Adam says Mellon a good fit for Tangerines

Charlie Adam reckons the English transfer market is ripe for the picking.

And the ex-Liverpool and Scotland star believes Micky Mellon can make it a fruitful window for Dundee United.

Adam and new Tangerines boss Mellon have long-standing family connections and live near each other in the north west of England.

Their careers have played out at different levels, but Dundee-born midfielder, Adam, has always valued Mellon’s insight.

Now the Reading star believes United could reap the benefits of their new manager’s knowledge of England’s lower leagues.

“There are plenty younger players coming out of contract and, if you know the market and can pick the right ones, they can come up and do well in Scotland.

“In the next few weeks there are a lot more players in England coming out of contract, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see three or four coming up from England into United’s team because that’s a market Micky knows really well.”

Mellon’s appointment surprised some given his lack of experience in the Scottish game.

But Adam, who has watched the Tangerines boss rack up five promotions in a decade, said: “I know Micky because my wife’s brother and his son were at the same school together.

“We got talking through those connections.

“Micky was always one where, if you ever had an issue, he was always there.

“If you ever had a question about playing or coaching, you could pick up the phone to him – he’s a proper gentleman.

“I kept in touch with him over the years, watched him get a few promotions, managing Fleetwood, Shrewsbury, taking Tranmere up from nonleague through the leagues – he’s done a great job.”

Charlie Adam