First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Dundee United today gave further confirmation of the long term planning of the Club by announcing extended contracts for youngsters 20 year old David Robertson and 17 year old Keith Watson. Both players are now contracted to the Club until 2009.
David Robertson, a product of the Dundee United Youth Development programme, first signed for the Club in 2003 and made his first team debut in January 2006. He is now a regular first team player and has recently been recognised at Scotland Under 21 level.
Keith Watson was signed in July 2006 and has made rapid progress through the Under 19 and Reserve sides, making his first team starting debut in January this year in the Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren.
Manager Craig Levein said, "I felt it was necessary to bring in a number of experienced players during the transfer window to strengthen the squad and increase the number of options available to me, both for this season and for the immediate future. However, it's been equally important to consider the longer term requirements of the Club and the recent contract extension for Barry Robson gave notice of our intent in this regard. The new contracts for these two young lads are just as significant in their own way as I feel both will have a very important part to play in the future of this Club.
"David Robertson has proved he can play at the top level in the SPL and has the awareness, anticipation and ability to provide a real goal threat from midfield. He still has a lot to learn but his contribution can be invaluable at times.
"Keith Watson has only recently turned 17 and is already looking like he can be a regular first team squad player before too long. He is a natural athlete and while he can play in various positions, I see him developing primarily as a central defender.
"I am delighted to secure their services until 2009 and even more pleased that both players have come through the youth development programme of the Club. Dundee United has an excellent youth programme and I hope this acts as a further incentive to some of the other highly rated youth players currently on our books."
David Robertson, a product of the Dundee United Youth Development programme, first signed for the Club in 2003 and made his first team debut in January 2006. He is now a regular first team player and has recently been recognised at Scotland Under 21 level.
Keith Watson was signed in July 2006 and has made rapid progress through the Under 19 and Reserve sides, making his first team starting debut in January this year in the Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren.
Manager Craig Levein said, "I felt it was necessary to bring in a number of experienced players during the transfer window to strengthen the squad and increase the number of options available to me, both for this season and for the immediate future. However, it's been equally important to consider the longer term requirements of the Club and the recent contract extension for Barry Robson gave notice of our intent in this regard. The new contracts for these two young lads are just as significant in their own way as I feel both will have a very important part to play in the future of this Club.
"David Robertson has proved he can play at the top level in the SPL and has the awareness, anticipation and ability to provide a real goal threat from midfield. He still has a lot to learn but his contribution can be invaluable at times.
"Keith Watson has only recently turned 17 and is already looking like he can be a regular first team squad player before too long. He is a natural athlete and while he can play in various positions, I see him developing primarily as a central defender.
"I am delighted to secure their services until 2009 and even more pleased that both players have come through the youth development programme of the Club. Dundee United has an excellent youth programme and I hope this acts as a further incentive to some of the other highly rated youth players currently on our books."
