Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Utd sign cover for crocked Connolly
WITH regular stopper Mark Con nolly facing a spell on the sidelines through injury, Dundee United have added to their defensive options by signing experienced Englishman Troy Brown.
Connolly missed the recent win at Dunfermline with a hamstring problem and limped off after just 25 minutes when he returned for the 6-2 derby win over Dundee.
Manager Robbie Neilson has confirmed a scan has revealed the muscle is torn and, while the Tangerines are hopeful the 27-year-old Irishman’s absence will be measure in weeks not months, he looks certain to miss this weekend’s trip to Ayr United.
With Rachid Bouhenna and Frederic Frans being allowed to leave over the summer, that’s left a shortage of experienced cover for the central defensive areas. Calum Butcher stepped into the void against the Pars and Dark Blues but Robbie sees him as a major influence in midfield, hence the move for Brown.
The 28-year-old has been signed up on a six-month contract, a deal that will be extended if he proves his worth.
The former Exeter City defender was available because of the demise of English League One outfit Bury.
He’d agreed a deal with them but that had to be ripped up after they l ost their l eague status last month because of an ongoing financial crisis.
Now United have handed him a lifeline and the gaffer was happy to do so.
“Troy will add strength, height and physical presence to our defence and I am delighted to have him signed,” said Robbie.
Although English-born, Brown is a former Welsh U/21 international and he is just as pleased to be back in football.
“I am excited to get started here at United. This is a great opportunity for me and I want to help Dundee United in its aim to get promoted this season,” he said.
Meanwhile, in probably the least surprising development of the season so far, Robbie and star striker Lawrence Shankland have been named Championship Manager and Player of the Month for August.
United won all four league games in that period, while Shankland hit the back of the net a remarkable eight times in those outings.