Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin expressed his delight at midfielder David Babunski's Dundee United introduction after revealing a previous attempt to sign him for Aberdeen.

The former Barcelona youth graduate and North Macedonia international joined from Hungarian side Mezokovesdi Sport Egyesulet this week and made his first outing in United colours against Stenhousemuir on the same day.

It is a case of second time lucky for Goodwin, who tried to recruit the 30-year-old during his stint at Pittodrie.

"I have known David for about three years now," the United boss said. "I have built up a good network of contacts in eastern Europe.

"At [Aberdeen] we had done a good bit of business in that league with the likes of Bojan Miovski and Ylber Ramadani. David was one we also tried to get, but unfortunately we couldn’t make a deal happen.

"I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad, but he has had a great education in the game at arguably the best academy in world football.

"The lads have been asking him about the certain players he has trained with over the years. He has got a nice picture of himself with Lionel Messi.

"So he has done things in the game that some of us could only dream of and you can see his technical ability. You can see what he brings, he is a very calming influence and will demand the ball in tight areas."

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Dundee United are "still very much a work in progress" despite looking more like themselves in their midweek League Cup group win over Stenhousemuir, says manager Jim Goodwin.

After losing 2-0 to Falkirk in their Group B opener, United got off the mark by beating their third-tier visitors 3-0 on Tuesday night.

They welcome Championship side Ayr United to Tannadice on Saturday.

"Last Saturday against Falkirk we didn't give a good viewing of ourselves at all," Goodwin said. "But Tuesday night was a lot more like what we are looking for.

"We are still very much a work in progress, a lot of new players still trying to understand different systems and what is being asked of them.

"But I think the fans that turned up on Tuesday night saw the quality the likes of David Babunski and Kristijan Trapanovski are going to bring to the group.

"Trapanovski with a couple of assists and getting the last goal and Babunski just oozes quality in the middle of the pitch, very comfortable in possession and is always looking to play forward, which is what you want from a midfielder."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland senior reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before this weekend's League Cup group match with Ayr United at Tannadice.

Here are the key lines:

• Ryan Strain will have scan later on Thursday to determine the extent of a hamstring injury.

• Goodwin says it is too early to put a timescale on how long the right-back may be out for but described it as "a bitter blow".

• The United boss adds that new recruit David Babunski "oozes quality" and revealed he tried to sign him when he was in charge at Aberdeen.

• After admitting "we didn't give a good viewing of ourselves" in their opening League Cup group defeat at Falkirk, Goodwin said their midweek win over Stenhousemuir "was a lot more like what we are looking for".

• Kristijan Trapanovski, another new signing, scored and got two assists in that victory over Stenhousemuir, and Goodwin said his performance "should be one that excites the fans".

• When asked if he is looking to bring any more new faces in, Goodwin added: "We would expect some new players to come into the squad probably in the middle to the end of next week".

• He went on to praise the "terrific job" ex-Celtic captain Scott Brown has done since he took charge at Ayr.

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Dundee United face an anxious wait to find out how long summer signing Ryan Strain may be sidelined after the Australia international was injured during the League Cup win over Stenhousemuir.

The 27-year-old was forced off 10 minutes into the second half of the 3-0 win at Tannadice with a hamstring knock.

"The injury to Ryan has taken the gloss off the evening because we’re all concerned now about what exact injury he’s picked up," said manager Jim Goodwin.

"It’s definitely muscular and it looks like the hamstring. It’s not an injury he’s had previously.

"He tried to backheel the ball and he just felt a pop in the back of his hammy.

"We’ll see how it settles overnight. He’ll get a scan and we’ll probably get the results on Wednesday evening so fingers crossed it’s nothing serious."

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Young Dundee United goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams has joined third-tier Kelty Hearts on loan until January.

Adams, 20, spent the second half of last season at Edinburgh City, making 18 appearances in League One and even scored a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Queen of the South.

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Dundee United have signed a player of "unquestionable" pedigree in North Macedonia midfielder and Barcelona youth graduate David Babunski, says boss Jim Goodwin.

Dabunski, 30, moves to Tannadice from Hungarian side Mezokovesdi Sport Egyesulet on a one-year deal, with United holding the option of a further 12 months.

The Skopje-born player spent seven years in Barcelona's famed 'La Mesia' youth academy, alongside the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Adama Traore, before becoming a regular for the club's B team in Spain's second tier.

He joined Red Star Belgrade in 2016, winning the league title that season, then played under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F Marinos in Japan before spells in Romania and Hungary.

"David’s pedigree is unquestionable, having enjoyed a footballing education second to none with Barcelona," said Goodwin of the 15-cap midfielder.

"His subsequent career has demonstrated both his versatility to adapt to several different cultures, on and off the park, and his quality to remain at the top level.

"He’s a player we’ve had on our radar for an extended period of time, so to introduce him to the training group was extremely gratifying. I eagerly anticipate his positive impact on the squad."

Babinski, who is United's seventh summer recruit and joins fellow Macedonian Kristijan Trapanovski at Tannadice, says he "delayed the response to other offers" because he was so keen for the move to happen.

"I’m deeply grateful for the trust the club has placed in me," he added.

"Coming to a country where the football culture is massive and the standard of the league is high are some of the things that enticed me, and I can already feel the magnitude of the club."

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Manager Jim Goodwin is looking for a swift response to Dundee United's opening defeat to Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup.

The newly promoted Premiership side were booed off by travelling fans after being sunk by goals from Dylan Tait and Ross MacIver.

"There is a lot we need to work on tactically in terms of the system we are trying to adapt to," Goodwin told United TV.

"There are loads of lessons to be learned. We need to be better on the ball, play forward a bit quicker and with more running off the ball. Those basic elements, we were second best and it is something we will improve at."

United welcome Stenhousemuir to Tannadice on Tuesday.

"The good thing about this competition is the next game comes around pretty quickly where you can make amends and put things right," said Goodwin.

"In this group stage, you can afford to lose a game and if you win your next three it puts you in a very strong position.

"We just have to make sure we are better in every area of the pitch on Tuesday night."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin knows he has to improve the quality of a squad that struggled to shake off Raith Rovers before winning the Championship and promotion.

Having inherited Miovski during his time leading Aberdeen, he will be hoping another Macedonian, Kristijan Trapanovski, has a similar impact in Scotland as the 24-year-old winger arrives having helped Shkupi finish first, second then third in his domestic top flight in the last three seasons.

Hosts Falkirk, the League 1 champions, should provide a stern opening test.

• Read Clive's full piece here

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

Image source, SNS

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".