Jim Goodwin : Bolstering Dundee United's defence a top priority
Squad revamp already underway after Tangerines' relegation
Last updated 28th May 2023
Boss Jim Goodwin insists strengthening Dundee United's defence is imperative if they are to bounce back from the bitter disappointment of relegation.
United's defensive frailties were evident again as Motherwell battled back from behind to claim a 3-2 win at Fir Park and condemn them to the drop.
"I think the game pretty much summed up the season to be honest," said Goodwin.
"It culminates what has been a disastrous season defensively from start to finish and that's something that I now need to look at going forward to make sure we bring the right types of defenders in.
"We've got decisions to make"
"Defenders who enjoy the art of defending, enjoy putting their bodies on the line, take pride in keeping clean sheets and that's where my first port of call will be in terms of the recruitment side of things.
"Dundee United in the Premier League is an attractive proposition for any player, Dundee United in the Championship, maybe not so much for some of the high-calibre players that you would like to bring to the club.
"We've got decisions to make, but what I need to make sure is the type of players that are coming in during the summer have the right characteristics, right mindset and can handle the level of expectation at such a big club."
Will Steven Fletcher stay on at Tannadice ?
Goodwin remains hopeful he can retain the services of Steven Fletcher, who netted his 10th goal of the season in the defeat to Well.
The former Scotland striker still has a year remaining on his contract, though there has been speculation that he will depart the club following their relegation to the Championship.
"I had a brief conversation with Fletch last week, just to see where his head was at and what the future might hold for him," added Goodwin.
"He's a player that I would love to hang on to, if you had 11 Steven Fletcher's on the pitch then you certainly wouldn't be sitting in this position and talking about relegation.
"Fletch is the one that is holding the cards at the moment, he is under contract, and I would love him to be here to help us bounce back up, but we have to give him a bit of time to decide what he wants to do."
Chairman offers reassurance to fans
Dundee United chairman Mark Ogren's issued a statement "Everyone associated with Dundee United Football Club is hugely disappointed with today’s confirmation of relegation from the cinch Premiership.
"This season started with such hope and excitement, but quite clearly, results and performances have not been good enough throughout the campaign. Mistakes have been made, hard lessons have been learned, and we all take ownership of our accountability. We have let our supporters down.
"The outcome is that we will now play in the cinch Championship next season. While today is a desperately sad occasion for us all, we can now accelerate the work to ensure Dundee United returns to the top league as soon as possible.
"The first act was to secure Jim Goodwin as Manager, and we can now begin the process of recruiting and rebuilding a squad to take on the challenges ahead.
"I want to reassure supporters, partners, and our staff that I remain fully committed to the club’s continued growth and ensuring its sustainability at the highest level.
"Our fans have been sensational in their continued backing, which is never taken for granted. Your ongoing passion and energy will drive us forward and give us momentum. We will work tirelessly to bring you success, excitement and a return to Premiership football as soon as possible."
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell is hoping to build on the momentum gained from an incredible finish to their league campaign.
The Steelmen have lost just two of their 14 league fixtures during Kettlewell's tenure - something he is keen to continue when his players return for next season.
"It's obviously massive for us, that's what we have to strive to do," said Kettlewell.
"It's not going to be easy; it's going to be very difficult - there's no doubting that.
"As much quality and continuity as I can keep within the group, I think it is evident that we are a pretty decent side."
High praise for forward Van Veen
The Motherwell boss also again heaped praise on prolific striker Kevin van Veen, who extended his run of goals in consecutive games to 11 - setting a new Premiership record in the process.
"I have to pay testament to the run that Kevin has been on, it's pretty breathtaking when you look at it," he added.
"I know he'll be disappointed not to get to that 30 mark, but if you are scoring 29 goals in this league you are doing something right."