Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Whirlwind year coming together for Utd’s Harkes
MIDFIELDER Ian Harkes has had a wh i rlw i nd 12 months at Dundee United but it’s all coming together for the American.
The midfielder signed up at Tannadice as a relative unknown last January but quickly made a first-team spot his own.
The dream of promotion had to wait at the first time of asking as the Tangerines were beaten in the Premiership play-off by St Mirren in May.
Fast forward eight months and Harkes is nearing his 50th appearance for United, has helped his side to a 17-point lead at the top of the Championship and has been joined in Scotland by fiancee Sarah Teegarden after she signed for Celtic.
Harkes told the Tele: “It hasn’t felt like a year, it’s gone so quickly.
“I have enjoyed it at Dundee United and in the city and it’s been a big year of growth for me in my game.
“This league has challenged me to increase fitness levels and the rate at which I play. It’s been a great challenge.
“The time on the ball you get is the big difference. In the States you get a bit more.
“Technically the leagues might be different but you are constantly pressing, moving and getting about the pitch.
“That brings more demand on the physical side of the game. I have enjoyed that, though.
“I think it’s added to my game. I did know what it was about before coming over but getting thrown right into it a year ago helped me out a lot.
“I’ve had to adapt quite a lot.” Helping him adjust has been the arrival of fiancee Sarah after she signed as part of Celtic’s new professional ladies set-up.
“She is excited to be over here,” Harkes added.
“She has played for some really good teams and it’s exciting Celtic are getting up and running full-time.
“Hopefully, it goes well for her there and it is nice to have her over here and playing.
“With both of us footballers, we have been in different places usually but she came over here in August or September to train with them so she has been here a while.
“That’s been nice and to get that