Coll Donaldson admits working under legendary manager Harry Redknapp was an experience he will never forget.
However, when the veteran boss, who signed the defender for QPR from Livingston, left Loftus Road in February, it was a big blow for the 20-year-old.
He had another year left on his contract with the London club but felt that he was not part of new manager Chris Ramsey’s plans.
So, he opted to move and had offers from teams in Scotland, however he ultimately opted to sign for a club which actively believes and invests in youth Dundee United.
When asked how the move came about, the big central defender said: “I had been in at QPR for a couple of days in the summer.
“My agent had been on the phone asking me how it was going and told me there were a couple of options up north if I wanted to think about it.
“But I wasn’t going to come back up the road for anything which I didn’t consider to be a good option or a big opportunity.
“So when Dundee United came in it was a great opportunity as far as I was concerned, given their reputation for bringing on younger players.
“Harry Redknapp signed me for QPR and he was different class.
“His man-management skills were really good.
“He’s got so much experience from being at the top in England and his knowledge of the game is unbelievable.
“I was disappointed to see the way he left but it was just a great experience working with him, that’s for sure.”
Redknapp is known as a bit of a character but Donaldson said: “You don’t really see that side of him, to be fair.
“When you’ve got a professional relationship you see how serious he is and how much he wants to do well day-in day-out and week-in week-out.
“Also on his coaching staff was Joe Jordan whom I got on well with. It helped with both of us being Scottish obviously.
“It was really good that time under Harry. I enjoyed it a lot.
“But it’s like anything when a new manager comes in as happened back in February.
“He’s going to have his own ideas on different players.
“I had another year on my contract left but I didn’t want to take any risks as far as my career was concerned.
“I didn’t want to hang around if I wasn’t playing and I wanted to feel valued.
“The big thing for me was to get playing regularly and try to push on again.”
Donaldson had an early return to QPR on Wednesday night, playing against his old team in a friendly for United.
He should play a part again in this afternoon’s game at Tannadice against Watford and he is determined to make himself a key player in manager Jackie McNamara’s team.
He said: “The gaffer has proved that if you are good enough you will get a chance in the team.
“That’s his philosophy. If you’re good enough then you’re old enough.
“And If you’re playing well enough then you’re going to stay in the team.
“That’s what you look for in any manager, especially if you’re young.
“That was a big attraction in me coming here.”