Asghar’s not ‘in line’ for United manager role

ADAM Asghar has vowed that he will never become Dundee United manager while his father remains at the club.

The 27-year-old coach laughed off rumours last summer that he was being primed for the top job at Tannadice by sporting director Tony Asghar.

As it happened, Asghar Jr joined Tam Courts’ backroom staff with the first team, having worked with the United boss in the youth ranks.

He also had an existing relationship with Courts dating back to 2016, making him a valuable sounding board.

While Asghar – something of a lightning rod for criticism, particularly on social media – has learned to bite his tongue, he was keen to put talk of managerial aspirations at United to bed.

“To clear one thing up: I’ll never manage this football club as long as Tony is here,” said Asghar.

“I see that getting thrown about and I can promise that’ll never happen.”

Asghar insists his father’s position as sporting director at United made his switch to Tannadice in 2019 more difficult.

Adam, who cut his teeth in coaching with Motherwell’s academy and the Scottish FA’s Braidhurst Performance School, had cultivated a positive relationship with Andy Goldie.

And, on his appointment as academy director, it was Goldie who believed he was the right man help shape the next generation of Dundee United starlets.

Tony Asghar was sceptical, Adam contends.

“It was Andy (Goldie) who pushed for me to take the job. Tony wasn’t sure about it at all,” he continued.

“Andy was adamant and told Tony: ‘I believe he’s the best man for the job.’ For him to put his name on the line for me is something I’ll always appreciate.

“I’d be lying if I said it (Tony Asghar’s role) didn’t make it a more difficult decision.

“I sometimes feel like I’m coming in with this cloud over my head. All I want to do is coach players and make them better.

“Of course, I understand the circumstances and this situation will always come with questions.”