The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
King targets strong and stable spell with United
New signing insists he has ‘no point to prove’
Winger Billy King has voted for a strong and stable future at Dundee United after the uncertainty of recent seasons.
King has joined the Tannadice men on a two-year deal from Hearts, having also had spells out on loan at Rangers and Inverness Caley Thistle.
His time in the Highlands last season wasn’t the most enjoyable, with ICT tumbling down to the Championship.
Now King wants to settle down to life at United as they bid to get back up to the Premiership.
He said: “I spoke to my agent who told me there was no future at Hearts. That opened up opportunities for me, which isn’t a bad thing.
“United came about and I said I thought it was the right move for me and to go for it.
“The manager (Ray McKinnon) was keen and I have signed a two-year contract. The size of the club – it’s a big club in Scotland as you can see.
“The stadium, the fanbase, the facilities and the manager all attracted me. I also didn’t have the best of seasons last season, as was the case for everyone at Inverness. It was a poor season for the whole club.
“As a result of that, it was important for me that I got this decision right and I think I have done. This gives me stability and it eases the mind too.
“When you are getting put on loan twice you don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.
“My contract was running out at Hearts as well. You feel under pressure when that’s the case but now that I have signed here my future is settled for the next two years.”
King knows what it takes to be successful in United’s division.
He added: “I have played a season and a half in the Championship.
“I have had two promotions (with Hearts and Rangers) and know the league. That will bode well for the future.
“Obviously, United were really unlucky not to get promoted last season.
“It was too many games towards the end that maybe just tired the lads out. But we are favourites this season and we have a really good chance.
“We just need to work hard and everyone knows what they need to do. The play-offs are heavily weighted in the favour of the team finishing 11th in the Premiership so we are looking to win the league.”
King was asked if he was keen to show what his previous clubs will be missing by turning on the style at Tannadice.
However, he said: “I don’t think there is a point to prove.
“I know people who believe in me and I believe in myself. I know what I’m capable of. It’s just about finding that sort of run of form.
“It was difficult at Inverness because when you have low possession when you are getting beaten. It is difficult for everyone.
“I’m just looking to get that form back in my game and the confidence.
“I would like to think I’m a winger who takes full-backs on, likes to dribble with the ball and I would like to add more goals. I think I’ve already got assists in my game, crosses into the box and shots at goal. I am wanting to excite the crowd and be a direct, attacking player.
“That is what the fans want to see – players taking on full-backs, getting past them and getting shots away and crosses into the box.”