Defender Brown to leave United

Dundee United defender Troy Brown is heading back to England after Robbie Neilson decided he has sufficient central defensive cover, writes Ian Roache.

Brown, 29, joined the Tangerines in September on a short-term deal that was due to expire next month.

He went on to play five times for United in the absence of the injured Mark Connolly.

Tannadice boss Neilson has thanked Brown for helping them out in their hour of need but feels it is best for both parties if he moves on.

Neilson, who has been preparing his side for Friday’s home derby against Dundee, said: “His contract is coming up in January and we have had a chat.

“Troy has been great for us but I just feel that with Paul Watson coming in and doing so well and Mark Connolly coming back that we have enough there.

“He will get himself back down to England and look for a new club.”

Neilson confirmed he is looking at bolstering other areas of the team when the transfer window opens next week.

He said: “I have a meeting with (sporting director) Tony Asghar so maybe we will have one or perhaps two coming in.

“We would like to bring freshness to the squad. I think it’s important to do that.

“There are two key things: we have to improve the squad and they also need to be good characters because we have a good group.

“I think we need to add another attacker. It is important to do that.

“Possibly, we will also look at adding to the midfield.

“Those are a couple of positions we are looking to strengthen. When good players come up you have to be ready to react to it.”

United fans are also likely to see Logan Chalmers move on loan to Arbroath and Declan Glass return from Cove Rangers.

Neilson said: “We are trying to get that done and I think it will be great for him.

“Also, Declan Glass will come back to us so we have a number of younger players we are trying to move to the right level.

“It is about getting the game time that they need.”

One player who won’t be part of the manager’s plans is Scott Banks, who has been linked with a move to English Premiership side Crystal Palace.

Neilson confirmed: “We offered him a good contract but he didn’t take it.

“So he will be able to sign for somebody on a pre-contract in January. We will just wait and see what comes of that.

“It is just the way football is nowadays. We are disappointed but I’m sure the kid will move on.”

Neilson has also decided not to pursue his interest in Raith Rovers striker Kieron Bowie.

He said: “We have had him watched and a number of other teams have, too, but that’s not one we will be moving forward.

“He has good potential but, in my opinion, the boy needs to stay there a wee bit longer and develop.”

Declan Glass will return from loan spell at Cove.