With 13 new signings and 18 departures, Dundee United’s 2024 summer transfer window will go down as one of the most hectic in recent memory. A Premiership squad built in 10 weeks, boasting talent from Dundalk to Dubrovnik. With the Tangerines sitting in third place in the league, in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup and unbeaten in their last eight competitive fixtures, the early signs suggest that United’s work has been largely positive.
And exclusively spoke to head of recruitment Michael Cairney for an insight into the timelines, conversations, data, scouting missions and demands that contributed to a successful foray into the market. While the summer transfer window creaked ajar on June 14, United’s work had long since started. Cairney was officially appointed as the Tangerines’ head of recruitment in April but, with the move apparent from the prior month, irons were already in fires.
“It became apparent I would be coming in around March, so the planning was with a view to being back in the Premiership,” Cairney said. “Jim (Goodwin) and I sat down early and discussed what sort of profile (of player) he would like to fit into a certain style of play. “ , and he’s a great example of someone we identified VERY early on, and the benefit of that.
“We said, “we’ve got to get him” and fought off tough competition from good clubs in League One in England.” As well as exemplifying the “pro-active” attitude towards recruitment that the Terr.