The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dundee United defender eyes double summer celebration
French defender keen to celebrate marriage by joining the Premiership
Dundee United’s William Edjenguele is looking forward to a very special “match of the day” in June when he will marry his partner Rachel.
The big defender made another long-term commitment earlier this week when he signed a two-year contract extension with the Tangerines.
The 29-year-old former Neuchatel, Coventry and Bury defender, who has been a star performer for Ray McKinnon’s side this season, admits he was delighted to put pen to paper.
He is loving life at the club and he would like nothing better than to celebrate his marriage knowing he will be playing in the Premiership next season.
Edjenguele, who will be in United’s team to play St Mirren in Paisley tonight, said: “My wife-to-be’s name is Rachel and we’re getting married in June in the Coventry area.
“I hope by that time we will be promoted to the Premiership. I have said before there is not just one way to get promoted. It’s going to be difficult to do so automatically but if need be we can play through May in the play-offs.
“Look at PSG and Barcelona recently – anything is possible in football.
“I believe by the time of our wedding we will be up there promoted.”
Edjenguele added: “I’m very pleased to sign the new deal. It proves that I’ve been doing something right. So it’s just good to be rewarded. We’ve been talking for a while and it’s finally over the line.
“I’d like to thank the chairman for making the effort and he’s made it clear with the manager that he wanted to keep me. I’m very settled and it’s nice to be in an area where my whole family can feel happy. That was a big part of me signing.
“Sometimes you can think the grass is greener somewhere else but that’s not always the case. So it was a pretty easy decision for me.”
One of the main reasons Edjenguele decided to stay with United was his relationship with boss McKinnon.
He added: “If you ask any player, they will always tell you their manager is great.
“But I’ve had a few managers in my career and believe Ray is up there with the best of them.
“I think the thing which stands out is the fact he can mix both ways, by being quite cool but can let you know when he’s not happy with something.
“I want to repay the gaffer. I believe in what he’s trying to achieve to take the club to the top level and I believe in his methods and how he works.
“Although it’s taken a while, I knew all along I wanted to stay.”
Iwantto repay the gaffer. I believe in what he’s trying to achieve to take the club to the top level.
WILLIAM EDJENGUELE