New boss faces big decisions at United

As Jack Ross – or whoever ultimately succeeds Tam Courts – peruses his Dundee United squad list, there is a gaping hole between the sticks.

And that is just one of four major challenges facing the new boss.

But sticking with the keeper – Benjamin Siegrist is off after his contract expired last month, with the Swiss stopper not short of admirers. Premiership champions Celtic are the latest side to be credited with an interest.

And the Tangerines face an onerous task in replacing the 30-year-old.

Finland international Carljohan Eriksson joined the club from Mjallby in January but is yet to make his first-team debut.

Jack Newman, a Scotland youth cap, is likely to be third choice and could be farmed out on loan.

United will undoubtedly be in the market for a new goalkeeper and, given the number of points Siegrist almost single-handedly accrued over the last four years, it will be a pivotal capture for the new boss.

Although he latterly fielded a 3-5-2 formation with Hibernian, much of Ross’s success as a manager has come while utilising a 4-2-3-1.

During his stints with Alloa, St Mirren, Sunderland and Hibs, he had pace on the flanks, a solid base in midfield – and a little stardust in the pocket behind a lone striker.

Allied with the deployment of a back four, that would represent a major change from how

United played for the majority of last season.

If Ross is to craft a side in his preferred shape, then the work will begin apace; in terms of working to a new tactical template and raiding the transfer market for some sorely required depth on the flanks.

The arrival of a new manager provides new opportunities for a swathe of hopefuls – a clean slate.

Logan Chalmers is an obvious candidate to stake his claim, having notched five goals and one assist in 18 appearances on loan with Inverness last term. He would also give United options on the wing.

Can Kieran Freeman cement the right-back/ right wing-back position? Will Declan Glass kick on following his return from a stint at Kilmarnock?

Chris Mochrie, Darren

Watson and Mathew Cudjoe are among several highly rated prospects who have enjoyed a taste of senior action.

And it all must be done in expedient fashion.

United do not have the luxury of the Premier Sports Cup group phase this term. It has become a glorified pre-season for clubs, given its position in the calendar.

The Tangerines must find a way to work on fitness, shape, integrate new signings and make sure they are ready to hit the ground running on July; the date of the opening Premiership weekend.

Their Europa Conference League third qualifying round first leg tie follows on August 4.

Ross has experience of that when he guided Hibs into Europe last term.