Dundee United boss Peter Houston has made his first signing of the summer by snapping up former Hibs player John Rankin on a two-year deal.
Easter Road manager Colin Calderwood had informed the 27-year-old midfielder that he would not be offered a new contract last month, and Rankin’s time at the club ended on a sour note when Calderwood also told him to stay away from Hibs’ training base.
Now, he is desperate to kick-start his career again after putting pen to paper on his new contract at Tannadice.
“I am over the moon,” he said. “It has been six months since I have played, so it’s been a hard time for myself and my family.
“But I’ve come through the other side and just can’t wait to get back playing again. I played over 100 games for Hibs and didn’t feel I deserved what happened.
“That’s football and life for you. I am not holding any grudges, though, and just want to move on from that part of my life.
“Nobody was more surprised than myself how things worked out at Hibs. It wasn’t a great time to be honest.Style”However, it’s a huge boost to get tied up so quickly and it’s a step up the ladder as far as I am concerned.
“I’ve played against Dundee United and know they like to knock the ball about. Their style of play suits me down to a tee so I’m really excited about becoming part of that.
“I see it as a challenge and I’m looking onwards and upwards.”
Rankin, who was once on the books at Manchester United, admitted that the decision to move to Tannadice was an easy one to make.
“It had been hanging over my head a little not knowing where I would be next season,” added the Scotland B international. “But then I spoke to the manager a few weeks ago and really couldn’t have come to a better club in a better position.
“There’s also the possibility of Europa League football next season should Celtic beat Motherwell in the Scottish Cup this weekend.Special”At the end of the day, Dundee United are a massive club. I was here as a young 14-year-old and, even though I did not choose to sign for United , they are still a special club.
“I played with the likes of Stephen O’Donnell, David Winters and Jamie McCunnie back then. They all came through at the same time as myself and we had a very good season going undefeated throughout.
“Hopefully, I can have similar good times now and I feel we have the potential to do just that.”
After losing midfield stars Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis, Houston admitted he was delighted to sign someone with Rankin’s experience.
“We have lost Gomis and Buaben but Rankin is the kind of guy who works his socks off every week,” he said. “He’s very fit and has a good grounding from when he was a kid at Man United. He has also had five years in the SPL so he has the ideal experience to help our younger lads along the way.
“I am sure he will become a fans’ favourite. He will not be the only signing I’ll be making as I feel we still need more experience in the team.”