Ivan Dolcek says he would like to remain with Dundee United permanently after the 25-year-old winger was named Scottish Premiership player of the month for August following his loan move from Slovak club Dunajska Streda. (The Courier), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSHibernian could hand debuts to new loan signings Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell. Boss David Gray is hopeful all 12 of his players who have been away on international duty have returned unscathed.
Dundee United remain without Ryan Strain, Isaac Pappoe (both knee), Kristijan Trapanovski, Ross Graham, Max Watters (all hamstring) and Zac Sapsford (ankle).
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee United wing-back Will Ferry says manager Jim Goodwin's new contract is another step in the right direction for the club.
"It is good, it is a bit of security for him but it is the same for us," the 24-year-old said before Saturday's trip to face Hibs.
"We obviously know the way the club is heading and we are all together as one and that solidifies it. The fact he has secured that future just helps us get on with it and keep improving, keep progressing and hopefully we get where we want to be.
"You can see the progression. Both years it has been a bit of a rebuild, new players like myself last year and a lot of new faces this year, you can see the bedding in process.
"Hopefully, like last year, you can see we will slowly get better game on game and I like to think that is what we are doing so far."
Thanks to their fourth-place finish last season, United secured European football. And although they failed to reach the Conference League proper, Goodwin became the first Tannadice boss in almost 30 years to win a two-legged European tie.
Ferry thinks the success of the past 12 months has been down to the Irishman and his staff.
"It is down to the gaffer, it is down to the staff it is down to the togetherness in the changing room," he added.
"It all contributes but again the gaffer is in charge and we go out and do what he tells us to do, and it is has worked to a point so far so we would like to carry it on.
"Individually and as a team last season we performed really well and we obviously aim to do it again this year."
Image source, SNSDundee United's Ivan Dolcek has been named as the Premiership player of the month for August, with manager Jim Goodwin saying the Croatian winger has taken to Scottish football "like a duck to water".
The 25-year-old joined from Slovakian club Dunajska Streda on a season-long loan in July and has made an instant impact in the Tannadice side, scoring four goals in three league appearances as United sit fourth in the table.
Dolcek scored in United's opening-day draw with Falkirk, netted twice in their defeat by Hearts and scored the second goal in a derby victory over city rivals Dundee.
"You are always a little bit unsure about how the foreign players are going to settle in and sometimes it can take a little bit more time for them to get adjusted to the culture and the style of play," Goodwin said.
"But I have to say Ivan has taken to the Scottish game like a duck to water in terms of his goal return in particular. The most pleasing aspect of it is that I believe there is so much more to come from him as an individual."
Goodwin has indicated to the player they would like to take up the option to make his Tannadice stay permanent.
"He has had a terrific start, he has made that position in the team his own at the moment, but it is important he doesn't get comfortable in it," the United boss added.
"I want him to keep pushing in training, keep trying to improve, keep trying to get better, because we can all see the qualities he has in front of goal. It is now trying to get that development into him in terms of the one-v-one situations."
Image source, SNSHibs have won their past two Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United, their longest top-flight winning run over them since December 2006 (three in a row).
Dundee United have only lost two of their past 15 top-flight visits to Easter Road (W5 D8), although one of those was their most recent in May.
Hibs have lost just two of their past 25 league matches (W14 D9), and are unbeaten in five (W1 D4) since a 3-1 defeat to Celtic in May.
After losing four consecutive league matches between April and May, Dundee United have since lost just one of four (W2 D1), a 3-2 defeat to Hearts on matchday two.
Dundee United have scored exactly two goals in each of their past four league matches, while they haven't scored 2+ goals in five consecutive matches in the Scottish Premiership since September 2014 – a run of five.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says he concentrated on adding height and power to his squad during the summer transfer window as his club could not match the "vast amounts of money" being spent by Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs. (The Courier), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin felt he was "lucky" to be appointed Dundee United boss - and is delighted to have repaid the club's faith in him.
The Irishman signed a new deal on Wednesday to continue the reign that begin in March 2023 just a few weeks after his Aberdeen sacking.
Despite being unable to prevent United's relegation to the Championship in his first few months, Goodwin oversaw their return to the top division where they finished fourth last term.
"In my time, the last 10 years as a manager, I am really pleased with the progress I have made on a personal level. There are far better managers than me out there who have been relieved of their duties at one club or another," said Goodwin.
"I have not changed a great deal as a manager or as a person. It just didn't quite work out the way I would have hoped at Aberdeen, but Dundee United gave me an opportunity and I felt I was very lucky at the time to get this type of opportunity off the back of what happened.
"I am just delighted I could repay the faith that they have shown in me off the business we have done in the last couple of seasons.
"Right now I am continuing to learn, continuing to try and focus on my own development as well as that of developing the players within the group. I am just loving life at Dundee United and long may that continue."
Goodwin's full focus now is on Saturday's Premiership fixture at Hibernian. United have made a steady start to the campaign despite being dogged by injuries to key players.
So will any of those missing before the international break be back for the trip to the capital?
"No, unfortunately we won't have," said Goodwin. "The squad that was there at Dens Park will be very similar to the one that is going to be available to us at Easter Road.
"We have got some long-term injuries, it has all been well documented. I think (Ryan) Strain and (Kristijan) Trapanovski are probably the two who are closest. We would like to think in the next couple of weeks those guys will start to get integrated back into the training squad."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before this weekend's Premiership trip to Hibernian.
Here are the key points from his press conference:
He is "delighted" to have signed a new 12-month rolling contract and feels "there is a lot more to come".
The Irishman is looking to continue the progress made under his stewardship: "You can't stand still and be content with what is going on."
Goodwin says he felt "very lucky" to get the chance to manage United just a few weeks after being sacked by Aberdeen and is thrilled he could "repay the faith" the club have shown in him.
He believes the new-look squad he has assembled "is only going to get better".
On talks aimed at signing loan winger Ivan Dolcek on a permanent deal: "It was a brief conversation between ourselves, Ivan and the representatives but it is a situation that we are all quite relaxed and very comfortable about. Ivan will be with us for the rest of the season at least, he knows what we think of him, and if the opportunity arises in the future for us to make this permanent then that is definitely something we will look to do."
The United boss is expecting "a really difficult fixture" against Hibs, who have been "one of the outstanding teams in Scotland" over the past eight months.
But Goodwin has "great confidence" in the squad he will be taking to Easter Road, adding "our focus is on ourselves".
Team news: The squad this weekend "will be very similar" to the one at his disposal for the derby win over Dundee before the international break.
We asked for your views on Jim Goodwin extending his Dundee United tenure on a 12-month rolling contract.
Here's what some of you said:
Gary P: Brilliant news, he is doing a fantastic job.
Gary R: Great news for Goodwin and United. We can now focus on the league and getting back into Europe again. Goodwin has done well this season bringing in 14 new players, all fit in and we could be up there where we should be. We shouldn't fear any team in the league.
Kevin: Delighted but a little disappointed it's not a two or three-year deal for the results he has delivered since his arrival. Especially with so much media talk of Celtic sniffing about.
Darren: Would have liked a longer contract for Jim to secure the progress of the team he is building. Seems to unearth some real quality players from Europe. Scratching the surface deserves a two to three-year contract unless he's happy with the 12-month rolling contract with interest looming for his services.
Scott: Delighted we have managed to tie Jim down to a new deal. I haven't always been his biggest fan, last season was a tough watch at times, but it looks like he's built a really exciting squad this season and we are going to be a lot more enjoyable to watch so bring on the season ahead.
Gail: Delighted to get the deal done as I'm sure there are clubs already looking at him, would love him to stay and see how far we can go. It's easy to be tempted by the bright lights but that doesn't always prove to be the best fit.
Will: Great piece of business by the club. Goodwin thoroughly deserves this extension after all he has done for us. Good to have some stability after the last few years.
Dave: It's a feeling of great relief. We were beginning to think the vultures were circling but this is good news for everyone associated with United.
Image source, PA MediaFormer Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson says securing "outstanding" manager Jim Goodwin on a new contract is "great business" by the club.
Goodwin, whose contract was due to expire next summer, has put pen to paper on a 12-month rolling contract at Tannadice.
"Jim's done a fantastic job," Neilson told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.
"Firstly getting promotion, which is difficult out of that league [Scottish Championship].
"I've coached in it and managed to get out a few times - it's a tough league to escape. And then to get up and get top six and European football, other than probably a cup win, there's not a lot more Jim could have done in his tenure so far.
"I think he's been absolutely outstanding. The recruitment's been very good as well. A lot of experienced players have come in but also a lot of the young players within the Dundee United academy coming through.
"There's some really good youngsters bedding in with the experienced foreign guys or English players. It's been a really exciting time for Dundee United and I think getting Jim secured to a longer-term deal, or semi longer-term for a manager, is a great bit of business."
Former Tannadice goalkeeper Cammy Bell hailed the new deal for Goodwin as a "good move for all parties".
"It just allows the club to kind of move forward," he added. "It settles a little bit of the noise because he has been doing really well.
"He's hit the ground running this season. And again, there's been a huge turnaround at the club. You look at the amount of players and different nationalities he's had to bed in.
"He's done a fantastic job, also trying to navigate his way through European football with so many injuries as well."
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin says "we're only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together" after extending his Dundee United tenure with a new 12-month rolling contract.
The Irishman, who took charge in March 2023 initially on a short-term basis, led United to the Championship title and then a fourth-place Premiership finish in his two full seasons at the helm.
Goodwin has overseen three squad overhauls and this term became the first United boss to win a two-legged European tie in almost 30 years.
The 43-year-old, whose deal was due to expire next summer, said: "It's been a tremendous journey throughout the past two years and I'm incredibly pleased with what we've built here.
"I said when I arrived that I wanted to give the supporters a team that they can be proud of and I believe, as a collective, we have achieved that thus far.
"Winning the Championship, finishing fourth in our first season back in the Premiership, and giving a strong account of ourselves in Europe are achievements we can all take immense pride in - but they're just the start.
"We're building something sustainable, something with identity, and I truly believe we're only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together."
United fans, what's your reaction to Goodwin's new deal? Are you relieved he has been tied down and does a bright future beckon under the Irishman?
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
The brilliant job Jim Goodwin has done at Dundee United is one of Scottish football's success stories in recent years.
And what makes it even more impressive is how the Irishman has rebuilt his own reputation.
He moved to Tannadice in early 2023 just a few weeks after being sacked by Aberdeen.
It would have been easy for him to lie low and take time away from the spotlight, but he grasped the chance at United and the rest is history.
After being unable to save them from relegation to the Championship during his first few months in charge, the Tangerines have been on a steady upward trajectory since then under his watch.
Something that will almost certainly have been noticed by potential suitors elsewhere. That's why getting Goodwin tied down on a long-term contract should be United's top priority.
They brought him in when his managerial stock was low – but now it is through the roof.
The 43-year-old's current deal expires next summer and while there have been positive noises about a new one, United fans would be forgiven for feeling a little anxious until it is signed, sealed and announced.
Dundee United and Dunjaska Streda have agreed a fee for the permanent transfer of on-loan winger Ivan Dolček, but the Croat has not yet agreed personal terms and negotiations between the 25-year-old and the Premiership club could stretch until January. (DUFCFEED on X), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Midfielder Panutche Camara has returned to Dundee United after fitness concerns forced him to withdraw from the Guinea-Bissau camp. (The Courier - subscription required), external
The international break has "not actually come at a bad time" for Dundee United, says manager Jim Goodwin.
United faced a challenging start to their season, agonisingly losing to Rapid Vienna on penalties in their bid to qualify for the Conference League, coupled with inconsistent showings domestically.
Goodwin's injury list grew during this period with Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski and captain Ross Graham out long-term.
"The break can be quite disruptive," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"It can be difficult in terms of what sessions you can put on with the reduced numbers. From a 25-man squad we've got 11 players fit and available to train so you are restricted.
"We know how congested the international calendar is along with European games and domestic. So we get it.
"And it's not actually come at a bad time for us given our injuries. It can help us to push to get those boys back fit and the boys that are training and here are in great spirits."
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin's United return to action on 13 September
We asked for your views on Dundee United's business in the summer transfer window.
Here's what some of you said:
Mark: So far so good. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be good signings from day one, along with Luca Stephenson coming back on loan. Hopefully the others settle in and the defence tighten up a bit so Dundee United can start to pick up points in the league.
Bill: Very happy to be honest. The guys we've brought in appear to be of a better quality than last season. Our attacking and possession play is far superior to last season suggesting that Jim Goodwin has recruited well. Early days I'll accept, but looking good.
Gary: How can anyone claim anything other than a resounding success from the transfer window? We were all concerned when so many players left (because we weren't privy to what the club had planned), but to sign 14 players, most of whom are permanent signings, or with the option to buy, for very little money is fantastic work by the club. We need to secure Goodwin long term as well.
Peter: Another brilliant window by United by the looks of it, two in a row. Once everyone is fit I think we have another great squad.
Mike: Not sure selling Kai Fotheringham to St Johnstone was a good plan but the other signings made seem to be doing pretty well so far. Stephenson, Sapsford and Dolcek look the part and Panutche Camara was great against Hearts, Rapid Vienna and in the derby against Dundee. Onward and upward!
Lee: Time will tell if it's been a success or not, but from what we've seen already, we should have an exciting season ahead. The only signing we should be making now is additions to the medical department to work on our horrendous injury list!
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
As we pick through the deadline day-debris, one thing that caught the eye was how quiet it was at Dundee United.
Not in a negative sense but in a positive one, showing how happy manager Jim Goodwin has been with the recruitment work done earlier in the summer, bringing in 14 new arrivals.
This time last year, Goodwin rebuilt a United side that had stepped up from the second tier, quickly moulding it into one that made its mark in the top flight.
The current campaign is in its infancy - but it looks like he is doing the same again, putting together another Tangerines team showing plenty of early promise. It is one thing to sign players, it is another to get them to gel quickly.
Goodwin has again proved his credentials, both in terms of bringing players in and knitting them together on the training ground.
This international break will afford him even more time to evolve the group and he will be hoping that means they emerge even stronger when domestic business resumes.
David Babunski has signed for Macedonian club FK Vardar after his release by Dundee United at the end of last season. (Courier), external
Ronny Costello
Fan writer
Well, that was worth the wait.
After Paul's column last week, I pictured him at his desk surrounded by Simon Murray shrine decor, laminated humiliation and all.
Fast forward to Monday morning and it's a different scene entirely. Let's hope his artistic vision involved Zac Sapsford in full celebration mode and a two-goal reminder of who runs this city.
This derby had it all. Edge, noise and one team stepping up when it mattered.
To be fair, our rivals' fan column had some points - they absolutely did look tougher to beat in their opening games and Murray's derby record was real.
But football isn't played in columns. It's played on the grass which is exactly where United were sharper, hungrier and far more composed.
Our supposed set-piece vulnerability? Not on Sunday. That strong goal threat they spoke of? Not seen.
The players were superb, front to back. The defence? Rock solid. The midfield? In control. Sapsford? Clinical.
Natural order has been restored.
We go into the break with the bragging rights and the right to hum Beautiful Sunday with reckless abandon.
And Paul? He's finally got the chance to redecorate the office. I just hope he brought enough Blu Tack.
Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external
While some clubs frantically chased signings on deadline day, Dundee United were able to sit with their feet up.
Richard Odada departed Tannadice but the club's incoming business had all been completed, with 14 new recruits secured amid a squad overhaul.
Are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Jim Goodwin light in certain positions?
Talks are ongoing for Dundee United to make Ivan Dolcek's loan move from Dunajska Streda permanent after the Croatian's impressive start to life at Tannadice. (Courier), external
Image source, SNSRichard Odada has left Dundee United by mutual consent.
The Kenyan midfielder made only three league starts in his 13 appearances for Jim Goodwin's side.
Odada was on loan Serbian side OFK Beograd from February to the end of the 2024-25 season.
He joined United from MLS side Philadelphia Union last summer on a two-year deal with an option for a third, but now leaves to "pursue other opportunities", according to club media.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin appears set to be spending this deadline day with his feet up, watching on as the scramble for players continues elsewhere.
The club has been very busy this summer, bringing in 14 new arrivals.
On the evidence of what we have seen so far, they appear to have recruited well.
Satisfied with the work that has been done, United are unlikely to do any more business.
