DUNDEE UNITED
LAST SEASON: 6th, 47 points
NOTABLE INS: Calum Butcher (Hayes & Yeading United), Nadir Ciftci (NAC Breda), Aidan Connolly (Queen's Park), Chris Erskine (Partick Thistle), Brian Graham (Raith Rovers), Kudus Oyenuga (Hayes & Yeading United), Paul Paton (Partick Thistle), Andrew Robertson (Queen's Park), David Goodwillie (Blackburn Rovers, loan)
NOTABLE OUTS: Johnny Russell (Derby County, £700k), Steve Banks (St. Johnstone), Jon Daly (Rangers), Barry Douglas (Lech Poznan), Willo Flood (Aberdeen), Marcus Tornstrand (Ostersunds), Rory Boulding, Brian McLean, Richie Ryan, Robert Thomson
LAST SEASON'S BEST XI (departed players crossed out): Ciernziak, Watson, Gunning, Dillon,
THE SQUAD (u-21 players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Radoslaw Ciernziak
Defenders: Calum Butcher, Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning, Luke Johnston, Andrew Robertson, Ross Smith, John Souttar, Keith Watson
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Nadir Ciftci, Aidan Connolly, Chris Erskine, Michael Gardyne, Ryan Gauld, Gary Mackay-Steven, Mark Millar, Paul Paton, Darren Petrie, John Rankin
Forwards: Ryan Dow, David Goodwillie, Brian Graham, Dale Hilson, Kudus Oyenuga
IF HE GETS INJURED, THEY'RE SCREWED: Some might say Gary Mackay-Steven, but United have invested a lot in the return on loan of DAVID GOODWILLIE and have a paucity of striking options if the Scotland international gets crocked.
STAR OF THE FUTURE? Not 18 till December, RYAN GAULD looks like a heck of a talent when drifting between midfield and attack. He's so slight that he must be at risk of picking up injuries, but that will change as he gets older.
THE SEASON AHEAD: Those of a positive disposition will point out that United are capable of hurting any opponent with the flair and firepower they have up front. The glass-half-empty types will be worried about a threadbare defence which lacks an experienced left-back. The return of Goodwillie after two years away certainly offsets the gloom of seeing Jon Daly and Jonny Russell depart - the former wasn't great last season but offers tremendous leadership, whilst the latter should do well in The Championship down south. Chris Erskine was the first division's outstanding player last season and is an exciting signing.
Jackie Mac used a back three on occasion at Partick, and we may see him changing formations during matches as he sees fit. It's unclear if Brian Graham has the quality for the top flight, so expect Goodwillie to play up front on his own, with Mackay-Steven and Erskine providing ammunition. Ciftci is another young wide player. Armstrong may be the most advanced central midfielder but could be used deeper if McNamara keeps faith with the exciting Gauld, while Gardyne can play that role too. Paton will be the holding midfielder, but there's a danger that he and the diminutive Rankin could be overrun in the centre of the pitch. The back four looks weak. Robertson is the only natural left-back, but played third division football last year. Gunning is erratic, while captain Dillon is simply ordinary. I'd say Watson is the only consistently decent defender on the books. On the bright side, Souttar is a highly-rated prospect and Butcher has played well at centre-back in pre-season. In goal Ciernziak is the only option just now.
THE BOSS: Having replaced Peter Houston after the January transfer window had ended, Jackie McNamara can now stamp his impression on the squad, though he could have done without having to replace the likes of Willo Flood, Johnny Russell and Jon Daly. He's an intelligent man, who has already displayed plenty of nous since he arrived at Tannadice, but he may not get as much leeway to mould the team as he did from Partick fans if United have their traditional slow start. Still, he deserves the time to prove he can be a success.
CLICHE YOU'RE MOST LIKELY TO HEAR: "Plenty of width"
PREDICTION: I say that, if Goodwillie and Gary 'Mr. Glass' Mackay-Steven stay healthy - an unlikely scenario for the latter - they will do very well. Even if the latter misses half the season with injuries - again - they should still be good enough to finish top six - I have them to come FIFTH.
L.
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