Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has revealed that Willo Flood showed his commitment to the club by taking a big drop in salary to come back to Tannadice.
The 31-year-old midfielder joined the Tangerines for the fourth time yesterday having made 152 appearances in his three previous spells.
Flood admitted he would not have left Aberdeen to go to the Championship for any other club and McKinnon could not hide his delight as he spoke about the prodigal’s return.
The manager said: “Willo has taken a big drop in wages to come here.
“He has shown a lot of commitment.He still had a year left up at Aberdeen so he could have sat there and taken his wages.
“But he wanted to come here so fair play to him. He’s not happy playing 25 games for Aberdeen.
“He wants to play every week. Willo’s a right character and we’ve been chasing him for ages.”
He added: “I think Willo will be great for us. He gives us that experience in midfield.
“He can dictate the flow of the game and the pattern, which he proved on numerous occasions against Dundee United last season.
“He’s a top player. We are certainly getting the team put together now and fair play to the fans who have been backing us buying season tickets.
“We are still trying to add quality not quantity.”
Flood’s signing came just a day after McKinnon snapped up another Aberdeen player, Cammy Smith, on a season-long loan.
The manager said: “I am also delighted to get Cammy in. He can play right across that front three or even as one up.
“He brings youthfulness and is a hard-working player who will enhance competition.
“We should be half decent in that attacking end of the field.
“I think he should be available for the League Cup game at Arbroath. Willo is 50-50. He’s carrying a knock.”
Meanwhile, Flood admitted that McKinnon was the main factor in him making a return to Tannadice.
He said: “The reason I have come back to United is primarily the manager.
“Everything he told me of his plans for the club I liked. His ambition, drive and desire convinced me this move would be good for me.”
