Six of our biggest emerging stars have penned new contracts with the club ahead of the 2024/2025 season as they look to continue cutting their teeth in the senior game.
LEWIS O’DONNELL
After a formative loan at Kelty Hearts, Lewis O’Donnell has put pen to paper on a deal that will extend his spell on Tayside for a further two years.
The midfielder played in all but one of the Maroon Machine’s League One games last season, racking up more than 3,000 top minutes and making himself an integral part of Michael Tidser’s promotion-chasing side.
O’Donnell also opened his senior account with aplomb during his time at New Central Park, netting a stunning long-range volley against eventual unbeaten champions Falkirk.
RUAIRIDH ADAMS
Ruairidh Adams, a well-known face within the first-team goalkeeping environment, will remain at United until at least the summer of 2025.
The 19-year-old also reaped the benefits of a temporary spell away from Tayside during the 2023/2024 season, playing all of Edinburgh City’s final 18 games in the League One campaign after arriving in January.
Not only successful with his goalkeeping performances during his time in the capital, Adams was also the only shot-stopper to score a goal from open play in the entire SPFL pyramid while playing between the sticks. His 96th minute equalizer against Queen of the South was a rare highlight for the Citizens last season.
BRANDON FORBES
Brandon Forbes is our first Young Terrors star to extend his stay in the city of Discovery for another twelve months.
After arriving at Tannadice last summer after scoring a hat-trick in the Scottish Youth Cup Final for Renfrewshire’s Thorn Athletic, the erratic striker hit the ground running at Foundation Park.
A debut season full of goals followed, in which he netted eighteen times in all competitions. His impressive return of five in six CAS Under-18s Elite League games towards the end of the campaign contributed greatly to a return to form for United.
ADAM CARNWATH
Adam Carnwath will continue his recovery from injury at the club after signing a one-year extension.
A breakthrough year, which saw him make his first-team debut in an SPFL Trust Trophy joust with Falkirk and get regular opportunities to train with the first team, was cruelly halted in March after he suffered a dislocated ankle in a league match with Heart of Midlothian .
Carnwath, who was effective both out wide and through the middle, has made positive steps since the subsequent surgery and will look to pick up his burgeoning performances when he returns to action next season.
SAMUEL CLEALL HARDING
Baldragon Academy graduate and youthful Arab Samuel Cleall-Harding will continue his association with the club for a twelfth year.
The imposing defender has been a regular in the first-team matchday squads after battling back from a torn cruciate ligament in 2022, and will be hoping to make his long-awaited Terrors bow on our return to the top flight.
A goal threat from set pieces, Harding scored four times for the U18s in 2023/24, while also regularly captaining with distinction.
SEAN BORLAND
Sean Borland is our latest youngster to sign a new one-year contract as he makes the step up to the senior side.
The former Hamilton Academical midfielder earned his first professional contract as a 16-year-old and showed maturity beyond his years during a trial period.
As United gathered momentum in the latter stages of the season, Borland found the back of the net in wins over St Mirren and Queen’s Park.
DEPARTING PLAYERS
Mathew Cudjoe
We can confirm that Mathew Cudjoe has decided to call time on his career in Tannadice. The club made an offer that reflected our vision for Mathew both financially and footballingly, but the Ghanaian has decided to continue his career elsewhere.
Since his arrival in November 2021, he has made 46 appearances in Mandarins and found the back of the net five times.
Young terror
We also thank U18s Liam Trotter, Keir Bertie and Greg Petrie for their services in Mandarin as they head off to pastures new.