The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Star pupil Fraser’s top marks from McNamara
Young midfielder’s fears over chat with boss prove unfounded
Dundee United midfielder Scott Fraser thought he was heading to the head teacher’s office for a ticking-off only to be told he was a star pupil.
Fraser, 20, will be one to watch at Tannadice in the new season, with a successful spell on loan at Airdrie last term setting him up for a push into the Tangerines’ first team.
He is one of the youngsters manager Jackie McNamara has insisted “should be ready now” along with the likes of Blair Spittal, Charlie Telfer, Aidan Connolly and Ali Coote. Supporters can expect to see them all involved when the action begins in earnest.
Fraser is ready to pass that examination but he revealed he thought he was in the bad books when he was summonsed to see McNamara in the closing weeks of last season.
He said: “I spent most of last season at Airdrie and thought I did well.
“More importantly, the gaffer here at United thought I did well. When I came back to the club I was told that he wanted to see me in his office.
“At first I thought I was in trouble. It hadn’t happened before so I was a wee bit worried that I had maybe done something wrong.
“As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about because it was all positive from the gaffer.
“We had a wee chat and he told me that he had seen a massive improvement in me after my time at Airdrie. That was great to hear.
“He said I had gotten fitter, stronger and that my attitude towards getting the ball back was better.
“The last bit was really important because I have always been a player who wants to get on the ball and try to create chances. Now, though, I do understand how important it is to work for the team by going and getting the ball back.
“If he has seen a difference in me then that can only be good news.”