DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | RANGERS (A)
25th November 2024
Dundee United today announced the signing of former Blackburn Rovers defender Gavin Gunning on a three year contract, subject to international clearance.
The highly rated in-demand 20-year-old had been the subject of interest from several clubs, both down in England and at least two SPL Clubs, but decided to join up at Tannadice after meeting Manager Peter Houston and visiting the Club last week.
Gavin is a strong left sided defender who can play left back or in the centre of the defence. He joined Blackburn Rovers in January 2006, having previously come through St Josephs Boys Club and Crumlin United in Ireland. He then progressed through the youths and reserves at Ewood Park.
In August 2009, Gavin went to Tranmere Rovers on loan for a month, making six appearances before returning to his own club. He spent the second half of 2009-10 on loan at Rotherham United where he notched up 24 appearances. In November 2010 he was loaned out to Bury, where he made two appearances. Two months later he joined Motherwell on loan for the second half of 2010-11, making 18 appearances including a place in the Motherwell Scottish Cup final side.
Already a youth international, Gavin is a current Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.
Manager Peter Houston said 'I am thrilled to capture Gavin's signature. He is exactly the type of player we try to bring to Dundee United. He is young, athletic and hungry. He can play either left back or central defence and having seen his performances last season I know he can do a job in the SPL. It was important that we moved to bring a central defender to the Club and to get someone of Gavin's calibre is particularly exciting.
'What is also pleasing is that Gavin was determined to join Dundee United. He knows he can get a platform to showcase his talent here and he will do a good job for this Club', he stated.
The highly rated in-demand 20-year-old had been the subject of interest from several clubs, both down in England and at least two SPL Clubs, but decided to join up at Tannadice after meeting Manager Peter Houston and visiting the Club last week.
Gavin is a strong left sided defender who can play left back or in the centre of the defence. He joined Blackburn Rovers in January 2006, having previously come through St Josephs Boys Club and Crumlin United in Ireland. He then progressed through the youths and reserves at Ewood Park.
In August 2009, Gavin went to Tranmere Rovers on loan for a month, making six appearances before returning to his own club. He spent the second half of 2009-10 on loan at Rotherham United where he notched up 24 appearances. In November 2010 he was loaned out to Bury, where he made two appearances. Two months later he joined Motherwell on loan for the second half of 2010-11, making 18 appearances including a place in the Motherwell Scottish Cup final side.
Already a youth international, Gavin is a current Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.
Manager Peter Houston said 'I am thrilled to capture Gavin's signature. He is exactly the type of player we try to bring to Dundee United. He is young, athletic and hungry. He can play either left back or central defence and having seen his performances last season I know he can do a job in the SPL. It was important that we moved to bring a central defender to the Club and to get someone of Gavin's calibre is particularly exciting.
'What is also pleasing is that Gavin was determined to join Dundee United. He knows he can get a platform to showcase his talent here and he will do a good job for this Club', he stated.
