Donaldson wants to stay with United

COLL Donaldson is refusing to give up on his Dundee United career. The 21-year-old central defender, formerly of Livingston and Queen’s Park Rangers, was one of a handful of Tannadice players told by chairman Stephen Thompson that he could find a new club this summer.

League Two outfit Stevenage Borough were credited with an interest back in May, but with two years remaining on his current deal, Donaldson intends to turn up for the start of the club’s pre-season training on Thursday in an attempt to play his way into new manager Ray McKinnon’s plans.

“I had a conversation with the chairman and told him I was keen to stay because I enjoyed my time,” said Donaldson. “Obviously it was a tough season but I did enjoy it and I want to prove myself. I want to prove that last year wasn’t what I am about and get the club back to where it belongs.

“I’ve still not spoken to the new gaffer,” said Donaldson. “But he came in before the last game of last season and he sent a group message during the summer saying he’s looking forward to meeting us and looking forward to getting us all back in.

“I’ll be trying to impress him. I’ve been away and kept myself ticking over and I’m looking forward to going in and seeing all the boys on Thursday. That’s all I’ve been thinking about during the summer.”

United, who are in televised action in the Betfred Cup against local rivals Arbroath as early as Friday, July 15, start their Championship campaign at home to Queen of the South and Donaldson doesn’t agree with the suggestion from new Hibernian boss Neil Lennon that Dundee United are the favourites.

“No, I think Hibs with the appointment of Neil Lennon are not looking to stay in the league,” said Donaldson. “I think Hibs will be going into the current campaign with a lot of pressure on them to go up after failing to do so in the last two years. But that’s our aim too, to win the league and go up automatically.”