Dundee United’s new signing Gavin Gunning has revealed how he was talked into his move by manager Peter Houston.
Scunthorpe, where he had been on trial, Motherwell and Aberdeen were all keen on the Blackburn Rovers defender.
However, Houston’s powers of persuasion led to Gunning shunning them and choosing United instead.
The Tangerines formally completed the signing the Republic of Ireland under-21 internationalist last week after red tape at the Ewood Park end was finally cut, and he made his debut from the bench against Celtic on Saturday.
“The move took a bit longer than I expected because I had a few things to sort out at Blackburn but I am delighted it has all been finalised now,” Gunning said. “I had a few other options in England and up here in Scotland but after speaking to the manager he sold me on United.
“Obviously, I knew about the club from playing against them last season while on loan at Motherwell. When I spoke to Peter Houston on the phone I was really impressed by what he had to say.
“This is a good club and the team have been improving steadily over the last few years so it is an exciting place to be. I am just looking forward to getting games under my belt and showing people what I can do.
“I loved playing in the SPL last season and it is good I have experience of the league already so I know what to expect.”
Gunning (20) has become another member of the Irish contingent at the club, joining compatriots Jon Daly, Willo Flood and Sean Dillon.That has made the defender feel at home.
“I knew there were a few Irish lads here and that is good,” he added. “The boys have all made me feel welcome and I will settle in no problem.
“There is a very good spirit about the place, everyone works really hard in training and the atmosphere is really good.”
Houston arranged a bounce game against Hibs on Monday to give Gunning and midfielder Danny Swanson match time. The defender will now be in contention to make his home debut against Dunfermline on Saturday.
“We had a match against Hibs on Monday which allowed Gavin and Danny to get 90 minutes,” Houston said. “It was good to get Gunny out playing because it was tough for him to come on late in the game at Celtic last weekend.”