Just In: Dundee United battling Dundee in same market for summer transfer – but who has upper hand?
When the squad building for the upcoming season gets began, there’s a good likelihood that Dundee and Dundee United will be shopping in the same market.
Which of the two teams will be more appealing to prospective signings if they are?
Which side of Tannadice Street provides players who might be of interest to Jim Goodwin or Tony Docherty with a better opportunity to succeed?
United may be the more alluring option for players who are already involved in the Scottish game, but Dundee might have the upper hand if they are looking to recruit outside of Scotland.
People in Scotland are likely familiar with United’s background and standing, and their ability to attract larger audiences in more evocative venues is a major lure.
United is likewise thought to be a solid payer, but given his already substantial investment, I imagine owner Mark Ogren will be reining in past excess.
Thoughtful preparations for a new stadium and the team’s top six finish this season at Dens Park might be powerful selling points for individuals who are only interested in recent accomplishments and have little interest in Scottish football’s past.
In football, money almost always wins out, but if the clubs are chasing the same goals, United’s top training facilities in picturesque and historic St Andrews may be a big draw. Additionally, potential signings may be drawn in by the legendary status of Gordon Strachan’s involvement at Dundee.
And don’t discount the silver tongues of two of the most articulate salesmen in the game in the two bosses.
Given their prodigious vocabulary, Docherty and Goodwin might host their own talk programs on television, and their ability to persuade prospective players to sign with their clubs may depend heavily on this trait.
The steep decline of St Johnstone from their heyday of three cup victories to their current struggle to survive in the Premiership serves as a sobering reminder of how important it is to have a steady hand at the wheel in football.
In the previous three seasons, the club that I was traveling with throughout Europe not too long ago lost its direction, and the wheels have fallen off spectacularly.
Fans of the Saints are divided over whether Craig Levein will manage McDairmid Park come season, but for the time being, only one thing matters: the manager’s ability to retain the team in the top division.
The fans are divided on whether he is the right person to lead them into a bright new future under new owner Adam Webb; many believe that a fresh direction needs to be taken whether the team succeeds or fails.
As he takes over in Perth, the American lawyer will want a cohesive fan base, and it’s difficult to see how Saints can maintain the manager if they lose.
However, if they stay up – and if there’s a coherent plan to strengthen and build for the future, which the supporters will buy into – then Levein may well start the season as Saints boss.
