Dixon calls time on spell at United

Left-back hopes looks to England or overseas for ‘a new life experience’

Paul Dixon wants to leave Scotland after calling time on his second spell at Dundee United.

The left-back, who rejoined the Tangerines from Huddersfield two years ago, was offered terms by United to re-sign but has decided to pursue his career down south or overseas.

Dixon, 30, said: “I think it is the right time to move on to a new chapter in my career.

“I was offered a new contract but I want to get a new life experience. I would like to move outwith Scotland if that’s possible. I quite fancy going abroad or back to England, and that is something I plan to look into.”

Dixon was the hero in United’s Premiership play-off semi-final victory over Falkirk, scoring a late winner, but had to suffer with the rest of his teammates last Sunday at Hamilton as they lost the final 1-0 to Accies.

That added to the disappointment for lifelong United fan Dixon, who went through the trauma of relegation the previous season. He said: “The last two seasons have been tough, and relegation was the lowest point of my career. “Last weekend was also very tough. “The lads put everything into it but physically and mentally we were kaput by the end of the game. The schedule did us in.”

Dixon has tipped 19-year-old fellow left-back Jamie Robson to make the position his own as manager Ray McKinnon puts together a team to tilt at the Championship title next season.

“Young Jamie has a bright future in the game, there’s no doubt about that,” said Dixon.

“He just needs matches now and I think he will kick on a lot over the next year or so.”

Dixon also hopes McKinnon will be given the funds he needs to make United favourites for promotion next season.

“It would be good if there is new investment coming in,” he said. “The gaffer was great with me. “He is a good coach and is very hands-on on the training ground. But he inherited a big job at Tannadice and he had to make a lot of changes very quickly.

“From a player’s point of view, he is very honest and knows when to give you a kick up the backside or put an arm around you.”

Picture: SNS. Calling it a day at Dundee United: Paul Dixon is moving on.

Midfielder Willo Flood looks set to stay at United, having met McKinnon for re-signing talks.