Jim Goodwin knows youth is a key element for Dundee United and they need to get back to producing the Stuart Armstrongs, Ryan Gaulds and Harry and John Souttars of the future.
The Tannadice academy has produced some top Scottish and Australian internationalists in recent years. The kids’ set-up has made United millions and Goodwin is well aware it is a vital revenue stream for the Tannadice club to develop and sell on top talent.
United handed promising Kai Fotheringham, who was in the final few months of his deal, a new contract earlier this week. Goodwin said: “I am in regular dialogue with Luigi Capuano, the CEO, and it is really important you tie up the good young prospects. You really don’t want to leave yourself in a difficult situation in the summer when someone can come along and take them on the cheap. There are a number of really good young players here.
“I know over the years that the academy has been an important part of the club and its make-up. When I was a player at St Mirren, it was a conveyor belt of talent coming through here, with Ryan Gauld, Stuart Armstrong and John and Harry Souttar.
“They also helped Andy Robertson along with his development after he came in from Queen’s Park. As a club we want to get back to that.” Attacker Fotheringham had been out on loan at Stirling Albion and a successful spell there saw him recalled to Tannadice.
He has since become a key part of Goodwin’s squad.
The gaffer said: “I am delighted for Kai first and foremost. He had a great loan spell at Stirling Albion in the first half of the season. He was involved in a huge amount of their goals, both scoring and assisting.
“It was a great choice and decision from the club to bring him back. He has been consistent in training and is a very good professional in terms of his work-rate and everything else he gives. He has loads to do in terms of his overall development but it [the new deal] was a good reward for Kai and it shows we have high hopes from him. Hopefully it can give him a bit of confidence.”
United are in contract talks with a number of younger players but Goodwin and the more experienced squad members will need to leave their futures on hold until they find out what league the club will be in next season.
The Arabs are currently battling to get off the foot of the table and Goodwin, who has only signed until the summer, has insisted that has to be the priority.
He added: “I’m just advising at the moment. I’m not in a position, my situation is similar to all these guys who are out of contract.
“We all want to get the league over with before we decide on what the future holds for myself personally and for those players there. The lads are understanding of that.”
