Edwards shown exit door as boss plans summer shake-up

“I need a group of players who want to be here next season,” said Goodwin candidly.

“That’s the bottom line. I said that to the boys after the game. There is a high percentage of the squad who are still under contract, with 12 months left.

“I made it clear to them, that if they don’t want to be here or they don’t fancy playing in the Scottish Championship, then just let me know. I’ll not be difficult to deal with. If they think they can go and get something better, then no bother.

“Come and see me and we’ll rip up the contract and send them on their way.

“What I do need is a group of players who will fight tooth and nail to ensure this club bounces back.”

Goodwin, who landed a two-year extension to his deal despite United’s relegation, has clear priorities as he seeks to rebuild the Tannadice squad in his own image.

“It’s not a case of me throwing players under the bus or anything — they are one of the nicest groups of players that I have worked with,” continued Goodwin.

“That pretty much sums it up... too nice.

“They are lovely footballers; technically very good. But you have to do both sides of the game, regardless of what level you are at. We haven’t done that well enough.”

Indeed, Goodwin felt the reverse in North Lanarkshire was their campaign in microcosm after another ropey showing at the back.

United ended the season having conceded 70 Premiership goals; a rate of 1.8 per game.

“It has been a disastrous season defensively,” added Goodwin.

“That’s something I know I need to look at. I need to bring in the right type of defenders — who enjoy the art of defending and put their bodies on the line. That’s my first port of call.

“Dundee United in the Premier League is an attractive proposition for any player, Dundee United in the Championship, maybe not so much for some of the high calibre players that you would like to bring to the club.

“We’ve got decisions to make, but what I need to make sure is the type of players that are coming in during the summer have the right characteristics, right mindset and can handle the level of expectation at such a big club.”

United captain Ryan Edwards did not make the match-day squad for yesterday’s defeat and Goodwin confirmed that he will depart the club when his contract expires.

He added: “I had a conversation with Ryan and he won’t be offered a new deal.”

Goodwin remains hopeful he can retain the services of Steven Fletcher, who netted his 10th goal of the season in the defeat to Well.

The United boss said: “He’s a player that I would love to hang on to, if you had 11 Steven Fletcher’s on the pitch then you certainly wouldn’t be sitting in this position and talking about relegation.”

Ryan Edwards did not make the match-day squad.