Martin seeking new arrivals at Tannadice
DUNDEE UNITED chairman Mike Martin has revealed that the club will top up their summer recruitment programme with the acquisition of at least one loan player.
Tannadice boss Csaba Laszlo has been backed heavily in the transfer market this summer with 12 new faces arriving as the club seeks to return to the top flight at the third time of asking.
Last term Laszlo brought in Anthony Ralston from Celtic and, while a return for the full-back is not on the cards, Martin remains in touch with Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell.
It’s possible at least one of Celtic’s development squad could be farmed out to the Championship hopefuls, with centreback Stephen Welsh and forward Jack Aitchison the most likely candidates.
‘There will be space for one or two loan players,’ said Martin.
‘When we identified the structure we wanted to put in place for the first-team squad, we said 22 players, four of whom would be graduates from our youth system.
‘We wanted to ensure the balance was right to ensure we had the right blend of experience, the right height in the squad, the right speed etc. So we were very focused.
‘I’m not saying the approach was random in the past, but I think it was less structured.
Martin insists there remains the prospect of investment from the USA that would bring about a new ownership structure but claims he will remain involved regardless.
United kicked off their Championship campaign with a 3-2 loss at home to Dunfermline yesterday and Martin admits there will be setbacks in a division that promises to be highly competitive.
‘I would ask the fans to be patient,’ he added. ‘We want the season to be a very successful one — one where we win the Championship and get back to the Premiership’