Wright is fuming to lose Tam

League signing deadline to meet his new mates at Largs yesterday.

But despite the manager’s delight at landing Scougall after a month-long chase, he struggled to contain his unhappiness at the Saints hierarchy as he explained how 29-year-old defender Scobbie slipped from his grasp in the other direction.

Wright said: “It disappoints me that we weren’t able to keep him. Thomas was even prepared to take a pay cut and I wanted to keep him.

“But I don’t deal with the contracts, the chairman deals with that.

“It hasn’t happened though and Dundee United have got a very good player. He is someone who has been very underrated in his time here by quite a few people.

“I’m going to miss him on the pitch and off. My recommendation as manager was he should stay. Ultimately it’s up to the club but I didn’t want him to leave.”

Meanwhile, Scougall’s arrival as a replacement for Hibs-bound Danny Swanson has come in the nick of time ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League draw for the first qualifying round.

The former Livingston midfielder, who moved south to Brammal Lane in 2014, said: “My dad and I were invited to the Saints game against Hearts towards the end of last season.

“I spoke with the manager that night and he was so positive about the club and his reasons for wanting me here that I was happy to sign.”