Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United defender Vicko Sevelj doesn't believe their recent heavy defeat to Celtic will knock them off their stride.

United were thrashed 5-0 at Tannadice last time out as the Hoops sealed the Premiership title.

Sevelj insists that home humbling wont derail what has been a positive season for the fifth place Tangerines and he feels their remaining schedule of games could give them the edge in the battle to finish as the best of the rest behind the Old Firm.

"We now have four games, four finals, until the end of the season," Sevelj said.

"The opponents we are playing are not such quality like Celtic because they are the champions of the league. On Saturday we can show the real Dundee United again."

The 24-year-old Croatian has earned rave reviews after a string of fine performances since he arrived from Slovenian side NK Radomlje last summer.

"I have enjoyed it," he added.

"It is a long season here, that is the first time I have experienced that without any big break.

"I have enjoyed it and I think my game has developed in every aspect of the game, because I am playing in the toughest league in my life so I think my development has been good."

• After their 3-1 win in February, Hibs could pick up back-to-back top-flight victories over Dundee United for the first time since winning three in a row over them in 2006.

• Dundee United have only lost one of their past 14 away top-flight trips to Easter Road (W5 D8), going down 2-1 in November 2012.

• Hibs have won their past six home league games, their longest run in the Scottish Premiership since winning seven in succession from January to April 2018 under Neil Lennon.

• Dundee United have won their past two away league outings, last winning more in a row in the Scottish Premiership on their travels in August 2020 (four). However, the Tangerines are winless in 16 away games in the competition against the four sides currently above them in the table (D6 L10) since a 3-0 win at Hibs in October 2021.

• Hibs remain unbeaten in their past 16 top-flight home games against newly-promoted opponents (W6 D10) since a 1-0 defeat to Ross County on Boxing Day 2012.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has had "really positive conversations" with the Dundee United board as he seeks a bigger budget next season.

The Irishman has produced a team that has delivered on the park despite having to go through a period of financial belt tightening off it.

United have impressed on their top-flight return and currently occupy fifth, just three points off third-place Hibs, who the Tannadice men face this weekend.

"I think it has been well documented in terms of when the team was last in the Premiership, the overspend that was there within the squad and the changes that we had to make to make things a bit more sustainable," said manager Goodwin.

"We have done that with a lot of hard work, not from me but from the chief executive and the board and the owner in terms of cutting costs to make things a bit easier.

"But I am not sitting here pleading poverty. I don't think we have got as big a budget as the likes of Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen but I would imagine we have a bit more than others in the league.

"But I think, to continue to move the club forward, of course the budget needs to grow with it in order to bring in the better quality of player. That is ultimately what we all want and we want to do that in a really sensible fashion."

A win at Easter Road on Saturday would move United move level on points with the capital club. Aberdeen sit fourth, behind Hibs on goal difference.

"I am pretty sure the majority of people out there will probably see us as the underdogs in this fight for third place," said Goodwin.

"I think Aberdeen are close to £3m this year in transfers and Hibs will probably be in excess of £1m. So the fact that with the resources we have had available to us this season, that we are able to go toe to toe with these two teams, it is great credit to the squad and the backroom team that we have been able to stay in the fight.

"But I don't mind the underdog tag. I think it certainly does relieve some of the pressure but at the same time we have got every faith and belief in the group that we are capable of getting a result on Saturday and putting ourselves right back in it."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership trip to face Hibs.

Here are the key points:

• On Wrexham loan striker Sam Dalby, who is a free agent in the summer, Goodwin says "we have had loads of discussions" and will "do all we can to try and make sure he is here for next season".

• He insists United have moved on from their 5-0 defeat to Celtic and "our season won't be defined" by that result.

• On whether the result could knock United off their stride, Goodwin says his side wouldn't be fifth in the table if they lacked a "strong mentality".

• He is happy for the Tannadice men to be seen as "underdogs" in the battle for third with Hibs and Aberdeen.

• Goodwin praised the "remarkable job" David Gray has done at Hibs but insists United are determined to get back to winning ways.

• On whether his transfer budget for next season is already in place, Goodwin says he has been having "really positive conversations" with the club hierarchy and adds: "To continue to move the club forward the budget needs to grow with it."

Dundee United boss believes on-loan Sam Dalby could find himself a casualty of a Wrexham spending spree if he were to extend with the Welsh club, which has been promoted to the Championship. (The Courier), external

"I've definitely got a few more goals in me, that's for sure," says Louis Moult, with the 32-year-old striker open to staying in Scotland once his Dundee United contract expires at the end of May. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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It will come as little surprise to anyone that the latest attempt at reconstruction of the Scottish Premiership has failed to get off the ground.

A change from the current 12-team set-up to one of 10, 14 or 16 were the options being discussed but the SPFL said "there was no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus".

Maintaining the status quo is a consequence of there being "no perfect option" for change, according to The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, McGowan said: "If you look at the options for expanding the Premiership, for 14 you would have to have probably a top six and a bottom eight and a different number of fixtures. So that's less than ideal.

"Look at the 16, which is the one that supporters really want. But Neil Doncaster has been saying consistently that you would then have to find a way to still preserve your four Celtic v Rangers games because Sky sports are not a charity. They're a subscription network who want to get the biggest numbers for games. So they want more Celtic and Rangers games.

"So it's how you square that circle with the 16 that's the problem. So it's not so much I don't think there's no great desire for expansions. There's no such thing as a perfect option and one that they can all vote for. That's the problem basically."

Former Scotland defender Maurice Ross, meanwhile, has accused Premiership clubs of "self-preservation".

"If they're going to remain the same, okay, let's put two clubs [automatically] down then and have a third-place play-off," said Ross.

"And we'll see what the reaction is of the clubs in four or five years' time. Then they'll want reconstruction."

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Saturday was a good day to be a Dundee United fan. That's right, you read that correctly. You might want to re-read it just to be sure, because I can hardly believe I'm typing it.

Yes, our beloved team were put to the sword by Celtic, for the umpteenth time, but here's the real victory... it's the last time we have to endure that for at least four glorious months.

Small mercies, people. Small mercies. Okay, all joking aside, there's searching for positives and then there's talking complete mince. I think we all know which side of that line I'm currently tap dancing on.

United may have been absolutely skelped on the day, but the team need to get that one out of their system, and fast. Preferably faster than the away fans cleared the stands at full-time.

There are just four games left before the lads can swap football boots for flip-flops and start their summer holidays. But there's a lot at stake between now and then.

On paper, at least, none of the teams we've still to face are as terrifying as the newly-crowned champions. Which, in theory, should make things easier. In theory. In practice? Well, we are Dundee United, so buckle up.

Next stop, Easter Road, where United face Hibs in what promises to be a cracker. Hibs are three points ahead of us right now and have a far superior goal difference.

I don't want to say it's a must-win game, but it is definitely a must-not-lose, must-not-embarrass-ourselves, must-not-go-missing-during-the-90 minutes type of game.

The carrot is dangling. Win, and you give ourselves a massive boost in the race for third place. Draw, and we're still in the race, but hoping for Aberdeen slipping up. Lose, and third place is gone.

Over to you, boys. No pressure. (Okay, a wee bit of pressure).

Paul McNicoll can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

Jim Goodwin will hold talks with Richard Odada and Meshack Ubochioma over their Dundee United futures as the duo continue to struggle out on loan. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch as the Sportscene team discuss Dundee United's mentality heading into a huge game against Hibernian next weekend.

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 5-0 loss against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Jenny: Jim Goodwin's awful team selection showed he didn't expect to take anything from this game. Playing with one recognised centre-back was lunacy. Deciding not to give Declan Gallagher a new contract is already proving to be costly as he sat this one out on the bench when he would usually be playing. Mediocre performance from a mediocre team picked by a mediocre manager. United would have been as well not turning up and losing the three points. Shocking display and shocking management.

Dave: Horrible afternoon. Don't really know what our aim was. Started well then our momentum destroyed by the stupid 'tangerine protest'. To lose 5-0 and not have a yellow card to our name also tells a story. Glad not to play them again this season.

Kenny: What an absolutely awful performance by every player, yes Celtic were going for the points to win the league but come on, at least make a game of it playing at home. We'll be lucky to finish in fifth playing like that, a shocking performance. Half of the United fans left at half time, what does that tell the club and Goodwin?

Eddie: Baffling team selection and how Allan Campbell stays on the pitch is mystifying. Embarrassing performance that could have been even worse. You can't put out that team against the runaway league champions and not get taught a lesson. Much, much better required next weekend.

Andy: Team selection was wrong. Badly missed Gallagher, and Campbell is a wasted jersey. Four cup finals now to chase third. David Babunski to start them all!

George: The defeat by Celtic was not unexpected but losing five goals was a surprise. Four games to go to set things right. Then Jim has some recruiting to do before next season.

Celtic could face sanctions after objects were thrown by spectators on to the pitch during the league championship-clinching 5-0 win at Dundee United, an apparent protest by supporters about ticket prices. (Football Insider), external

Dundee United head coach Jim Goodwin is remorseful towards the club's fans following their heavy defeat. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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• Celtic have scored in 31 of their 34 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have a record of W0, D0, L4 when conceding the opening goal at home in the Premiership this season.

• Celtic have avoided defeat in their last 43 matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-2 loss to Kilmarnock on 10 December 2023.

• Dundee United have failed to win any of their last five matches when conceding first in the Premiership, since a victory over Dundee on 2 January 2025.

Were you at Tannadice or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin to Sky Sports: "There's never a good time to play Celtic, there was so much on the line for them and they were really on it.

"It sounds crazy to say that for the opening half hour we were really good. At 2-0 we can probably manage the game a bit better and get in at half time.

"We can't allow today's result to dishearten us too much. It wont be a surprise Celtic have won the game. We've got a huge game next weekend."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Those darn tangerines. Not the orange-shirted Dundee United players, but fruit that was thrown on to the pitch early in the first half by the travelling fans, apparently in protest against ticket prices.

That disruption completely ruined the home side's momentum and allowed Celtic to re-set after a very underwhelming opening.

Jim Goodwin can legitimately look back on a highly-promising first 30 minutes as a good marker for the final four matches, with a European place still very much within their grasp.

He will rue the fact his side still managed to give away three goals before the interval having done so well prior to that.

But he'll take solace from the fact Celtic have done similar things to other teams and will be happy with the flexibility he now has, having gone to a back four which showed signs of promise before the collapse came.

The scale of that collapse will be a worry, but he may well take the view that better sides than his have also felt the sharp end of Celtic in clinical mode.

Midfielder Craig Sibbald, 29, is set to reach a century of Dundee United appearances against Celtic. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee United are without Ross Graham while Luca Stephenson's loan from Liverpool has ended prematurely due to a double hernia, but Vicko Sevelj could return after missing the last two games.

Celtic remain without Yang Hyun-jun (elbow) and Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United striker Ruari Paton hopes the way he was rekindled his career can inspire young players cut loose by clubs to keep chasing their dream.

Irishman Paton, who arrived on loan from Port Vale in January, admits being part of United's European challenge is a far cry from where he was when he was released by Hibs as a 19-year-old.

Speaking prior to Saturday's Premiership visit of Celtic, he said: "You are 19, your life is just starting, even now I am 24 I feel like a completely different person that I was then. But did I feel like the bottom of my world had gone? Absolutely.

"I would love if even one younger person watched my interviews and my story and understood that through a couple of years of really hard graft and performing at certain levels and just scaling bigger and bigger, they can look at my story and think your career is not over just because you were released by a professional club. It is far from over.

"I would reinforce that to every young person I meet. Don't be resentful to football, because football isn't the problem.

"Don't get resentful towards the game, enjoy it and play it while you can, immerse yourself in it every day because it doesn't owe you anything.

"But it is absolutely brilliant to play in and there is no reason why you can't go back up the way again, especially in Scotland."

After his Easter Road exit, Paton rebuilt his career at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park before making the move to England.

He has struggled for game time and has yet to score since he arrived at United but maintains he has "loved it".

He said: "I knew fine well I was putting myself in a situation where I wasn't guaranteed to play every minute.

"It is not in my personality to be fearful or afraid of a jump or failing. I would be more than happy to come and fail, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I have failed miles worse before.

"I have loved it. A lot of people fall out of love with football, they will come up here and tell you they love it, but they don't. A lot of footballers don't love football.

"I still do love it when I look around and think 'the stadium is full, it is amazing' you have to try to enjoy every moment as it comes."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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The decision not to renew the Dundee United contracts of "influential" duo Declan Gallagher and Louis Moult was "not taken lightly" and they can leave with "heads held high", says manager Jim Goodwin.

Defender Gallagher and forward Moult have been informed at this stage of the season out of "fairness" while Goodwin is adamant it will not disrupt their focus in the final five games as United chase third in the Premiership and European football.

"Such decisions are not taken lightly, there is a lot weighed up," Goodwin said.

"There is always an argument about when do you break the news to the players. Some people think you should wait until the end of the season but personally I don't think that is fair to players.

"They have wives, kids and mortgages, just like the rest of us, and I think you have got to be fair to the lads and give them enough time to try and sort out their futures at other clubs."

Goodwin believes the pair still have a big part to play between now and the end of the season and are "on board" with United's task at hand.

"They have been extremely professional since we have had those conversations and they both want to play a part in the next five fixtures and leave Dundee United with their heads held high," he added.

"I know they will leave with the greatest of respect from the Dundee United supporters and all the staff here as well."

Though Gallagher and Moult know where they stand, goalkeeper Jack Walton's future is less clear.

The 26-year-old, on loan from Luton Town, has been a standout for the Tannadice club and is currently set to be a free agent this summer. While Goodwin would love to retain his services, he is aware it is outwith United's hands.

"He's a terrific goalkeeper who's had a brilliant season," Goodwin said of the shot-stopper who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season.

"But we are not in control of that one unfortunately, because Luton Town have got the option of Jack for next season. But he knows my thoughts on him.

"He has been a really influential figure for us and of course you want to hold on to your better players and Jack is certainly one of those."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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

Here are the key lines:

• With Celtic needing just a point to win the title, Goodwin says fourth-place United are "very determined" to avoid a title party taking place at Tannadice.

• He bristled at any suggestion the pressure is off United: "We are not just satisfied by the position we are in right now. We have still got a hell of a lot to play for ourselves."

• United have five "huge" games to go and with Aberdeen hosting Hibs on Saturday, "something is going to give at Pittodrie" and Goodwin wants his side to "try and capitalise on it".

• Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher won't be offered new deals to stay beyond the summer. Goodwin says "those decisions are not taken lightly" and he "can't speak any higher" of the contribution they have made to the club.

• Goalie Jack Walton's loan from Luton Town is up in the summer and Goodwin says his future is out of United's hands, with the English club having an option for him.

• On possible new signings: "Conversations are ongoing with numerous players and agents at the moment."

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• Should Celtic avoid defeat, they will be crowned Scottish champions for the 13th time in 14 seasons, failing only in 2020-21 in this period.

• Dundee United are winless in their past 22 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D5 L17) since a 2-1 league victory in December 2014 under Jackie McNamara.

• Celtic have kept a clean sheet in four successive league meetings with Dundee United, their longest ongoing run against any current Scottish Premiership club.

• Dundee United have won their past three league games (all 1-0); they last won more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in December 2013 (five).

• Since winning 10 successive away league games from late April to early December 2024, Celtic have since won just three of their last eight on the road (D2 L3). They have suffered three defeats in their last seven away league outings, more than their previous 28 beforehand (W22 D4 L2).