Jackie McNamara insists Dundee United will build a team rather than buy one to take them into the new season.
The manager stressed there is no “panic” at the club despite facing the probability of losing star striker Nadir Ciftci, who remains at the centre of transfer speculation despite turning down a move to Wigan.
McNamara’s message, which many supporters will not want to hear, is that cash will not be splashed by the Tangerines even if they sell Ciftci.
He has taken the decision to go with the squad he already has for the 2015-16 campaign.
While he hasn’t completely closed the door on hiring new talent if affordable and better than what he has, McNamara has made up his mind to give the players currently at Tannadice the chance to take the team forward.
It is a brave move by the boss, given the poor second half of last season and the likelihood of starting the campaign without Ciftci, as well others such as goalkeeper Rado Cierzniak, central defender Jarek Fojut and midfielder Calum Butcher who have already left the club.
It won’t go down well with some fans but the United gaffer is prepared to stand by his decision because he feels it is right for the club.
Describing his squad as already “heavy” on numbers, his intention is to give young, up-and-coming players such as Robbie Muirhead, Charlie Telfer and Blair Spittal space in which to grow into first-team regulars.
McNamara said: “I am really positive about the summer. I know everybody just wants signings but I don’t think there is any need to panic.
“I believe in what is here, what we are doing and what we have done since we have been here.
“If we feel we have to bring someone in then, fine, we will look at it but to be honest I am very happy with the squad we’ve got here.
“We are giving a few more youngsters a chance and that was clear towards the end of last season.
“They have shown in big games, like against Aberdeen and the Dundee derby, that they can handle it.
“So they should be stronger, wiser and more able to deal with the expectations that are on them.”
Asked if he was able to put a number on how many players he is looking to buy, McNamara replied: “No, not at the moment. We are quite heavy on numbers.
“Even when you look at the striking department, we have, along with Nadir, Ryan Dow, Robbie Muirhead, Henri Anier, Mario Bilate and Jordan Moore. That list doesn’t include the younger ones. So that looks heavy.
“There are players like Mario who have been injured and have a lot to prove. I am confident he can do something for us.
“Also, we are ready to see the best of Robbie next season now that he has really settled and gotten to know everybody.
“Ryan is back from injury and this is a big season for Henri to improve and show he can be a top player for us.”
McNamara was then asked to clarify if that meant he wouldn’t be looking for money to replace Ciftci.
He replied: “It depends what we need and what’s available. How do you replace that? I think it has been shown that you have to create it.
“Nadir came here two years ago on trial when no one would touch him. We took him in and it has taken a lot of effort a week at a time to get him to where he is now.
“Can I go out and buy a Nadir tomorrow for a few hundred thousand pounds? No.
“That’s why you are talking about a million-plus fee for him. It has taken me two years to get him where he is.
“It has been about hard work, coaching him physically and mentoring him mentally.
“The club did try to buy success years ago and that’s maybe what has forced a lot of sales over a number of years, which I have inherited.
“In an ideal world it would have been a clean slate coming here.
“So you look at how it has been turned around within two years.
“Despite all the negativity during little bits of last season I believe in what we are doing here. It is the right model for the club.
“There is no point in trying to buy something now and change the whole philosophy.
“Look, if there is something out there like a Muirhead then, yeah, right.
“But you are never going to get the finished article you have to create it,” he added.
McNamara reported no change in Ciftci’s situation and the Turk trained with the rest of the United players on Thursday.
Australian trialist Nick Epifano has had to return home for family reasons but will be invited back by United at a later date.