The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fyvie agrees two-year United deal
Fraser Fyvie can’t wait to get playing again for Dundee United after agreeing a new two-year deal with the club, writes Ian Roache.
The midfielder was United’s most influential player last season until he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in a game against Livingston at the end of the year.
The Tangerines have been helping him through his rehabilitation and the value they place on him is evident in this contract.
Fyvie said: “I am delighted to continue my career here at United.
“I was enjoying my football last season and the club has been excellent during my rehab.”
“As I continue towards full fitness, I cannot wait to get back out playing for United,” added the former Aberdeen, Wigan and Hibs man.
It is a major boost for manager Csaba Lazslo and will be welcomed by fans still reeling from the second successive failure to get promoted.
The Tannadice gaffer said: “Fraser’s performances and professionalism were clear to me when I became manager, and he is an important player for us.
“Him signing is excellent news as we build our squad ahead of the 2018/19 season.”
There should be more positive news in the pipeline, with United expected to unveil former Rangers winger Fraser Aird as a new signing after persuading him to turn his back on Dunfermline.
Aird, 23, is understood to have agreed a one-year deal to stay at the Pars but the Tangerines have now doubled that, coming in with an offer that would take him up to 2020.
The Canadian international has now left East End Park and is to undergo a medical at Tannadice before putting pen to paper.
United have also been linked with Pars striker Nicky Clark.
Another arrival at Tannadice could be Morton’s out-of-contract captain Thomas O’Ware.
The Tangerines face competition from Premiership pair St Mirren and Hamilton Accies in their bid to land the 25-year-old.
O’Ware was with Rangers and Kilmarnock as a youngster before joining the Greenock side in 2011 and he has gone on to feature in over 200 games.
The Buddies were linked with O’Ware at the start of May and since then both Accies and the Tannadice men have expressed interest in bringing the central defender on board.
O’Ware’s contract with the managerless Cappielow side expires early next month and it is unlikely to be renewed as the player is keen to move on.
After leaving Tannadice earlier this week, striker Scott McDonald is “open to suggestions” about his career path.
“I feel I can still play on but realistically every player comes to a stage when they have to think of their next move,” said the Australian.
“I’m 34 now so realise I can’t keep playing forever.
“I’ve always had full confidence in my ability so believe I have the right mentality and credentials to go into management and coaching.
“Having worked under so many good managers during my career, you do pick up certain bits from each one.
“I’ve seen most things which should stand me in good stead.”
McDonald was gutted not to be able to help the Tangerines back to the Premiership but is refusing to dwell on the disappointment.
He said: “I am moving on and wish Dundee United all the best for next season.
“It was so disappointing not to make it back up to the Premiership. That was the aim but obviously we fell short.”