He’s grown accustomed to relegation battles after a career spent fighting for survival at Hamilton.
However, new boy Scott McMann is confident that is all set to change after he sealed a deadline day move to Dundee United.
The 25-year-old defender signed on the dotted line at Tannadice last night, joining the Tangerines as a direct replacement for Jamie Robson who left for Lincoln City earlier in the day.
With his future now settled – McMann has signed a three-year deal with the Terrors – he is keen to kick on and try to help United achieve their Premiership goal of a top-six finish.
The Accies academy graduate was one of few bright sparks for the Lanarkshire side last season as they were relegated to the Championship and he hopes to show the form that earned his a move back to “the big stage” in a tangerine jersey.
Higher ambitions for McMann
“When I heard Dundee United were interested I was buzzing to get that opportunity to come back and play in the Premiership – on the big stage,” McMann said, speaking to DUTV.
“It’s going to be something new for me (pushing for the top six), having been in relegation battles with Hamilton for the past five-six years.
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— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) September 1, 2021
“Hopefully it’s going to be exciting to push higher up the league and have higher ambitions.
“I’ve only played here twice – a Premiership play-off and last season – but it’s a lovely stadium and I can’t wait to play here.
“It’s exciting, I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and in front of a full stadium.”
Courts’ plans excite new boy
The left-back, who can also play in the centre of defence, says he was sold on a move to the City of Discovery by head coach Tam Courts.
There were other interested Premiership parties. However, after a chat with United’s new gaffer, McMann didn’t have to think twice about where his future lay.
He added: “When I spoke to the gaffer he laid out the ambitions of the club and the plans he had for me.
“It was a no-brainer for me moving forward.
“Playing in the top six, for me, is the goal and pushing on into Europe and, hopefully, cup finals and semi-finals.
“Hopefully I’ve got that to look forward to and I can help the team with that.”
Scott hoping to add to experienced pool
At 25, he’s hardly an old head by United’s standards with a squad that features the likes of Charlie Mulgrew (35) and Mark Reynolds (34).
However, McMann was a leader at Accies, a club known for relying heavily on academy youngsters, and believes he can bring that experienced into what is already a healthy Tannadice changing-room.
He commented: “I was an experienced player at Hamilton because it’s a very young changing-room so you have to become a leader in that environment.
“Hopefully I can help the young boys here in a similar kind of way.
“It’s a good squad with a good mix of players, a lot of talented youth and experienced pros so it’s exciting.”
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