Dundee United’s players will be watching the Scottish Cup final with interest today… and it will not just be to see who takes over from them as holders.
The Tangerines’ grip on the trophy they won last year by beating Ross County FC 3-0 will be formally released when Celtic FC and Motherwell FC do battle at Hampden this afternoon. Of more interest than who succeeds them, though, will be whether or not they qualify for the Europa League via their fourth-place finish in the SPL.
Should the Hoops justify their favourites tag and give manager Neil Lennon the victory he craves after such a difficult season, then United will enter the continental competition at the second qualifying round on July 14, with the second leg a week later. Should the Steelmen upset the odds, then they will join Celtic and Hearts to make up Scotland’s three Europa League entrants, with the Tannadice men missing out.
Meanwhile, the man who scored twice for United in last year’s final, winger Craig Conway, has been linked with English Championship side Crystal Palace. Conway, who has left Tannadice after his contract expired, was watched by Palace boss Dougie Freedman in his final game for United, against Hearts last Sunday.
Freedman is looking to rebuild his squad after staving off the threat of relegation from English football’s second tier and is also understood to be keen on Dundee midfielder Craig Forsyth. He will, however, face tough competition from Rangers FC for Conway’s signature.
Another departing United man, Andis Shala, has admitted it is better for him to move on, such is the competition for striking roles at Tannadice. Shala, who joined from German club VFR Mannheim in 2008, was unable to dislodge Jon Daly, Johnny Russell or David Goodwillie from the first team, so spent the vast majority of his time on the bench.
Injuries to other players made it impossible for United to loan him out in order to gain some first-team experience and now, at the age of only 22, he is keen to kick-start his career.
“The manager and I spoke a few times over the last few months and we reached the conclusion I should be moving on,” Shala said. “I need to be playing more than I have been and with a lot of the other guys going to be there next season I was going to be on the bench again.
“That wouldn’t be right for me and that is why I am looking for another club. The team has had another good season and the players who have been involved more than me did well but I am still very sad and leaving was heartbreaking.”
Shala is searching for a club in Germany but would not rule out heading elsewhere to find a new team.
“I am going to sit down with my agent and discuss things next week, but I know I will find a club and I am determined to show what I can do.”