Jack Ross has admitted he tried to take Steven Fletcher to Hibs last summer after having a 'wee nibble' at the Scotland international during a clash with Stoke City.
The 35-year-old has made his return north of the border this summer after joining Dundee United on a two-year deal under new boss Ross. The Tannadice gaffer reckons his conversation with his new recruit 12 months ago played a part in bringing him to the Scottish Premiership as the Tangerines get set for a European adventure.
United will enter the Europa Conference League qualifiers and are in full swing in pre-season ahead of that test and the return to domestic Premiership action in three weeks' time. Dylan Levitt has also committed his future to the club on a two-year deal from Manchester United with fans expressing delight over the two latest recruits.
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However, things could have worked out differently for Fletcher after a 'really good chat' between the hitman and Ross last year during his time in charge at Hibs.
Speaking to The Courier, the United gaffer said: “Funnily enough I actually had a really good chat with Steven last pre-season.
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“Hibs played Stoke in a friendly and I did have a wee nibble at him after the game. I wondered if he fancied coming back up the road to Scotland at that point.
“Sadly, he still wanted to play in the Championship.
“However, I think he remembered that conversation, which is very helpful when you are trying to entice him back!
“From speaking to him, I do believe he is coming back here with a hunger. It’s been a long time since he last played in Scotland and I think he wants to come up here and remind people just what a good player he is.”
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