Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Is Sam Dalby the signing of the season?

His goal against Motherwell at the weekend, to get Dundee United back to winning ways, aptly summed up the English striker's importance to this Tannadice side.

He tops the Premiership scoring charts with 12 goals - not a bad return from 24 league appearances. With 47 shots, Dalby boasts an accuracy rate of 55% and conversion rate of 26%.

He has been a key factor behind what has been an excellent campaign so for United. As he continues to add to his impressive stats the discussion about where his long-term future lies will continue.

On loan from Wrexham until the end of the campaign, when he also becomes a free agent, the 25-year-old will not be short of suitors – many of whom will be able to offer him greater riches than United can.

But one thing the Tangerines could have in their favour come the summer, which most (if not all) of those other teams eyeing Dalby won't, is the potential lure of European football.

If Jim Goodwin's team can land that prize it would certainly give their star striker plenty of food for thought.

Until now, Dalby has spent most of his career at clubs who won't get near the continental stage.

Should that be an option with United next season, it could be a big factor when Dalby decides where his future lies.

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their past six Scottish Premiership games against Hibs (W3 D3) since a 3-1 home reverse in December 2021.

• Hibs have lost each of their past three away games at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, this after winning three in a row across 2020-21 and 2021-22 beforehand.

• Dundee United have lost four of their past five Premiership matches played on a Wednesday (D1) since a 3-0 win over Ross County in December 2022.

• Hibs are unbeaten in five away league outings (W2 D3), last going longer without defeat on the road in the Scottish Premiership in December 2017 (nine).

• Dundee United's Jim Goodwin has won each of his last four Premiership home games against Hibs (two with Aberdeen, two with Dundee United) – his longest run of home wins against any side in his managerial career in the competition.

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald is close to returning after a groin injury.

Louis Moult missed Saturday's win over Motherwell due to a calf issue, while Ross Docherty is struggling after being forced off with a thigh problem.

Hibernian captain Joe Newell has suffered a fresh injury and drops out after returning to the squad on Saturday but Alasana Manneh is free of suspension and on-loan midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu is available after being ineligible to face parent club Celtic.

Dylan Levitt could also return, but Elie Youan (foot) is still out.

Kevin Holt denies he threatened to refuse to play for Dundee United in order to force through a transfer to Derry City. (Derry Journal), external

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin praised the impact Kevin Holt had at Tannadice after the club "reluctantly agreed" to sanction a sale.

Holt joined League of Ireland side Derry City on Saturday, and in a statement United hinted the 32-year-old had forced a move by intimating that he "may be unavailable for selection" for the remainder of the season.

Goodwin says he is happy with the make-up of his squad despite defender Holt's departure.

"It's obviously disappointing to lose one of your key players," Goodwin said. "Kevin has been a terrific player for us over the past 18 months and played in pretty much every game he was available. He played a significant role getting us into the Premiership.

"Obviously got a very good offer from Derry City, one he felt was right for him and his family. Reluctantly we agreed to let that move happen.

"I've got a fantastic group available to me now and that's what I tend to focus on. It's all about the squad that's available to us."

Goodwin pointed to the various options he has in the heart of defence and praised the work done in the transfer market to provide flexibility with several signings comfortable in multiple positions.

"Our recruitment strategy at the beginning of the season was to identify players who could play different positions," he added. "Ross Graham, Declan Gallagher and Emmanuel Adegboyega played the game on Saturday.

"We've got Sam Harding, who we've got high hopes for, and Vicko Sevelj can play there as well. We feel we've got great cover in all areas."

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

It had been 11 weeks since our last Saturday 3pm kick-off at Tannadice. And what better way to rediscover the winning feeling than against our bogey team this season - Motherwell.

They had beaten us in all three previous meetings and arrived hoping for a new manager bounce, with Michael Wimmer taking charge for the first time. Decked out in Stone Island jeans and trainers, you'd have thought he was meeting us in the Snug after the game for a few jars.

Both teams came into the match in poor form, but Scotland's top marksman Sam Dalby returned to doing what he does best.

His glancing header was the difference as we finally got the Motherwell monkey off our back with a 1-0 win - Super Sam notching his 13th of the season.

Declan Gallagher led the defence superbly and when the back three didn't snuff out the Well attack, Jack Walton was there to clean up. Only the Old Firm have kept more clean sheets than United this season.

There wasn't much between the teams and it was far from a classic, but at this stage, points over performance is all that matters as we head into the final six games before the split.

One of the standout performances came from Will Ferry. Rested last week at Parkhead, he looked refreshed, hungry, and tireless. He won possession, created chances and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. He was everywhere and excellent.

But the game also brought yet another injury setback for skipper Ross Docherty, who limped off with a thigh issue. United are a stronger team with him on the pitch, but these recurring injuries could mean his future lies elsewhere come summer.

Already away is Kevin Holt, who threatened to throw his toys out the pram over his move to Derry City.

Once seen as the model professional, Holt's messy exit left a bitter taste. United's strongly worded statement about him and his representatives made that clear. In my humble opinion, he won't play for a bigger club than Dundee United in his career.

That said, the move makes sense for him. At 32, he gets the security of a two-year deal and a wage increase, while United bank a five-figure fee for a player out of contract in the summer.

Slán leat, Ballon d'Or Kev!

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

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dundee United keep the pressure on third-placed Aberdeen with a narrow victory over Motherwell and they have one player in my TOTW.

Getting a striker who steadily gets you important goals is gold dust. Dundee United have struck gold with Sam Dalby this season, the Premiership top scorer with 12 and counting.

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Jim Goodwin believes his January transfer business has been vindicated by the United's busy schedule and the injuries in his side.

Midfielder and captain Ross Docherty succumbed to another injury in the first half of the win over Motherwell but Goodwin is happy with the depth in his squad.

"We need as many options as we can which is why we did the business we did in January," the manager said.

"We wanted to strengthen that midfield area which is why we brought the likes of [Lewis] Fiorini in. It gives me great options now especially in the week we have with three games in eight days."

Fiorini adds to the likes of Luca Stephenson, David Babunski, Vicko Sevelj, Craig Sibbald, and Allan Campbell in the middle of the park.

"We ask a lot of the players when they are out there so it gives us a chance to freshen things up if we have to.

"All in all, I am really satisfied with the game and the end result. Obviously the disappointment is losing Ross Docherty."

Watch highlights as Dundee United win 1-0 against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 1-0 win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Lee C: Huge three points! It wasn't pretty but can't complain with a win and a clean sheet. The table is ridiculously tight right now so putting points on the board should be our only concern right now.

Lee T: United deserved to win and should have had more including a second for Sam Dalby that was brilliantly saved. Ross Graham had a fantastic game and it was a case of Kevin Holt who? Still not convinced by the three at the back though. Maybe Holt's departure can put that to bed and United can play with a four.

Dave: That was a tough watch as the win was far from secure until the final whistle. We need more width up front if we are to score more and start winning games by more than one goal.

Calum: It was hard watching for most of the game and both teams were fairly equal as we have been all season. Thankfully we have a striker who takes a lot of the few chances we create for him! Most important thing was to get the win and stop the poor run so that was job done. Will need to be a lot better against Hibs on Wednesday.

Chris: More than happy for the remainder of the season being scrappy, boring 1-0 wins. At this stage of season, it's three points each week that's important and keep pushing for third place! This manager and group of players have shown great character all season, and are now getting close to an end of season very few would have predicted.

Jamie: Very poor game. Real lack of quality from both sides. We probably just edged it, but a draw wouldn't have been an unfair result. Dalby is our difference maker. Refreshing to watch a game where VAR doesn't work against us. I predict a sixth-place finish which is where we should be based on our budget in the league.

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• Dundee United have kept a clean sheet in nine of their 27 games, only Rangers (13) and Celtic (19) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Sam Dalby has scored 12 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other player. He now has four goals against Motherwell in three appearances.

• Dalby has now scored the opening goal in five Premiership matches this season.

• Dundee United are unbeaten in their last six league matches when leading at half-time (W2, D4) dating back to 4 February 2023 against Hearts (L1-3).

• Dundee United have stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in 17 of their 27 games, only Celtic (22) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have lost their last five games in the Premiership, their last joint longest losing streak was from 1 January 2015 to 24 January 2015.

• Motherwell have failed to win any of their last 10 matches when conceding first in the Premiership, since a victory over St. Mirren on 28 September 2024.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton was delighted to finally beat Motherwell, after the Steelmen won the first two matches of the season between the sides.

United had not lost three topflight home games in a row against Motherwell since May 2000 but managed to avoid repeating the feat thanks to Sam Dalby's score.

"They've won the previous games we've played against them, so obviously we're delighted to finally get one over them," Walton admitted. "It was a tough battle. It was always going to be a close game with probably one goal deciding the game, so we're happy to be on the right side of it today.

"We've had some difficult fixtures. We've not played a game here for a long time, so it's good to be back at home in front of our fans and happy to get the result."

The main difference in the Motherwell side that United faced was a new man in the dugout, as Michael Wimmer took charge of the Steelmen for the first time.

"This week it's been a bit different," Walton continued. "We weren't sure who was playing, the style of play that the new manager would play, so we had to concentrate on ourselves and make sure that we were at it today and do what we're good at.

"I feel at this time of the season it's about winning games and obviously it's a massive three points for us today."

The win briefly moved United back into third before Aberdeen's late goal against Dundee. However, the on-loan Luton stopper insisted his teammates are only focusing on themselves.

"It's the first time I've experienced a split. The good thing is it's in our own hands. We're not chasing. All we have to do is concentrate on ourselves. We don't have to look at anybody else or any other fixtures.

"We've just got to take care of our business and we know if we do what we're good at and carry on doing what we're doing, we'll be in that top six."

Dundee United claim defender Kevin Holt forced a transfer to Derry City by intimating that he "may be unavailable for selection" for the remainder of the season. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Derry City have brought in Kevin Holt on a two-year deal from Dundee United for an undisclosed fee.

The 32-year-old defender scored four goals in 29 appearance for the Scottish Premiership side this season.

Holt began his career with boyhood club Queen of the South, helping them to Scottish Challenge Cup success in 2013.

The left-sided defender also lined out for Dundee before stints at Cypriot First Division sides Pafos and Ermis Aradippou either side of a Queen of the South return.

Holt settled with Partick Thistle and was a senior figure in their journey to the Premiership play-off final in 2023, which earned him the move to Dundee United that summer.

The move to League of Ireland side Derry is subject to international clearance.

Michael Wimmer's reign as Motherwell manager began with a defeat as Sam Dalby's goal earned Dundee United a first win in four Scottish Premiership games.

The Fir Park side have now lost six consecutive matches and now slip down to ninth.

United's own form had been pretty poor of late, but they got back on track thanks to division's top scorer Dalby converting a towering first-half header for his 13th of the season.

What did you make of that, United fans? Worthy of the victory? Who impressed you?

Let us know your thoughts, external.

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland: "The result was huge today given how the other results have gone in the Premiership today.

"Really important for us to get back to winning ways. Prior to the match we were on a difficult run, albeit played some difficult teams within that. We defended brilliantly, working a lot in terms of our defensive shape in the build-up to today's game.

"It was about getting back to basics, keeping clean sheets, defending well, and I always feel we'll get good chances. With a guy like Sam Dalby given service, nine times out of 10 he'll put the ball in the back of the net.

"He was unlucky not to have a double today, denied by a really good save in the second half.

"I couldn't be any more pleased with the outcome today. We know we could have played better, we were very good in the first half and well worthy of the lead. The second half was a little scrappy and Motherwell put us under pressure going into the last 10 minutes of the game."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Although plenty had talked about United's poor form, including Jim Goodwin, some context needed provided.

Six losses in their last seven doesn't sound great, but two of those games were against Celtic and one was against Rangers.

They didn't look like a team down in the dumps, immediately taking the game to Motherwell and it was their strong start that ended up winning the game.

Any ball sent into the box at a decent head height was bound to be attacked by Dalby, and the striker's header was a classic target man's goal.

They had chances to make it two, but when presented with chances they couldn't find a way to truly kill the game off with Luca Stephenson particularly guilty with his second-half miss.

However, they dealt with everything that Motherwell threw at them - if not by the three-man defence, then by Jack Walton in goal. Perhaps no surprise that only the Old Firm have kept more clean sheets than them this season.

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Sam Dalby. Another goal for the league's top scorer. It was brilliantly taken, a proper old-fashioned number nine's goal.

A word for Jort van der Sande. His wait for a goal goes on but when he came on, he linked up the play nicely, held it up well, and calmed things down.

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald is back in training after a groin injury but not ready to play. Kevin Holt and Will Ferry return for United while Lewis Fiorini is also pushing to be fit.

On-loan United striker Tony Watt is ineligible for Motherwell, who remain without Jack Vale (Achilles), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (calf), Steve Seddon (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Zach Robinson (Achilles) and goalkeepers Archie Mair and Aston Oxborough (both hand).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Ross Graham insists Dundee United "aren't too worried at all" by their recent run of results, stressing "we know we are a good side".

Despite sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership, United have just one win from their last six league games, but the defender is adamant that will change and hopes it does so against Motherwell on Saturday.

"I don't think we are too worried at all," he said. "We know we are a good side, we have got really good players and this form over the last few weeks, it is going to change at some point and hopefully it can be this weekend.

"On the season as a whole, it has been pretty good up until now, and we are still looking to keep going through this last period."

The 23-year-old is looking to start playing his part, after enduring a campaign hampered by injury.

"I started well, then I got a hamstring injury so I was out for about eight weeks and the team were doing so well so I couldn't get back into the side," he added. "That's just football.

"Over the last few weeks, I have been in and out but now I am looking to hold my place in the team and finish the season off strongly.

"Everyone is frustrated when they are not playing, sitting on the bench, but you have just got to be ready for an opportunity to come back into the team.

"So, I am looking to get a good run in the side from now until the end of the season."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admitted star striker Sam Dalby will have attracted the attention of other clubs with his goal-scoring exploits at Tannadice.

Since arriving on loan from Wrexham, Dalby has netted 11 times for the Tangerines and is the Premiership's leading scorer.

Goodwin says United are keen to keep Dalby at the club beyond this season, but accepts it might not be possible.

"There is no surprise Sam has got a lot of attention off the back of what he has done for Dundee United," Goodwin said of his target man, who has reportedly been offered a new contract by his parent club.

"It's been a really successful loan for everybody. Do we want to try and hold on to him? Of course we do, and we will be at the table having those conversations in the summer.

"But some of these teams out there have got bigger budgets and we are quite realistic about that aspect of it as well."

Dalby was linked with a return back to north Wales in January but, a few weeks into the winter window, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson confirmed the striker would be staying in Scotland

"All I can say is that Sam has loved his time at Dundee United, he has really appreciated what the club have done for him," Goodwin added. "We have given him that opportunity to put himself in the spotlight and I know he is very grateful for that.

"Sam has played a huge role in putting us in the position we are in right now and I know he has got one eye on being the top goal scorer in the Premiership which would be a hell of an achievement for him."

Another player who has been linked with an exit from Tannadice is defender Kevin Holt. With the Irish transfer window still open, Derry City have been linked with a possible move for the 32-year-old.

"Kevin has been instrumental in the last couple of seasons," Goodwin added.

"The Irish window is different to our one here so no doubt there are a number of teams in Ireland that would love a number of our players, but this is a really important time for us and we are not thinking about any outside distractions at this time."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted that recent results "haven't gone the way we would have liked" but pointed out they "are still in a very good position".

United have won just one of their last six league games, however, with his side sitting fourth in the Premiership table, Goodwin is keen to accentuate the positives ahead of Saturday's visit of Motherwell.

"There is no getting away from the fact that, on paper, the last half dozen results or so haven't gone the way we would have liked but it's important to put these things in perspective as well," Goodwin said.

"We have played Celtic twice during that period at Parkhead, Rangers at home and in the other games they have been really narrow defeats where there hasn't been a great deal in the games.

"We are still in a very good position as far as we are concerned, there is still a really positive feel-good factor about the group and there are seven games to go before the split.

"It is an exciting time for the club, players and supporters. If you had offered us this position away back at the beginning of the campaign, we all would have taken it."

United face a step into the unknown as they look to get back to winning ways against a Motherwell side who have just appointed Michael Wimmer as their new manager.

"It's definitely not ideal that you go and play against a team that has a new manager and there are no games to analyse," Goodwin admitted.

"In fairness to my analysts, they have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to try and get some footage from some previous clubs. But, it is very difficult for us to try and predict what the system is going to look like, what the personnel is going to look like and what their game plan is going to be.

"The main focus for us has always been on ourselves, making sure we are in the right frame of mind defensively, making sure we are solid and doing what we have been good at all season which is what put us in this really strong position we are in."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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

Here's a taste of what he said:

• The manager said that having Craig Sibbald, who has been out of the squad with a long-term injury, back "feels like a new signing" but points out the midfielder is not ready to start.

• On facing a Motherwell side with a brand new manager in Michael Wimmer, Goodwin says it is 'not ideal' to be coming up against in terms of preparation, but adds United need to "focus on ourselves".

• With the Irish transfer window still open, there have been reports linking Derry City with United defender Kevin Holt. Goodwin said "no doubt there are a number of teams in Ireland that would love a number of our players" but highlights how important a time it is for his team, saying they are not focussing on "outside distractions".

• Amid their recent run of one win in their last six league games, Goodwin admits "on paper the last half dozen results haven't gone the way we would have liked" but notes they have played Celtic twice and Rangers during that run.

• Speaking on Sam Dalby and whether he wants to keep the striker - who is out of contract in the summer - the manager said: "Of course we do and we will be at the table having those conversations".