Jim Goodwin reckons Sam Cleall-Harding’s impact during the run-in will provide the perfect platform for the Tannadice teen to push for a regular starting berth at Dundee United next season.
Cleall-Harding turned in a magnificent display as the Tangerines defeated Aberdeen 2-1 last weekend, securing a return to continental competition for the first time since 2022 – when he was a fresh-faced fan in the crowd for the home win over AZ.
No player made more clearances than the Scotland U/21 international (14) in a performance of maturity and composure alongside Declan Gallagher.
The 19-year-old, who was a standout on loan with Kelty Hearts during the first half of the campaign, has now played four senior games for United.
He kept clean sheets against Hearts and St Johnstone, scored against Rangers and helped to down the Dons. Not a bad hit rate.
“We brought Sam back in January and, with the whole Kevin Holt (leaving to join Derry City) situation, we needed to strengthen that area,” said Goodwin. “Sam was the obvious replacement.
“He’s had to be patient. We’ve worked with him and asked him to watch what the experienced players are doing in training, especially when we’re doing our shape.
“Sam has things that he needs to iron out in his game, as you would expect from a kid at that age. But he’s done himself no harm in the games that he’s played for us.
“I don’t like talking the kids up too much because I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on them. But I spoke to Sam and his dad last summer and told them why I thought Dundee United would be a good place for them in the future.
“I explained what my plan was for Sam, in terms of going out on loan and then coming back and being a part of the first team group. It’s all about building his profile and experience.
“What he’s done this season will stand him in great stead.”
Precocious pair
While Cleall-Harding’s emergence may have surprised some, Goodwin is adamant United always had a concrete development plan for the gifted centre-back – at which point, the Tannadice gaffer brings teammate Owen Stirton into the discussion.
Just as Cleall-Harding shone in Fife, Stirton was a smash-hit at Montrose in the second half of the season, bagging nine goals in 14 League One appearances.
“We gave a lot of thought to Sam Harding and Owen Stirton last summer,” Goodwin continued. “They are players that have been training with me pretty much since I came into the club.
“We had a plan in place that Sam would go out in the first half of the season and then come back to work with us for the remainder.
“Owen Stirton would do the opposite.”
Pre-season challenge
And Goodwin’s next challenge to the promising pair is clear.
Goodwin added: “Both Sam and Owen have really important pre-seasons ahead of them.
“They’ve got to lose that “young guy” tag and really believe that, when they come back, they should be forcing their way into the team.
“That’s what we hope will happen.”
Conversation