Quality not quantity will be the priority as new boss Ray McKinnon rebuilds the Dundee United squad this summer.
In the wake of most out-of-contract players not being offered new deals and many of those in contract being told they’re free to find other clubs, a massive turnaround in the playing staff has been predicted.
But as he puts together a side capable of winning promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking, Ray is determined to spend his budget wisely.
That’s likely to see fewer bodies than predicted added to the squad.
It also means Arabs may have to wait a week or two yet for the new arrivals to begin.
He said: “We are trying to bring players in but we have to make sure it’s the right players.
“I do have some targets in mind but it’s still early and I will do my homework before I try to sign anyone.
“We will do everything to make sure they are the right calibre for Dundee United.
“And there is a strong and talented group of players here I can’t wait to get to work with.
“That means, when it comes, I’ll be looking to add bits of quality here and there.”
Included on his list of wants will be an experienced goalkeeper and a similar figure for the middle of the park.
Another priority for the new boss will be finalising his pre-season programme.
As things stand, the players are due to report back from their summer break in the final week of next month.
Over the next couple of weeks or so, United are expected to finalise a list of friendlies.
There’s also a strong chance this year will see the entire build-up completed close to home.
In the past, United have spent at least a week, sometimes two, at a training camp and playing games abroad.
The past two summers saw boss Jackie McNamara take the squad to Arnhem in the Netherlands.
Cost and a lack of time to fix something up because the League Cup kicks-off in mid-July is likely to see a change.
“We are looking at pre-season, we might keep it local, we’ll see,” added Ray.
“It’s not long to go before the players report back, so it is something we will work on quickly.”
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