After the high of finishing fourth in last season’s Scottish Premiership, expectations for what Dundee United could achieve this time around would undoubtedly have risen.
They have fallen below those expectations this season after missing out on a top-six spot. However, if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, there still appears to be plenty for United to be optimistic about.
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After spending an unwelcome campaign in the second tier the season before last, re-establishing and cementing their place in the top division remains the immediate short-to-medium-term goal.
Currently seventh in the table – a hefty 15 points above the relegation play-off place – they have once again secured their Premiership status with relative ease.
The performances haven’t always been convincing and there have been a few bumps in the road, but generally things appear to be heading in the right direction.
Manager Jim Goodwin will look to continue that development next term. The longer they remain in the Premiership, the better equipped they will feel to steadily challenge for a place in the top half of the table – where they believe they ultimately belong.
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Making sure they are not dragged into a relegation battle is therefore a key part of building for the future.
Overall, Goodwin has done a good job at United, with smart recruitment being central to that progress. He is already planning for next season, with several players lined up to arrive in the summer.
Hanging on to his best players will also be a priority – and wide man Will Ferry falls firmly into that category.
Ferry delivered a standout performance in United’s 3-0 derby win over Dundee at the weekend, scoring twice and setting up the other goal.
After the game, Goodwin described him as arguably “one of the best signings this club has made for a number of windows”.
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He also said he would not be surprised if there was interest from elsewhere in the player, who still has a year left on his United contract.
It will be interesting to see how United handle any tempting offers that may come in.
Unless they are offered silly money, you can make a strong case that the value of keeping Ferry – given his importance to the team – exceeds the financial return from any sale.
But, to use the well-worn football trope, every player has his price. The ideal solution for United would be to persuade Ferry to sign a new contract.
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