A year ago, Ray McKinnon was instrumental in getting his career back on track, now new signing Lewis Toshney wants to repay his gaffer by helping put Dundee United back where they belong.
Highly-rated when a kid at Celtic, his career took a dip with Toshney ending up at Cowdenbeath for six months at the end of the season before last.
Ray, though, handed him the chance to step up again with Raith Rovers this time last year and he hasn’t looked back since.
Now Toshney’s aim is to continue that revival by being part of a team that regains its Premiership place at the end of the coming season.
He believes that is an achievable target.
“Two seasons ago I was pretty worried about my career,” he said.
“Jimmy Nicholl gave me a phone call after I’d been at Ross County and gave me the chance of six months at Cowdenbeath.
“I enjoyed it but I was worried I might not get back up.
“Then Ray McKinnon offered me Raith Rovers.
“It was the best move I’ve ever made.
“The manager played a massive part in me getting my confidence back. I trusted him right away.
“Whenever I sat down with him at the very first meeting we had I knew right away. I walked away from it and said I want to sign for him.
“I had a few offers before I signed for Raith but once I met him I wanted to go there.
“So when he came here to United I hoped he would take me with him.
“When I knew he was interested I just wanted to get it over the line.
“When his bids were getting rejected I was worried but he came in again and got me and I’m delighted to be with him at a massive club like Dundee United.
“Here it’s about winning games and getting up. It’s going to be tough but I think we can do that.”
It shouldn’t be too long before Toshney is joined by another new face.
United are close to finalising the deal to bring in Kilmarnock striker Tope Adebayo.
In addition to Adebayo, United are continuing to work on arrivals and an indication of when experienced midfielder Willo Flood will sign up could come tonight — if the 31-year-old is not involved in Aberdeen’s Europa League qualifier against Fola Esch of Luxembourg.
If Flood is involved, it could be after next week’s second leg before he is released to join up at Tannadice.
If he isn’t, his switch may be completed in the next few days.
Fans should note Saturday’s friendly against Cove Rangers is closed door.
Next week’s friendly at Forfar and the Forfarshire Cup tie at Brechin will be open to the public.
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