Barring a minor miracle, Tony Watt has played his final match for Dundee United.
Since his eye-catching switch from Motherwell in 2022, there has been European qualification, relegation, a previous loan with St Mirren and a Championship title win.
He has even found the time to raise chickens.
It was never dull.
However, he will spend the final year of his United contract on loan with the Steelmen, having fallen dramatically out of favour with the Tangerines.
In a matter of weeks, Watt went from prolific, trophy-winning vice-captain to the forgotten man, sent to play for the B team in Buckie before being shifted out the door.
Courier Sport examines why.
A fine Championship campaign
While it should not be held against him (Watt did not write his own contract; merely signed it), Watt was United’s highest paid player and, as such, would have been allowed to depart amid the post-relegation cost-cutting of last summer.
However, there were no realistic suitors as Watt battled back from ankle surgery and the decision was made to utilise his talents – and strong personality – to the fullest as the Tangerines sought to bounce back at the first time of asking.
The experienced forward was appointed vice-captain, made to feel valued and went on to play 43 times, scoring 15 goals in the process.
He justified his place in the squad and, smiling from ear to ear as he clutched the Championship trophy in May, Watt’s redemption arc was complete. He was ready to attack the Premiership.
That feeling was shared by Jim Goodwin.
Courier Sport understands that the United boss held positive talks with Watt during the summer, during which it was made clear that he could be a pivotal player for the Tangerines – but it would require peerless fitness levels.
It was a demand made of the entire United squad as the Terrors sought to implement an energetic pressing game upon their return to the top-flight.
Watt, for his part, posted a few selfies pounding the pavements on holiday in Italy, looking fit and svelte.
Cracks appear
However, multiple sources have told Courier Sport that the United coaching staff were disappointed with the player’s base level of fitness upon his return for pre-season.
That was made clear to Watt.
He is understood to have felt the characterisation was unfair.
He was given a second-half run-out against Brechin and scored the second goal of 2-0 victory. That will be the last time he ever ripples the net for the Tangerines.
When the competitive action began, Watt was among the substitutes for United’s 2-0 defeat at Falkirk. When he entered the fray to replace Louis Moult, his performance was lumbering and wholly ineffective.
Admittedly, he was not alone in a miserable showing from Goodwin’s out-of-sorts side.
Courier Sport has learned that he made his dissatisfaction known to Goodwin in the week following defeat against the Bairns, marking a further deterioration in the relationship between club and player.
Watt believed – and presumably still does – that he could justify a starting berth at United and remains capable of shining in the Premiership. We will find out if that is the case when he once again pulls on the claret-and-amber of Motherwell.
‘It only takes one individual for the whole thing to fall apart’
Lifeless cameos against Stenhousemuir and Ayr followed, to the extent that Goodwin didn’t even send him on when the Terrors were desperately chasing goals against Buckie Thistle.
Addressing his decision to field Owen Stirton and Brandon Forbes instead of turning to Watt, Goodwin noted: “It is a decision that I had to make, as I can only make five substitutions.
“I felt that the young lads would give us energy and work rate.”
Only the Irishman knows how pointed that assessment was.
Similar can be said for his comments in the aftermath of United’s friendly against Luton Town – when it was decided that extra training in St Andrews would serve Watt better than the game itself.
Goodwin said, in the context of a question about Jort van der Sande: “It only takes one individual to be lazy and the whole thing falls apart. I thought Jort led the line well and then Moulty (Louis Moult) did it well when he came on.”
Back to Buckie
As United continued to build their squad, step up training and evolve their playing style, Watt was sent to Buckie. Again.
This time he did get on the field, playing for United’s B team against the Highland League champions.
Indeed, it should be noted that Watt has continued to train; has continued to report for match duty when asked.
He has cut a somewhat doleful figure at United’s St Andrews base – understandably, he would argue – but there have been no tantrums or walkouts. Nevertheless, it became increasingly clear that a parting of the ways was necessary.
Necessary, yes.
But inevitable? No.
It is understood United received a couple of informal enquiries from abroad.
Watt (who in a post on X labelled this article “lies”) had no intention of leaving Scotland. Nor did the notion of dropping to the Championship appeal.
It was conceivable he could have remained at United as a man on the fringes.
As such, the offer from Motherwell was ideal for all parties involved.
While the Steelmen are not taking on Watt’s entire salary, it’s enough for United to pursue another striker. Watt, meanwhile, can seek to revive his fortunes in familiar environs.
And you can bet he’ll be driven to prove plenty of people wrong.
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