Fifteen Dundee United players to depart from club ahead of Premiership return

Championship champions Dundee United have announced that 15 first-team players are departing from the club ahead of their Premiership return.

The Tannadice club finished six points ahead of second placed Raith Rovers to seal promotion back to the top-flight a year after being relegated.

They will now take their place among clubs such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen, Hibs and city rivals Dundee next season.

But it looks like manager Jim Goodwin will be tasked with a big rebuild of his squad after the club announced a string of first-team players will be leaving.

That included 11 who are out of contract, including Scott McMann who started 35 of their 36 league games, and four loan players who will be returning to their parent club this summer.

Sadat Anaku, Mark Birighitti, Layton Bisland, Logan Chalmers, Flynn Duffy, Declan Glass, McMann, Archie Meekison, Chris Mochrie, Craig Moore and David Wotherspoon are all out of contract and will leave Tannadice as free agents.

🗞 Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, #DUFC can provide a squad update on players who will be departing the club upon the expiry of their contracts

The club places on record its gratitude to all those moving on to pastures new for their services in tangerine 🧡
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) May 8, 2024

While Jack Walton, Jordan Tillson, Alex Greive and Sam McClelland have returned to their parent clubs of Luton Town, Ross County, St Mirren and St Johnstone respectively.

McMann is the most notable name on the list after the 27-year-old saying he would “100%” want to extend his contract with the Tayside club.

Following their last-day win over Partick Thistle he said: “Absolutely, I would love to stay here.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at this club, and I want that to continue.”

However, the former Hamilton defender’s near-three-year stint at United is now over along with several others.

On announcing the news on Wednesday, a club statement said: “We would like to place on record our gratitude to all players moving on to pastures new for their services in tangerine, and extend our best wishes for their future endeavours.

“The club will communicate further updates regarding the playing squad in due course.”

Partick Thistle drew 2-2 at Airdrie on Tuesday in the first-leg of their play-off tie as they look to join United in the top-flight next season.

The winner of that tie will take on Raith Rovers for a shot at the team who finishes second bottom of the Premiership, which will likely be Ross County or St Johnstone, to take their place among the big boys.

Relegated Livingston’s fate has already been sealed and they will drop down to the Championship after six years in the Premiership.