Dundee United boss Peter Houston has taken the difficult decision to release former Scotland under-21 player Greg Cameron.
There were great expectations surrounding the youngster after he broke into the club’s first team when he was only 16.
However, the 22-year-old has been marginalised in recent seasons with the likes of Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.
Houston has also released Marco Andreoni and young goalkeeper Conor Grant but has urged the three players to take heart from the example of Michael McGovern.
He was jettisoned by United a year ago because he needed to play first-team football and his move to Ross County means he will face his former team-mates in the Scottish Cup final.
“I’ve spoken to Greg Cameron, Marco Andreoni and Conor Grant to tell them they won’t be getting new contracts,” said Houston.
“To be fair to them, they took it well and their attitude has been first class.
“I’m sure they will find other clubs because they are good players and I will do everything I can to help them out.
“In Greg’s case, he played a lot of football at a very, very young age but his career has stalled in recent years. He’s been unlucky because we brought Morgaro and Prince in soon after Craig Levein and I got here, so he lost his place to them.
“Greg is probably a different type of midfielder than we were looking for so he’s suffered because of that.
“He’s a former under-21 internationalist and a very good footballer, but right now I think the best thing for him is to get a change of scenery and a fresh start.Silver lining”He only needs to look at Michael McGovern, who left us in similar circumstances a year ago and hasn’t looked back since. Michael is now playing first-team football every week and will be up against us in the Scottish Cup final.
“I’ve told the three lads this. I firmly believe you are better playing 500 games at first-team level, no matter where that is, than being at a bigger club and not playing.”
Breaking the bad news to the players was not a pleasant task for Houston, who replaced Levein in December, but he realises it is something which comes with the territory.
“That was the first time I’ve had to make these decisions and tell players,” he added. “It’s not nice, it’s a hard thing to do, but it’s part of the job.
“I think they knew what was happening anyway but the best thing is to just be honest with people.
“I’ve told them if they need time off to train with other clubs or go away and let people have a look at them, then I’m fine with that. As I said, they are great boys and I can’t speak highly enough of them so I will do everything I can to help them out.”