The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Booth will relish promotion push
UNITED: Tangerines hand former Hibs and Partick defender a two-year deal
Dundee United’s new signing Callum Booth will “relish” being involved in a promotion push after agreeing a two-year deal at Tannadice.
Booth, who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday, made the switch to United after leaving relegated Partick Thistle at the end of the season.
The defender made more than 100 appearances for the Jags in the top flight and before that was at Hibs. He has also played four times for the Scotland under-21 side.
Booth, who was linked with Dundee earlier this month, will provide competition for jamie rob son at left-back and can’t wait to be part of United’s expected challenge for the Championship title.
He said: “I’m looking forward to being involved in a title chase and that was a major factor in coming here.”
Booth continued: “When you are in the Premiership, unless you are one of the top five clubs in the league you are always looking over your shoulder.
“That was the same at Partick. “The season before last we finished in the top six and that was more a case of relief that we were safe from the fight at the bottom.
“Last season was tough, scrapping away, and we just couldn’t get away from that drop zone. So this will be a different type of pressure, being expected to win most weeks, and one which I will relish.
“From being at Hibs, it was the same type of pressure of being at a big club and needing to win every week.”
Booth was easily convinced United was the team for him after a chat with United assistant manager Laurie Ellis, whom he played alongside at Raith Rovers during the 2013-14 campaign.
“I knew Laurie pretty well from my time at Raith,” added Booth.
“We got speaking about the prospect. “Since then, it has gone pretty quickly.
“Coming to a club like Dundee United is a pretty simple choice.”
United manager Laszlo is looking for his latest signing to boost both the Tangerines’ defence and attack.
Laszlo said: “I am delighted to bring Callum to Dundee United. He is an experienced left-back who has played in the Premiership for many seasons.
“Callum will create competition on the left side of our defence and improves the squad. He is a defender who likes to get up the park and helps create attacking situations.”