not losing any ambition or optimism in terms of trying to push for that top half at the same time."

• Having brought in six new faces already in this transfer window, he says "we have still got a lot of work to before the window closes".

• Feels the squad is still a bit light in the middle and the top end of the park.

• Having brought in Kristijan Trapanovski (North Macedonia) and Vicko Sevelj (Croatia) this window, Goodwin highlights the success he has had in recruiting players from south-eastern Europe.

• Goodwin also signed North Macedonia international Bojan Miovski at Aberdeen.

• Describes United's Premiership opener with city rivals Dundee at Tannadice as the "perfect fixture".

• Prior to league action, United must navigate a Viaplay Cup group which includes Ayr United, Buckie Thistle, Falkirk and Stenhousemuir. Goodwin called it one of the toughest groups in the competition.

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Dundee United have completed the signing of North Macedonian winger Kristijan Trapanovski.

The 24-year-old has joined Jim Goodwin's side on a two-year deal from Shkupi, where he turned in 15 goals in 101 appearances for the club over four years - including six, and six assists, last season.

“I’m delighted to have Kristijan in the building - we’ve been eagerly awaiting his arrival for a few weeks so it was great to have him as part of the training group this morning," Goodwin told Dundee United's website.

The former North Macedonian under-21 international started his career at Akademija Pandev before moving to Slavia Prague in 2017.

Speaking to the club's website, Trapanovski said he was glad the lengthy process to secure his move had finally been completed.

"It was a long process - I was waiting for a work permit, but now everything is settled.

"Today was my first training and everything was great."

And he revealed fellow new signing, Croatian defender Vicko Sevelj, has been helping him settle in.

"When I first arrived I spoke with Vicko - we speak similar languages so he say everything was nice to me."

Now the fixtures are out, how are you feeling about your side's start to the season?

Where do you think Dundee United will be after the first 10 games? Will they be in a relegation battle or pushing towards the top six?

Give us your thoughts. , external

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Dundee United back-up goalkeeper Jack Newman has joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old is in search of regular game-time as Inverness eye an immediate return to the Scottish championship.

Newman is a regular for Scotland at Under-21 level but didn't feature for United last season and is behind Jack Walton and Dave Richards in the first-team pecking order.

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Newly-promoted Dundee United are relishing opening the season with a derby against Dundee at Tannadice, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The sides will meet on Sunday, 4 August as United eye a winning start on their top-flight return.

"It’s a day that we all look forward to, seeing what that first league fixture is going to look like," Goodwin told Sky Sports.

"I don't think it could have got any better for the city of Dundee, it’s a great fixture for both sets of supporters to look forward to.

"Dundee United are back in the top flight which is where this club belongs and it’s great for the league as well to have those big clubs in that set-up and we’ve got a whole load of derbies to look forward to."

Dundee United fans have plenty to be excited about in their first season back in the Scottish Premiership.

But for many, fixture release day is about finding out the dates of this season's Dundee derbies.

They won't have to wait long, with Tannadice hosting the fierce rivals on the opening weekend.

The new year's derby will be held at Dens Park on Thursday, 2 January at 17:30 BST, while United again play host in the final pre-split meeting of the sides on the weekend of Saturday, 15 March.

Rangers head to Tannadice for the first time in the campaign on Saturday, 14 September, with United travelling to Celtic on Saturday, 2 November.

Jim Goodwin's side's final fixture before the split sees St Johnstone make the short trip to the city of discovery on the weekend of Saturday, 12 April.

Fixtures for the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season have been released.

The campaign will kick off with Hearts hosting Rangers at Tynecastle, a repeat of the sides' final league game of last season which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Newly-promoted Dundee United entertain derby rivals Dundee, while Celtic begin their title defence with the visit of Kilmarnock.

Jimmy Thelin's first Premiership game as Aberdeen boss is a trip to Perth to face St Johnstone.

David Gray starts his reign as permanent Hibs head coach away to St Mirren, while Motherwell are to home to Ross County.

The opening round of fixtures will be played from 3-5 August.

Dundee United will mark their return to the Scottish Premiership by hosting city rivals Dundee at Tannadice on the opening weekend of the season.

The derby will take place on Sunday, 4 August at 13:30 BST.

You can find all of United's fixtures here

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The 2024-25 SPFL schedule will be unveiled at 09:00 BST on Thursday, and we've got all the information you need before the return of domestic football.

The action in all four leagues kicks off on the weekend of 3 August.

Eight months later, the Premiership split happens on the weekend of 12 and 13 April and the top-flight season concludes on the weekend of 17 and 18 May.

And while it might be too painful to be thinking about the national team, there are international periods in September, October, November and March to bear in mind.

There will not, however, be a winter break this season.

The expansion of Uefa's club competitions - with the new league phase of the Champions League and Europa League running until the end of January - is the reason for that.

The SPFL said the format change "exerts additional pressure on the domestic calendar" and means no mid-season trips to the sunshine for Premiership clubs.

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Goalkeeper Jack Walton has returned for "unfinished business" at Dundee United after signing another season-long loan deal from Luton Town.

The 26-year-old was an ever-present in United's title-winning campaign - keeping a club record 19 clean sheets in the second tier - and made 44 appearances across all competitions.

"I'm delighted to finally get the deal done - as soon as last season finished, the discussions started," Walton said.

"We had great success last year, both personally and collectively, and I felt like I had some unfinished business up here with us getting promoted. I wanted a taste of the Premiership."

Manager Jim Goodwin says bringing Walton back was "integral" to the club's summer plans and backed him to "pick up from where he left off in a United jersey".

Goodwin added: "Jack was a big presence in our defence last season - he made some vital saves on the road to our title success, commanded his area with distinction and was a calming presence behind the backline.

"Around the training ground, he is both a shining example of professionalism and a bright personality among the playing group."

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is hoping to complete the signing of 24-year-old winger Kristijan Trapanovski from North Macedonian club Shkupi on a two-year deal with a club-led option for a third season by the weekend. (The Courier), external

Following David Wotherspoon's exit from Dundee United, the 34-year-old midfielder is on trial for a second summer running with Dunfermline Athletic. (The Courier), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Jim Goodwin says Dundee United are still expecting "a number of new faces" in the door before the start of the season.

The United boss has been working "tirelessly" alongside his staff in an effort to get deals over the line, having already added goalkeeper Dave Richards and defenders Will Ferry, Vicko Sevelj and Ryan Strain.

"We have still got a lot of business to do within the recruitment," Goodwin told club media.

"The players we've brought in already are a sign of the quality of player we're looking at.

"There's been a lot of hard work done over the last six months to prepare for being back in the Premiership.

"Myself and the staff have been working tirelessly to identify good quality players and try and get those deals over the line.

"We still expect a number of new faces prior to the start of the league season."

Will Ferry says watching Old Firm derbies and Dundee United playing in the Scottish Championship live on BBC Scotland on Fridays persuaded him to join the Tannadice club from Cheltenham Town as the 23-year-old winger eyes a senior call-up for Republic of Ireland. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

We asked for your views on Ryan Strain joining Dundee United and what other positions need strengthening.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: Strain is definitely a good bit of business but we will never know if he left or if St Mirren let him go. He's a cracking player and an improvement to the squad but time will tell. There are more signings to come and they are needed to go from a Championship squad to a Premiership one! Optimistic though with Jim Goodwin in charge!

George: A good, solid signing who along with other new recruits will bolster the squad. Additional signings are still required but I am certain they are in the pipeline. Excited and confident of a top-six finish next season.

Paul: If Strain can produce the same performances as he did for St Mirren then good buy.

George: We still need a top-line goalkeeper to take the number one spot but other than that the defensive line looks fairly sound with the three recent signings and getting Ross Graham to commit to a new contract. The recruitment focus now needs to be on midfield and central attack where we remain light.

James: Sounds like a great move. Let's hope we manage to get a playmaker to take control middle to front. I can't wait for the new season.

Ewen: The lack of pace in the current squad is a real issue. Speedy wide men who can cross a ball would be a big positive.

Dundee United are in signing talks with several players, according to manager Jim Goodwin. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee United beat Brechin City 2-0 in the first of their pre-season friendlies.

Kai Fotheringham scored from Will Ferry's cross to grab the opener in the first half.

Tony Watt followed up with the second five minutes before full time.

Dundee United have signed Ryan Strain - is it a real statement of intent from the Premiership newcomers?

The Australia right-back comes with plenty of top-flight experience after an impressive two-year spell with St Mirren.

Does Strain provide the kind of quality required in Jim Goodwin's summer business? And does the backline still need further reinforcements?

Share your thoughts here, external

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Ryan Strain's move to Dundee United is a "coup", says delighted manger Jim Goodwin.

The Australia full-back, 27, has signed a two-year deal at Tannadice to remain in the Premiership after leaving St Mirren this summer.

"Bringing Ryan to Tannadice represents an exciting and forward-thinking piece of business," added Goodwin.

"Throughout the past two seasons he has been one of the country’s best performers in his position - his set-piece delivery is first class, he rarely loses a defensive duel and possesses an infectious workrate."

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Dundee United have unveiled their new home kit for the 24-25 season and, unsurprisingly, it's tangerine with a black trim.

However, the eagle-eyed among you will notice a geometric lion pattern on the front of the kit - the dark, upturned triangle is the lion's nose.

Why the lion? After the 'Terror' on the club's badge, of course.

Another Errea number, the kit is complete with black shorts and tangerine socks.

United have only worn tangerine home kits since 1969, previously playing in black and white hoops, and dark green when they were known as Dundee Hibernian.

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Dundee United's newest recruit Vicko Sevelj "personifies the modern-day defender", says manager Jim Goodwin.

The Croat, 23, arrives on a two-year deal after two seasons with Slovenian side NK Radomlje.

Having joined Hajduk Split's youth set-up at age 16, Sevelj became a regular for their reserve side in Croatia's second tier then moved on to FK Sarajevo in 2021.

He spent time on loan with Russian side Akron Tolyatti and Radomlje before the Slovenian outfit made the deal permanent.

Goodwin says he is thrilled to land the versatile defender, having "highlighted Vicko’s talent a few months ago" and is eyeing further signings from Eastern Europe.

"He personifies the modern-day defender - strong in duels and adept at stepping out from the back to assess progressive passing options with confidence," the United boss said.

"Although predominantly a centre-back, his wide attribute spread allows him to be utilised in a variety of positions, further underlining his value to the playing group.

"Vicko’s arrival also represents our first foray into the growing Eastern European market, one which we are eager to continue exploring for more elite-level players this summer and beyond."

Sevelj says he was aware of United before arriving but has been "pleasantly surprised by the size and stature of the club".

He added: "The passion of our fans is incredible too and I have watched many videos of them showing their support for the team - I can't wait to experience it myself."

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Former Celtic and Dundee United defender Charlie Mulgrew has embarked on a new chapter in his career by being appointed Hamilton's Under-18s coach.

Mulgrew retired from playing in September last year after his second spell with United, calling time on an 18-year career in which he earned 44 Scotland caps and won seven trophies with Celtic.

The 38-year-old will now helm the elite youth academy at Championship newcomers Hamilton, with the club saying his "guidance and mentorship" can "inspire, motivate, and elevate the players to reach their full potential".

Mathew Cudjoe’s Dundee United career looks over after talks broke down over a one-year contract extension for the 20-year-old, who has remained on holiday as the squad reported for pre-season training on Monday. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of today's Scottish football gossip here

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