Jim Goodwin thinks the Scottish Premiership will be a much better place with Dundee United back in it next season. United can officially seal their return at Airdrie on Friday night, but their superior goal difference means they are already all but assured of their return to the top-flight.
Goodwin believes the Tannadice club remain one of the top clubs in the country and they will be returning in a stronger position and have learned from mistakes of the past. The United manager said: “It’s exciting for everyone connected to the club and I think the Scottish Premiership is a better place with clubs like Dundee United in it. I’m not sure anyone can disagree with that. Yes, all clubs have their rivalries and every fan loves their own team, but ultimately everyone knows that Dundee United are one of the biggest clubs in the country.
"In terms of facilities, infrastructure, fanbase; the top-flight is where this club belongs – and we need to learn from mistakes of the past and ensure we don't do the same thing again and we won't. We are possibly in a better, healthier position going into the Premiership than what we were previously. We've balanced the books but will have a competitive budget and I think we'll prove a very attractive proposition for players who want to come and play in Scotland.”
United, having all but achieved their goal, can now start to recruit for the step up. Goodwin believes it also gives them an advantage on some of their Premiership rivals who still have question marks over where they will be playing next season and the fact United are such a big pull.
The former Aberdeen and St Mirren boss confirmed: “We are in a good position, and I believe we are a very attractive proposition now that we are back in the Premiership “Recruitment was difficult last summer because players want to play at the highest level possible and some of those we targeted had options in the league above or in more competitive leagues in England. We've done a lot of hard work already. That's not me saying we'll have players announced in the next fortnight – but we have put ourselves in a really good position to start negotiations a little earlier than what would have been possible if it had gone down to the last game.
"There's going to be a lot of good players available in the summer – as there is every year – and it's just about picking the right ones; players who suit the character we are trying to build within the group. It's exciting. Obviously, it will still be as challenging as ever because you'll always be working within the parameters available to you, and we'll have a budget we need to stick to and manage.”
A large bulk of the United squad is also out of contract in the summer and Goodwin will give them answers on their futures in the next couple of weeks. He explained: “They'll all be keen to know what is happening with their futures and I'm not one for dragging these things out.
“I have a few meetings to take place this week with the chief executive (Luigi Capuano) and one or two others, and then we'll be ready for those conversations as soon as the season is done.
"I know the players who are here really enjoy being here. They have loved being part of what we have achieved, and I think there's a recognition that they are playing for one of the biggest clubs in Scotland. In the grand scheme of things, Dundee United are recognised as one of the top teams in the country and there are a lot of incentives to stay here.”
