The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Leader’ Edwards key to Courts’ rule
Having a “prime” Ryan Edwards to call on for another two seasons is huge for Dundee United says head coach Thomas Courts.
Edwards has penned a one-year extension to his current deal at Tannadice, meaning he will remain with the club until 2023.
The Tangerines securing the big defender’s services for a little longer is news that’s been lauded by fans after the 27-year-old’s huge performances at centrehalf last season.
It’s a feeling shared by Courts, particularly in the face of competition for his signature from clubs down south, who is certain there is more to come from the Liverpudlian.
“I was always very confident that Ryan wanted to extend his stay here,” he said.
“Naturally, I was keen for him to extend because he is a top player and there is still room for improvement – I am looking forward to working with him in the next couple of years.
“When he first came up, he had a niggling injury and a bit of a setback but he went from strength to strength as the season wore on.
“He is a huge part of what we are doing here, he is a big presence in the dressing-room, is well-liked and is huge for us on the pitch as well.
“I think he is entering his prime. There is a leader there, someone his teammates look to on the pitch. He is such a big presence in both boxes and that was very evident last season.
“But I think we have only scratched the surface with Ryan and there is so much more to come. He is motivated to do well and is enjoying his football.
“We were aware of other interests in him but throughout the whole negotiations Ryan had been very clear that he wanted to extend his stay here.
“He enjoys it and has a smile on his face. I think sometimes when you get to Ryan’s age it is knowing where you are comfortable, where you are happy and how you are being asked to play.
“Thankfully, we tick all the boxes for him.” The Tangerines are still locked in negotiations with another key player, Lawrence Shankland, who has a year left to run on his agreement.
It’s clear Courts would love for his centre forward to follow Edwards’ lead and sign an extension at Tannadice, particularly after his three in two goalscoring start to the season.
Courts continued: “We are speaking regularly with Lawrence but we don’t want to put any pressure on anyone.
“Ultimately, we need Lawrence and other players to perform on the pitch.
“I think with the goal return and the smiles on the face that we are seeing from Shanks just now, the key thing is he knows he is wanted here, we trust him and have an understanding.
“We want him to be happy on the pitch and he seems to be doing that just now. Having been at the club for a couple of years, we know the type of service he needs and the type of player he is. That alignment actually helps Shanks relax on the pitch.
“The thing about Shanks is that he is committed to do whatever the team needs.
“In specific games if we ask him to play a more disciplined role, he will do that but, by and large, we want to be an attacking team and creating chances for our forward players.
“Also we understand the excitement Shanks gives to our fans in the final third and also to me as a manager.
“So I want to see him in those types of positions.”
Courts will be hoping Shanks can follow up goals against Kelty Hearts and Elgin City when Arbroath come to town tomorrow for United’s latest Premier Sports Cup clash.
The Group B encounter will see the United gaffer pit his wits against former boss Dick Campbell in the Red Lichties dugout.
Though it wasn’t in football where Courts had his first experience of the charismatic Campbell.
He added: “Dick and I hail from the same town, Lochgelly, and I worked with him for five years at Avenue Scotland, the recruitment company that his brother (Ian) owns.
“I used to send all his text messages to his players because he couldn’t send group chats! I used to do all that for him as part of my apprenticeship 10 years ago.
“It was a bit of an education back then listening to him and his brother talking about football and players.
“So Dick is someone I know and respect a lot and I am really looking forward to seeing them on Saturday.
“It will be a very tough encounter but one we are looking forward to.
“Arbroath are an established team who have been together for a few years now.
“We want to qualify from this group and keep this winning run going because winning is a good habit to get into.”