FRIENDS RE-UNITED AS SKIPPY SIGNS UP
Skippy snubs big-money offers to chase glory with Flood at United
SCOTT McDONALD admits mate Willo Flood sealed his move to Dundee United by pestering him about a switch to Tannadice.
The 33-year-old Aussie has signed a one-year deal with Ray McKinnon’s Championship favourites, having left Motherwell in the summer in the hope of sealing a move Down Under.
McDonald turned down a money-spinning offer in England – believed to be in the region of £3000-a-week – as well as two Premiership clubs in Scotland in favour of a move to Tayside on hearing McKinnon’s plans to make United a force again.
The former Motherwell and Celtic star could now play a part in Sunday’s derby with Dundee in the Betfred Cup at Dens Park.
And McDonald revealed former team-mate Flood played a big part in getting him to Tannadice – by constantly badgering him.
He said: “Willo has been pestering the life out of me.
“We were at Celtic and Middlesbrough together. Willo has great affinity with the club. It’s a bit like me at Motherwell.
“The gaffer had been trying to get in contact but he had the wrong number.
“We got together at the weekend and I was impressed with what he had to say and where the club wants to be.
“The biggest thing for me was that it had to be something to get the juices flowing. I had a great time at Motherwell but I needed something to challenge me.
“And the challenge here is to win something. At my age, that will bring out the best in me.”
McDonald rejected the chance to go to Hibs last season prior to the Easter Road side romping to promotion from the second tier.
But the prospect of winning a title this time around appealed to him a lot more than another relegation dogfight.
He said: “If people want to question why I’ve come down a division then fine.
“But I know why I’m here. There was the possibility of me going to Hibs last year and I turned that down – rightly or wrongly.
“A year on I had the chance to go the Championship again and it felt right this time.
“Winning something is very appealing. Fighting to avoid relegation at Motherwell last season wasn’t enjoyable.”
United are the biggest team in the division this term and Skippy added: “There’s no question we’re going to be favourites for the Championship and it’s up to us to handle that and make sure we hit the ground running.
“United are the big name in the league – it excites me to be here.
“We have a Premiership side here and it’s up to us to grab the league by the scruff of the neck.
“I’m here to score goals and help with my experience. I have a responsibility to lead by example.”