The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Reynolds: In-demand Courts has silenced naysayers
Former Dundee United captain Mark Reynolds believes Tam Courts has “silenced his critics” amid talks with Rijeka.
Courts is wanted by the Croatian Euro regulars and talks are set to be carried out in the coming days.
The 40-year-old had an incredible first season at the helm for United, guiding them to a fourthplaced Premiership finish and helping book their first European trip in 10 years.
But, as Courier Sport revealed, his time at United could be coming to an end, with other clubs looking to acquire his services.
Courts’ former Tannadice skipper Reynolds believes his old gaffer has worked wonders.
“I don’t think Tam Courts gets enough credit for how good a manager he is,” he said.
“He came in as an underdog and there were a lot of questions asked of him. That spell at the start of the season, he started really strong and silenced a lot of critics.
“I was still there at that time and you could see the work being done – it was very calculated.
“He knew what he wanted from the players and the players knew the messages they were getting from him. “It was very consistent. “We believed we had good enough players at the time and a system that would ultimately get us into the top six.
“They’ve done brilliantly to do that and picked up their performances towards the end of the season and got some huge results just when they needed them.”
Reynolds, who left United in January, believes part of Courts’ success is his willingness to give young players a chance.
Kieran Freeman, Archie Meekison and Ross Graham are just three youngsters to have been given a chance in the United first team.
Reynolds singled fellow centre-back Graham in particular for his performances.
“Having worked with
Tam, Liam Fox and Adam Asghar – they won’t just put in young players to fill a quota. They put them in because they believe they are good enough and make a difference on the pitch.
“Look at Ross Graham, for example. He’s probably the latest to have come through. He has really staked a claim in that first team and was out on loan at Dunfermline.
“He never really kicked a ball but he’s come back, the manager put his faith in him and he’s repaid that.”
Meanwhile, signing United defender Lewis Neilson on a free transfer is “great business” for Hearts, according to their sporting director, Joe Savage.
The Tynecastle club have confirmed the youngster has agreed a three-year deal to link up again with former United boss Robbie Neilson.
The Tangerines believe they will be due training compensation but Hearts appear to be sticking to their stance that the 19-year-old won’t cost them a penny.
Savage said: “We were interested in Lewis as soon as we heard there was a chance he might not renew his contract at Dundee United.
“To get him on a free transfer is great business from our perspective. We’re overwhelmed by it, to be honest.
“At the age he is, with a chance to develop him further. Robbie and his coaching staff raved about him. He’s someone that Robbie thinks is very good and that we can make him into an even better player.
“It’s good to go down the route of attracting young Scottish players, when we can, it shows that we’re committed to our roots of developing footballers.
“We’ve done Alan Forrest, and now we’ve done that with Lewis. We’re delighted.”
Robbie Neilson said: “Lewis is someone I’ve known for a while as he was coming through the ranks at Dundee United when I was manager there.
“Even back then you could see his potential and he’s continued to improve, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring him to Hearts.
“He’s a very quick and strong player with all the attributes needed to make it at the top level, and I’m sure Hearts will provide the perfect environment for Lewis to work hard, develop and take his career forward.”
Since United made Neilson the offer of a new contract, the Tangerines insist they will be due compensation.
In support of the Jam Tarts’ position, news reports have cited a supposed failure by the Tangerines to protect their right to compensation when offering that deal.