Jim Goodwin reckons high-flying Dundee United’s Premiership position can help him land top targets in the January window.
United sit third and their boss believes it could be a lure with the potential of European football next season. Goodwin has defied the odds with his newly-promoted side and now chairman Mark Ogren has made funds available to bring in a striker with pace and possible defensive cover.
The Tannadice manager said: “The next step is that we add a bit of quality to what we’ve already got and make sure we don’t leave ourselves short going into an important part of the season. There are talks going on with one or two players at the moment. They are good players with a bit of interest from other clubs but we are in a good position to sell Dundee United to them. They can look at the league table and see where we are sitting, which can make those conversations easier. From there, it’s just about coming to a financial agreement that’s workable and manageable for us.
“We won’t have money available to go and buy players like one or two others are – the money some of the clubs are spending in this window is something we can only dream of. But we’ll look to add on loan – at least one, possibly two. That should put us in a strong position for the league’s latter stages.”
United don’t play until they cross the road on Monday to take on Dundee in the Scottish Cup. It has allowed Goodwin to give his squad some additional time off to recharge after a hectic festive and New Year period.
Goodwin said: “With the game not being until Monday it seemed like a good time to give the players some time to themselves. They were all sick of the sight of each other by Paisley!
“The lads have been in training for a hell of a long time. If you go back to December 19, they’ve only had two days off prior to the St Mirren game.
“It has been a really busy schedule, and they have come through it brilliantly. They deserve some time with their families and partners and to just chill out. A lot of sacrifices are made over a jubilant time of the year when most people are letting their hair down, eating and having a couple of drinks.
“Our boys had to remain professional. In my view, that’s why we’ve had the results we’ve had. They are a good group and it’s never been a case of having to lay down the law. They understand what’s needed and demanded.”