Player power was the game-changer in the departure of Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic, Dundee United have admitted.
The Tangerines have released a statement for their supporters, many of whom have reacted furiously to the acceptance of deadline day bids from Parkhead for two of their star men.
It’s United’s position thatJackie McNamara fully supports the decision to sell The board has to safeguard the club’s “short, medium and long term interests” The players made it clear they wanted to move The transfer fees will assist the club becoming debt free ahead of schedule There will be no purchase by United of a football club in AustraliaThe full United statement reads: “Following the close of the January transfer window last night, the board of directors of Dundee United Football Club believes that supporters of the club should have a complete understanding of the club’s current position.
“Firstly, the club has brought in six new high calibre signings. Henri Anier, Paul Dixon and Ryan McGowan are all internationalists with Ryan having played in all three of Australia’s games at the most recent World Cup in Brazil.
“Additionally, our ongoing commitment to identifying and developing the best young talent in the game continued with the signing of one of the country’s top scorers, Simon Murray, Scotland youth international striker, Robbie Muirhead, and an extended deal for Nigerian U23 internationalist, Ola Adeyemo.
“Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong left for Celtic FC and while we understand the initial negative response in some quarters to their departure from Dundee United, it is very important to keep this in context.
“Firstly and most importantly, it is the board’s duty to balance the short, medium and long term interests of the club at all times.
“While being an emotional wrench for the club and the players, the transfer of Gary and Stuart was reluctantly, albeit undoubtedly, the right thing to do in the circumstances.
“Those circumstances, for absolute clarity, are that both Gary and Stuart made it clear to management that they wanted to leave Dundee United to further their careers elsewhere.
“Gary had signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic.
“The board had no desire to sell the players however when it was obvious that they both viewed their futures elsewhere it is the board’s responsibility to do the right thing for the club.
“That then meant ensuring that the club realised optimum financial value for the players one of whom had only 17 weeks left on his contract.
“It should also be appreciated that in reality, players decide where they will play and not their current clubs.
“Dundee United has no control over their destination club. On this occasion the lure of European football and increased personal financial reward and security are major draws to young players. Both players ultimately go with our best wishes.
“Such deals are negotiated at all times in the longer term interests of the club. This is also a very important point as the club remains focused off-field on being debt free. The transfer fees received will have the incidental effect of assisting the club to become completely debt free ahead of schedule.
“On-field we are still challenging on three fronts and have no intention of being diverted from our short term aims for this season. We can say that safe in the knowledge that the manager himself is happy with the result of this transfer window and fully supported the board’s actions.
“We have some of the best players in the country and we have the best management team for attracting the best young talent. We trust in the manager, his coaching staff and the players as an entire squad.
“As a board, we are optimistic about the club’s future as we know the structure of the club and the personnel that are committed to the club, both on and off field, are acting in the best interests of Dundee United at all times.
“Finally, the board of Dundee United Football Club has been made aware of media reports suggesting Dundee United is interested or is involved in talks to buy a football club in Australia.
“We can categorically state that Dundee United has no intention of purchasing any other football club.”