Dundee United

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Dundee United have secured a "modern-day centre-back" in the form of Ollie Denham, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The Welsh defender has penned a season-long loan from Cardiff City and follows goalkeeper Jack Walton, who also joined on loan from Luton on Monday.

Goodwin says the former Manchester United youth player will "add more competition" to the United defence.

"Ollie is a young talent who is very highly regarded at Cardiff," the Tannadice boss adds. "He has good leadership qualities and we are delighted to have him on board.

"Furthermore, at 20 years of age, he was one of only two defenders who just missed out on the final selection for the Wales World Cup squad, which gives an indication of how highly thought of he is within the Welsh FA."

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Jack Walton is a goalkeeper who will "put demands" on the Dundee United defenders playing in front of him, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The 25-year-old, who started his career at Barnsley, has signed a season-long loan at Tannadice from Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

Walton, who Goodwin also says is "vocal and a good organiser", is United's fourth summer recruit.

"Jack is a very good keeper who commands his area," the Tannadice boss adds.

"Having played a number of games in the English Championship, he has also been part of two promotion-winning teams already in his career.

"We're very grateful to Luton for their help in getting the loan deal over the line."

Livingston, St Mirren and Dundee United have joined the chase for Aaron Pressley, 21, but the Brentford centre-half may prefer to remain in England. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Hibernian may have to offer up striker Christian Doidge if they want to land Dylan Levitt from Dundee United having so far failed to get near the relegated club's £500,000 asking fee for the midfielder during negotiations. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Hibernian are leading the chase for Dundee United midfielder Dylan Levitt but face competition from English League One club Wigan Athletic and potential interest from Portugal in the 22-year-old. (Daily Record), external

Heart of Midlothian and Hibs are ready to battle it out for the signature of Dundee United midfielder Dylan Levitt. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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St Mirren goalkeeper Trevor Carson has been the subject of growing interest from Blackpool, Dundee, St Johnstone and Dundee United as his parent club warned that the 35-year-old will not be going anywhere unless their valuation is met. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Departing striker, Steven Fletcher says the reception he received from Dundee United fans is "something that will never leave" him.

The 36-year-old had one year remaining on his deal at Tannadice, but has opted to leave following relegation to the Scottish Championship.

The former Scotland striker scored nine league goals last campaign, but could not help Jim Goodwin's side steer clear from the drop.

"I would like to thank everyone at the club for the warm reception my family and I received," he told the club's website. "The fans for welcoming me with open arms – that’s something that will never leave me.

“I know this club will be back where it belongs with the group of players that remain here under Jim’s guidance, and I wish the boys, the gaffer and the supporters all the very best for the future.”

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Jim Goodwin says Dundee United have signed a "fantastic and experienced defender" in Kevin Holt, who has become the club's third summer recruit after departing Partick Thistle.

Holt was part of the Thistle side that narrowly missed out on top-flight promotion via the play-offs earlier this month.

The 30-year-old signs a one-year deal at Tannadice and reunites with Ross Docherty, who also left Firhill to join United this week.

"Kevin knows exactly what it takes to compete and be successful in the Championship," Goodwin said.

“He can play in a number of positions across the backline, which is a huge bonus. Crucially, he's also the right type of character we need in the group."

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Liam Grimshaw says having the chance to play more in midfield would be "quite a big thing for me" after signing a two-year contract with Dundee United after leaving Greenock Morton.

The English 28-year-old, who has regularly played at full-back, has shown his versatility with Motherwell in the Scottish top flight and last year in the Championship as he ended the season as the Morton fans' and players' player of the year.

But Grimshaw is "willing to play anywhere", telling his new club's website: "I'm aware how big a club Dundee United are and they have aspirations to get back to the Premier League, so that was a massive attraction."

Grimshaw, who was a youth player with Manchester United, had two spells with Motherwell either side of time with Preston North End and Chesterfield, before moving to Morton in September.

He thanked Morton for "standing by me" at a "difficult time for me in my career and life" but was impressed with United manager Jim Goodwin's plans for a return to the Premiership.

Goodwin thinks Grimshaw's leadership qualities will be "crucial".

"Liam is a fantastic, versatile player who I have admired for many seasons, and we believe he'll bring a different dynamic to the group," he said.

"He possesses all the technical attributes needed to impose himself on matches in a variety of roles across the pitch whilst also displaying aggression, bravery and strength in the defensive phase to solidify our backline."

Dundee United have signed midfielder Ross Docherty on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old moves to Tannadice as a free agent after three seasons with Partick Thistle, where he was captain.

"Last season, Ross was one of the outstanding midfielders in the Championship and his consistent level of performances with Partick Thistle caught our eye," manager Jim Goodwin told the United website.

"He is exactly the type of player required to succeed in this league - he's very comfortable both with and without the ball, very fit and brings additional experience to the squad."

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Former Dundee United player and manager Paul Sturrock backs Jim Goodwin to take the Tangerines in the right direction. (Courier - subscription), external

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Jim Goodwin has stressed that he will lead Dundee United as a manager, not as a head coach, following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership. (The Herald), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says that, following relegation, he has adjusted his summer signing targets to players who have the personality to thrive in Scotland's second tier. (The Courier), external

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson is interested in midfielder Jamie McGrath with the 26-year-old midfielder's future at Wigan Athletic uncertain after his loan to Dundee United and both clubs having been relegated. (The Herald), external

Former Dundee United head coach Liam Fox, who has left Aberdeen after a spell as first-team coach, has held talks with Heart of Midlothian over their B team manager role. (Football Scotland), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Jim Goodwin says Dundee United will have the strongest squad in the Championship next season and there can be "no excuses" as they seek to bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt.

"Next season it is about winning the title and that is the bottom line, that is the objective for the team," said Goodwin, who has signed a two-year deal to stay on as manager.

"The last time Dundee United were in the Championship I think they took four seasons to get out of it, we can’t afford for that this time round, we have to bounce back at that first time of asking.

"We will be the biggest team in the league and I believe we will have the strongest squad as well.

"There are no excuses, there is no hiding behind anything. As a club we have to accept that expectation that is going to come our way and we need to get the supporters behind us from day one.

"I think we are up at around 5,000 season tickets already, which is incredible commitment from the supporters."

With the domestic campaign over, both Kenny Miller and Peter Grant took the time to pick their Premiership teams of the season on Sunday's BBC Sportsound.

The pundits agreed on six selections, with Celtic quartet Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Cameron Carter-Vickers, plus St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara and Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen, included on the two line-ups.

Former Celtic midfielder Grant picked a further four players from the treble winners, as Joe Hart, Carl Starfelt, Alistair Johnston and Jota made up eight of his 11 positions, with Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson taking the final spot.

Meanwhile, ex-Scotland striker Miller opted for Clarkson's team-mate Kelle Roos in goal and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland in attack, with Rangers trio James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Todd Cantwell filling the remaining three places.

• Listen to the reasons behind their picks on the Scottish Football Podcast

Tony Watt says he does not "hold grudges" as the 29-year-old striker targets winning his place back with relegated Dundee United despite being sent out on loan to St Mirren last season. (The Courier), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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