Premiership rival boss 'delighted' to fend off Celtic transfer interest for star man as Rangers fixture looms
Sought after star is available for Rangers clash despite Celtic interest
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is ‘delighted’ that Celtic transfer target Will Ferry will be available for their upcoming SPFL Premiership opener against Rangers at Tannadice on Friday.
The 25-year old left back was a standout for the Tangerines last season and has since been on Celtic’s radar - especially after talks collapsed with last season’s loanee Marcelo Saracchi, regarding a permanent switch from Boca Juniors. The Hoops still have Ireland international Ferry in their sights as a potential back up to Kieran Tierney, but for the time being he remains a Dundee United player.
Ferry had also been the subject of a bid from the Czech Super League, which was accepted by the club but rejected by the player. Until recently, amid all the outside noise, he was training with the youth team, but has returned for United’s last two League Cup group stage matches and is now ready and available for the Rangers clash.
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Goodwin ‘delighted’ Celtic target remains at Tannadice for opener
The Irishman told Sky Sports: “Will Ferry is still a Dundee Utd player, it's as simple as that. It's been well-documented that a few weeks ago, we accepted a considerable offer for him. Will and his representatives mulled it over and decided that wasn't an opportunity that they wanted to pursue. As a manager I’m absolutely delighted becasue he's been one of our best players over the last couple of seasons and we're delighted to have him here.
“I'm delighted with the recruitment that we've been able to do. We got a lot of business done very early on in the window. As a manager, you're always a little bit greedy in wanting to add good quality players. We're still active in the market but if we weren't to get anything done by Friday, I'd be more than satisfied with the group of players that we have available.”
The Arabs have enlisted nine new players for the season ahead so far and are still looking to strengthen. As for Celtic, they’ve looked elsewhere for left back reinforcements including the current Scottish duo in the Greek Super League. AEK Athens star James Penrice has been shortlisted, while PAOK man Greg Taylor has been linked with a Parkhead return, 12 months since he moved on from the club.
Goodwin on Rangers test
The Dundee United gaffer is well acquainted with new Rangers boss Derek McInnes, having faced him when at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts. He’s looking forward to the challenge of being the first man to take on the new look Rangers squad. He continued: “I’ve managed against Derek McInnes teams numerous times in the past.
“He’s enjoyed great success at all of the clubs he’s been at playing a certain way, so I’m not expecting Rangers to be a great deal different from his Hearts team, or even his Aberdeen team from a few years ago. What they have got is very talented players within their squad, but we’ll have no fear going into the game.”