Dundee United have told trialist central defender Neal Trotman they will not be offering him a contract.
Trotman had a last chance to impress JackieMcNamara when he came on for the last 20 minutes of the win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday, but the Tangerines boss has now informed the former Chesterfield and Oldham player he will need to look elsewhere for a club.
United now look set to go into Friday night’s Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser against Partick Thistle with four recognised central defenders Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning, John Souttar and Calum Butcher.
On Trotman, Tannadice assistant boss Simon Donnelly said: “That won’t be happening. I think we have used our quota for the moment.”
When United travel to Firhill to face the former club of both McNamara and Donnelly, they will be wary of a team that will carry momentum from winning their league last season.
“Thistle are coming up as First Division champions so I’d imagine they’ll be up for it,” Donnelly said.
“They have good players as we know only too well having worked with them. I think they’ll do well this season but hopefully after Friday.
“I know we’re all ready for it. The players are desperate for the real stuff to start. It’s been good over the last three or four weeks but you can’t beat the season getting started.
“It will be a good game for everyone concerned.”
The 1-0 victory over the FA Cup holders at the weekend secured by a Nadir Ciftci wonder goal has ensured United will travel west full of confidence.
Donnelly said: “The Wigan result was a real boost. You can’t beat getting into the habit of winning games and it sets us up nicely for the Thistle clash.”