Dundee United owner Mark Ogren will not “throw in the towel” as the Tangerines hurtle towards the Scottish Championship, according to Tannadice boss Jim Goodwin.
Goodwin and Ogren held candid talks this week amid the dawning reality of life in the second tier, with the Irishman outlining his views on the failings at United — and how to fix them.
Ogren has already ploughed more than £13 million into the club and, four-and-a-half years on from his takeover, United are back where they started, in terms of their place in the Scottish football pyramid.
This isn’t an owner who is going to throw in the towel.
Jim Goodwin
Despite that jarring fact, Goodwin was heartened by his conversations with the American businessman and believes — when the hurt and anger subsides — this must be viewed as a “reset”.
“It (Thursday) was the first time I have had the opportunity to meet the chairman face-to-face,” noted Goodwin. “It was good to hear what his thoughts were — and for me to give my observations.
“We caught up again on Friday and looked at the plans going forward.
“I don’t think anyone can argue about the financial investment the chairman has made. He has lost a lot of money by supporting the club. Unfortunately, this season, he hasn’t seen anything repaid.
“He is gutted (but) he’s determined. That was the feeling I got. This isn’t an owner who is going to throw in the towel.
“He’s hurting as much as anybody and is determined to make things better for the supporters and everyone connected to the club.”
Mistakes
United will be relegated on Sunday unless they beat Motherwell at Fir Park, Kilmarnock defeat Ross County and there is an EIGHT-goal swing.
“If the worst case scenario does happen — as disappointing and as difficult as it will be for a lot of people — it’s an opportunity for the club to hit the reset button,” added Goodwin.
However, the former St Mirren and Aberdeen boss is not ignorant of the challenge that lies ahead and emphasises that United have “no divine right” to waltz to promotion at the first time of asking.
▶️ Dundee United are on the brink of relegation after defeat to Kilmarnock 🔽 pic.twitter.com/z9dadpdNWp
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 25, 2023
That is an assertion every anxious Arab will agree with, given their last stay in the second tier lasted three seasons.
And Goodwin has pointedly admitted that there needs to be a culture change at Tannadice; one that will inevitably see players move on and a large summer rebuild.
“There has to be a change in mindset and character,” said Goodwin. “No team has a divine right (to come straight back up).
Recruitment roadmap
It is understood the club are unlikely to keep any of their senior players who are out of contract — including captain Ryan Edwards, Ian Harkes and Peter Pawlett — but many others have deals until 2024 and, in the case of Tony Watt and Glenn Middleton, 2025.
A summer of wheeling and dealing may lie ahead as United seek to reconcile the conundrum of a Premiership wage bill in the Championship, while building a winning side.
However, that is an undertaking Goodwin would embrace.
“I enjoy projects,” added Goodwin. “Recruitment is something that’s vital at any club and it’s something I have always taken pride in.
“We had good success with the players we signed at St Mirren and Aberdeen although, obviously, I wasn’t there to have the success they (Aberdeen) have had.
“I think I have a track record of identifying good talent and that’s what’s required at Dundee United. There needs to be fresh faces with a different mindset and mentality.”
He added: “Work needs to start immediately. That will be identifying players who are good enough, and are strong enough characters, to play for a club of this size.
“That’s one thing you have to be: a strong-willed character. Not just a good footballer.”
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