Dundee United finally waved goodbye to Hampden hero David Goodwillie, with the warm words of chairman Stephen Thompson ringing in his ears.
The final ‘i’ was dotted and the last ‘t’ was crossed on the striker’s £2.8m dream move to the English Premiership as darkness began to fall on Blackburn’s Ewood Park last night.
The sale has been a long and exhausting process for all involved but none more so than Tangerines supremo Thompson who, while sorry to lose the man who set United on their way to Scottish Cup glory last year, will be handsomely compensated by the bumper fee that will soon wing its way up the road to Tannadice.
Once all the work was done, Thompson took time to thank the player for his contribution to his team.
“David has been with United since he was a schoolboy and has been a great servant to the club,” said Thompson. “Although our fans will be sad to see him leave they will never forget him for his goal in the cup final and that wrote his place in the club’s history.
“Everyone at Tannadice wishes him all the best for his future at Blackburn. It is a great opportunity and I am sure he will be a big success.”
Goodwillie described the Rovers move as “a massive stage” to further his career.
“Growing up you want to play in the Premiership and I’m really grateful to have that opportunity. I think it’s every young boy’s dream to play in England at some point in their career.”
The young attacker accepts he may need time to get to grips with his new challenge.
“I think the first few games it will be difficult for me to settle, it’s probably a better standard (than the Scottish Premier League),” Goodwillie said.
“I’m just looking forward to the challenge. It’s exciting. It’s really exciting.”Gavin GunningUnited, meanwhile, are poised to sign Blackburn defender Gavin Gunning in a deal completely separate from Goodwillie’s switch.
The timing is a coincidence, with the Republic of Ireland under-21 internationalist first catching manager Peter Houston’s attention when on loan at Motherwell during the latter half of last season.
The 20-year-old, who played in this year’s Scottish Cup final for Well against Celtic, had other options in England and was on trial with Scunthorpe even playing in two of their pre-season friendlies but will train with United today.
He has been offered a three-year deal and appears to be the defender Houston has been looking for all summer.
“I have met Gavin and we are working to get a deal in place,” confirmed the United manager, who will get some of the Goodwillie money to fund wages for Gunning and probably another two new faces.
“He is a player I liked a lot when he was at Motherwell last season and was very impressed whenever I saw him.
“He is quick, good in the air and strong in the tackle so we would be delighted to get him on board. Gavin is going to stay up here and train with the rest of the team.
“There are a few things still to sort out but hopefully we will be able to get it done.”
With United short of bodies at the back, Houston has had to look to the likes of striker Jon Daly to fill in.
Daly was back in his usual striking role on Sunday, though, grabbing the goal that secured their win at Hearts.
His contribution in both positions has been praised by his manager, who feels Daly has also grown into the role of captain.
“Jon has been magnificent so far this season. He has played at centre-back and centre-forward and has been excellent in both positions,” said Houston.
“He is a player who is improving the older he gets. He is maturing and a lot of people were sceptical when I made him captain, buut I knew what Jon would bring to the football club. He has honesty, dedication and a desire to do well.”
Midfielder Danny Swanson has been ill, missing the Hearts game, but Houston expects him back today in the build-up to Saturday’s home match against St Mirren.