Charlie Mulgrew remembers when he and Steven Fletcher were just young pros making their way in the game. And even though their hair may be slightly greyer than it was back then, he insists that they’re still in tip-top shape going into the new season with Dundee United.
Fletcher, 35, last week signed a two-year deal with the Tangerines as he returned to Scottish football 13 years after he left Hibs. He became United’s first signing of the window before the arrival of Dylan Levitt. Mulgrew, 36, returned to the Scottish game with United 12 months ago and enjoyed a fine campaign in what is the twilight of career. Now the veteran believes that his former international team-mate can also shine on Tayside.
Mulgrew said: “He’s a great age. Being in your 30s isn’t the same as what it used to be. Fitness and nutrition has changed and you can look after your body a lot more. Sports science has changed a lot. We’ve got him at a great time and he seems really hungry to have success at Dundee United.
“Even if you don’t hear things directly, you know there are questions being asked and things being said – you get to a certain age and people start to question you. But the main thing is that you stay determined and you want to win and be successful.
“You don’t want to just ride your career out; that’s important. In the past, in years gone, players have maybe come back up the road or gone to other teams looking to see their careers out.
“That’s never been the way I’ve looked at things. The day I feel like that is the day I’ll retire. I still have that hunger to win – I feel that every day, even in training. I see exactly the same desire in Fletch. It doesn’t matter what people say outside. As long as you know how you feel, then you can prove it.
“I’ve known Steven for a long time and played with him going right back to the Scotland Under-21s. His career and what he has achieved speaks for itself. We’re delighted to have him here and I’m sure the fans feel the same way. I know he is happy to be here and hopefully he can play a big part for us this season.
“I played against him down south a good few times as well. He’s a real handful – good in the air, he takes the ball down well and brings others into the game. We are thankful to have him on board.”
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