Everyone is on trial at Dundee United says new boss Ray McKinnon

A clutch of players will be trying to earn deals but Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has revealed everyone will be on trial when pre-season kicks-off later this month.

The Tangerines could have as many as five trialists for the first full week of training in just under three weeks.

In keeping with his policy of refusing to sign anyone until he’s done his homework on them, Ray is arranging for a string of recommended performers to join up for training at the end of the month.

Most are from down south and he’s made use of the later start there.

“It’s players I’ve been told about and who have good pedigrees,” he said.

“But I’ll want to see them for myself.

“I’m hoping it leads to signings but, if it doesn’t, for them they’ll at least have had a good week of training under their belts.”

And McKinnon is insisting it won’t only be the new faces who must be out to impress him.

“Everyone will be on trial, if you like.

“All the players are new to me and I’m new to them, so it will be a chance for everyone to show they should be in the team.”

That goes for players who’ve been told they are free to find other clubs.

There have been talks with striker Henri Anier and keeper Michal Szromnik to try to reach agreement for them to depart.

If they don’t, they will be treated exactly the same as any other squad members.

“As a player myself, I appreciate the situation they are in,” added the manager.

“If players are still here, they will train normally with the rest of the squad and I’ll consider them for selection.”

Talks to sign an experienced goalkeeper are continuing.

Ray was delighted to see junior side Lochee United, where his managerial career kicked off, make it back to the Super League after an emphatic 10-0 aggregate win over Sauchie over a two-leg play-off.

“It’s great for them. There are a lot of good people there who were a big help to me.

“They do a lot of hard work and it’s great to see them back where the should be.”