Dundee United frontman Danny Cadamarteri has admitted to “walking on eggshells” as the Tangerines approach the start of the season with their Scottish Cup-winning squad pretty much intact.
To go with the champagne and celebrations at Hampden on that memorable day in May when they collected the famous old trophy came a feeling that a successful unit may be about to be broken up.
It has stayed intact so far, with the inevitable return of loan star Andy Webster to Rangers.
However, Cadamarteri and, indeed, manager Peter Houston are well aware that the transfer window does not close until the end of this month.
Several of United’s players have been linked with moves away elsewhere, with Middlesbrough already having inquired about winger Craig Conway.
The latest report again involved Conway, saying he was interesting Rangers.
But that was shot down by manager Peter Houston on Wednesday, who declared, “I have no contact from them at all.”
The likes of David Goodwillie and Garry Kenneth have also been the subject of speculation over a possible move to Blackpool something again dismissed by United.
Now Cadamarteri is hoping that the departure lounge stays empty.
“To be honest, I am very surprised we have managed to keep the team together so far,” he said.
“After the cup final it was a worry that the team would get broken up because clubs were linked with our guys.Worry”There has been a lot of interest in our players and it is still a worry because the transfer window is not closed yet.
“So it is just a case of walking on eggshells for a few weeks and hoping that nobody leaves.
“Of course, you want to see your team-mates better themselves but maybe they can do that here anyway.
“If we can hold on to our top players then there is no reason we can’t keep progressing and achieve more.”
The Tangerines face Wigan Athletic in their final pre-season encounter this Sunday and Cadamarteri insists it is the ideal challenge just six days before the start of their new SPL campaign.
“Their owner, Dave Whelan, has spent a lot of money at Wigan,” said the Yorkshireman.
“They have got some big-name players so it will be a test for us.Comfortable”They have done really well to establish themselves in the Premiership and are a team that won’t get relegated and are now comfortable at that level.
“So it will be a good game for us to test ourselves and also keep building up to the start of the SPL next weekend.
Cadamarteri has been nursing a hamstring strain but fans can expect to see him against the Latics.
“I should be available because I am much better now,” he said.
“All of our pre-season games have been away from home so far so it will be good to get a game in front of our fans and hopefully we can put on a show for them.”
Meanwhile, United remain in discussions with Lithuanian defender Irmantas Zelmikas about a contract following his successful trial period.