At the ripe old age of just 28, Paul Dixon is ready to become an elder statesman at Dundee United.
The still youthful-looking left-back, who returned to the Tangerines for second spell during the January transfer window after quitting Huddersfield, is not exactly what you would call a veteran.
Nevertheless, given the preponderance of youth at Tannadice these days he feels he has a responsibility to pass on his experience and knowledge to the next generation.
So when the players return to pre-season training next Wednesday, Dixon will be ready to assume his role as senior adviser.
“I think I am now the third oldest player in the team!” he joked, without naming the two even older-timers (Sean Dillon and John Rankin).
“Seriously, I look forward to helping the younger players if I can.
“I know I am only 28 but it will bring a new element to my game.
“I think it is going to help me if I am asked to help these young boys.
“I don’t imagine it will quite involve teaching them but I will be happy to point things out to them, using the experience I have gained over the years.
“What will become clear next season is that we have just scraped the surface as far as the pool of young player we ahev at the club.
“We all saw a group of them get a few first-team games, such as Blair Spittal, Charlie Telfer, Aidan Connolly, Scott Smith and Robbie Muirhead.
“Ali Coote got his chance near the end of the season, Scott Fraser did really well on loan at Airdrie and there is a lot of potential in Justin Johnson.
“The things is, there are plenty more to come through from the youth team.
“These are exciting times when you look at the production line of talent at this club.
“So long may it continue.
“Hopefully these boys can take their chance, progress and play well week in, week out.
“The ultimate thing is for them to do well and hopefully move onto the next stage.”
As for Dixon himself, he is looking for a new beginning after being unhappy with his form after re-signing for the Tangerines.
He said: “The new season brings excitement.
“It’s a fresh start a few of the boys and for me as well.
“My personal performances weren’t up to the standard I’ve set myself over the years.
“It was a combination of things really. There was maybe a lack of confidence from how things happened at Huddersfield.
“Also, it wasn’t easy coming into what was a brand new team part of the way through the season.
“Then there was the birth of my second son and, having that as well, meant it was a lot to take in.
“And there was the move home and getting my wife and family settled.
“That took time but I knew myself I would gradually, step by step, get there and I think I did.
“In the last five matches of the season, I got back close to where I feel I should be.
“So I aim to get a good pre-season under my belt and carry on the form I showed towards the end of the season.”