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The Dundee Courier's take on Allan Campbell. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/5232473/how-has-allan-campbell-fared-dundee-united/

Good point - I’d forgotten about that one . 👍

He strikes me as a player suited to high pressing game.

Getting Sparrow on extended deal good business also, joint top scorer and great energy

I’d expect that anyone being asked to remain at the club is someone the manager believes can contribute to the style of football he’s aiming to implement. So I wouldn’t view those players as simply being part of the status quo. I suspect a few from this season will still be a good fit, but with several additions likely over the summer, the overall shape and approach of the team could look noticeably different next season.

Makes sense , hadn’t realised MC was now in 20s . Overall so far it’s a bit underwhelming as we have a lack of pace, guile and resigned a few mediocre players some of which unlikely to have much game time . Slattery aside , there’s not many resigning that make me think ‘oh good - I look forward to seeing them play’ appreciate some need of continuity , seasoned pros etc but we need to leave plenty of room for new blood.

Balcombe is only on loan. Matty Connelly might be a decent enough keeper at non league/Second Division level but thats it. He's now 22 and never made a first team appearance. His problem is that he's just too small for the Premiership at 5-10 /6-0. He'd get battered by Jordan Whites and Ikpeazus of the world. These days 6-2 is about the minimum height for a top level keeper. St Johnstone has just signed a 6-8 keeper (don't know if he's any good mark you). I suspect we'll release Matty Connelly at the end of the season and re-allocate his wages elsewhere. A similar discussion on P & B.

Renewed mine on opening day. 😀

Not a great example to choose for your argument as I don’t think Ewan was penned in as first pick before the season started and I suspect he was played while we sorted out a loan but he started the season well, held the position for a few months but then he dropped off a bit either due to the system being played or his form just dropped - understandable for a youngster and no reflection on him - which gave Dom his chance which took and has held it since. Ewan showed in the first few games that he has talent but it needs developing and I’d expect him to be pushing for more game time next season but if he’s still not ready then another LB will need to be brought in with Ewan as back up.

Halliday does put a shift in and at least seems to care can't fault his efforts this season however I hope it stops there we need a massive clean out we can't be retaining a vast majority of this squad or we shall get the same results as this season it's simple as that.

Squad under contract for next season :- Goalkeepers- Ox, Ward Centre-Backs- Gordon, Balmer, SOD RWB - Sparrow, Johnny K LWB- Wilson Cm - Miller, Slattery, Halliday, Nicholson Attackers - Maswanhise, Stam, Stuperavic, Robinson

Halliday is one who has surprised me and surpassed my expectations this season, so I can’t really grumble at him being offered an extension. He’s been solid. Ward is an unknown but I can only assume - and hope - that he and Ox will be battling it out for the no. 1 jersey next season.

If Watt’s grip socks remain fully pulled up for the remainder of the season, and we secure 7th spot as a result of his efforts, then I’m certain he’ll be offered a deal. Whether or not he’s deserving of that, particularly when the entire season is considered, is another story.

When I saw the post I honestly couldn't initially remember who Calum Ward was which kinda sums up a mental season on the signings front. Pleased about Halliday though.

It's always tough for young keepers. Sitting on the bench every week with with close to zero chance of game time isn't exactly a great way to develop. Going on loan gives you that experience, but then you're not available if the first team keeper is injured. Someone like Ward has over 100 first team appearances, but presumably is OK playing second fiddle as needed. Either way, it can't be much fun being a second choice keeper anywhere.

Balcome and Ward were signed quite close together I think. Obviously Kettlewell made the decision to go with Balcome.

I get why we’ve given him another year but I do find him a frustrating player to watch. Probably the most annoying aspect to him is that there is a very good player in there but the theatrics of him on a park and the constant diving and constant moaning just bugs me. (I do still get that feeling from him as well that he thinks he’s too good for us…. Might just be me tho) He has been reliable tho so I’ll give him that, especially in and around the chocolate fireguards we signed up last year.

Hard to argue with Halliday given his game time - experienced pro etc . Ward - really don't get it tbh. If he's not an upgrade on Balcome or Ox I don't see the point. If he is better than why's he had zero game time. A background in National league and Finland doesn't convince me. Overall Im not sure if Ox is the obvious No1 . If he is would prefer Connelly to be the back up.

I can imagine a few folk unhappy but I am happy to see Halliday sign another deal. I think he is underrated and remember he probably played more games due to injuries. Is a good experienced pro to have on board. Ward makes sense as we will need back up for Ox

That's Halliday and Ward signed extensions See there's some discussion on pie and bov about Balcombe and Ox - assume Balcombe will be returning back down south at the end of his loan spell and that's why they've extended Wards contact as cover for Ox

Well I think the current model of massive player and management turn over every season is a bit broken for a club with our finances. I don't know if we pay loan fees or how much salary we pay to loan players but as an example is bringing in Dom Thompson to play in Ewan Wilson's position really a great financial decision? Or wasteful and failing to develop our own player? Just one example were I think we are basically spending money that doesn't need to be spent and doesn't really show a joined up and long term view. I mean how many on loan full backs have we had in the past few seasons?

He was my MOTM at the weekend, and I think Wimmer's approach to the game suits him much better than the formations SK tried to use him in. The question is can he do it on a consistent basis under the new gaffer.

Hasnt really worked out that way though. Wasnt at the game on Saturday, so cant comment on how he played there. But we have seen precious little of the workrate and determination to do well he showed in his first spell. Not saying he cant be a success again in the right set up, but I wouldnt be falling over myself to re-sign him for next season.

The elephant in the room