Kai Fotheringham reckons going on loan to Stirling Albion last season was one of the best things he has ever done.
The Dundee United attacking midfielder revelled in regular game time during the first part of the campaign, producing a combined total of 17 goals and assists that ultimately helped the Binos win League Two.
The 20-year-old returned to his parent club in January and eventually experienced the pain of relegation as the Terrors dropped out of the top tier.
Now, Fotheringham is determined to nail down a starting spot in Jim Goodwin’s team as United look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Fotheringham stated: “Last year, I went to Stirling Albion and it was probably one of the best things I have done.
⚽️ @flynnduffy13 scores again to get the party started
🥇 @kaifotheringham's 17 G/A contribution invaluable on the road to the title…and a wee assist for United today to add to the overall season tally
🆕 Congratulations to #DUFC's League Two winners with @Stirling_Albion 🏆 https://t.co/VKnRL2VHCs
— Alan Temple (@alanftemple) April 22, 2023
“I had regular game time, scoring goals and making assists, something I needed as an attacker confidence wise.
“I now have my medal in the house on a shelf above the TV in my room.
“I still go and watch Stirling when I can. I am close with a lot of the boys there – they are good friends as well as team-mates and I am still in contact with a lot of them.
“I came back to United in January looking to kick on and then in the summer I was ready to go again to get my head down and push for a spot in the team.
“The main objective this season is to get back in the Premiership. I think with the team we have here, we have a really good chance.”
Fotheringham’s starting spot ambitions were boosted last week during United’s game with Airdrieonians at Tannadice when he pounced on an error by Diamonds keeper Josh Rae to hit a shot into the back of the net from 45 yards to set the seal on a 2-0 win that sent United top of the Championship.
The goal was his first at Tannadice and the playmaker admits netting it was a special moment for him and his family.
Fotheringham revealed: “I saw the position of the goalie and sort of anticipated his touch from where we were defending and then when the ball fell to me the instinct was to hit it straight away.
“It was trundling into the back of the net but there was just about enough power to get the goal.
“I didn’t really have much time to think about what I was doing.
“I don’t think I have scored from that far out before and I will probably not get an easier one.
“My mum and dad were there and it was the first goal they have seen me score professionally as well. It was a special moment for me.”
Dunfermline clash
United will look to consolidate their place at the top of the Championship when they play Morton next week but before that they face Dunfermline at Tannadice in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
The Terrors are six games unbeaten and Fotheringham insists no-one will be taking their foot off the pedal against the Pars, adding: “We are determined to keep the winning mentality and unbeaten run going in this cup tie against Dunfermline.”
United will be without the injured Ross Docherty, Craig Sibbald, Chris Mochrie and Sadat Anaku.
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