First Team
EVERY WORD | JACK WALTON LOOKS AHEAD TO IBROX TEST
21st November 2024
Dundee United are delighted to announce the extension of cinch Championship-winning defender Ross Graham’s contract, who is set to remain in the city of Discovery for a further two years.
A product of our Academy, Blairgowrie-born Graham is the club’s longest-serving player, having made his competitive debut in an SPFL Trust Trophy clash with St Johnstone’s U21 side in 2018.
His breakthrough campaign came three years later, bursting onto the tangerine scene with a thumping header against defending Champions, Rangers, on his fifth Premiership start. Stellar showings continued, and United would go on to secure a return to the European stage for the first time in a decade thanks in part to the boyhood Arab’s reliability.
The big defender notched his first @dundeeunitedfc goal against Rangers in February!
— SPFL (@spfl) March 30, 2022
Can he help the Terrors' push for Europe? ???? https://t.co/7W63AxPDXC pic.twitter.com/7mCF14dAY0
Throughout the second half of 2023/24, our number six received the call of duty to deputise for his senior colleagues, Declan Gallagher and Kevin Holt, stricken with groin and knee injuries respectively, and did so with distinction. Upon the experienced pair’s return to full fitness, a healthy, four-way battle for the starting spots in our backline ensued.
Striking up a formidable partnership with St Johnstone loanee Sam McClelland, Graham played a pivotal role in the Terrors’ efforts to keep six clean sheets in the final 11 matches and ultimately ensure the title headed to Tayside. Only Tannadice colleague and Scotland international Gallagher boasted a higher aerial duel success rate in the second tier last term.
A trip to Hampden Park during the run-in also brought his first goal in just under two years, as he bulleted home a delivery from fellow homegrown defender Miller Thomson to give United breathing space in a decisive victory over the Spiders.
???? One @DUFCAcademy graduate puts it on a sixpence for another@RossGraham611 bullets home his first goal since April 2022 ??#QPKUTD | #cinchChamp | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/ycCIx4IfHa
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) April 7, 2024
Graham is set to embark on his third top-flight season in and around the first-team environment, with ambitions of nailing down a regular place in Jim Goodwin’s starting XI.
IT FELT RIGHT TO CONTINUE MY JOURNEY HERE
“I’m buzzing to finally get this over the line - I love the club, the city and the fans and it felt right to continue my journey here”, commented the 23-year-old.
“Last season was amazing to bring the club back to where they belong, it was really special to be a part of.
“The Gaffer has a really good project brewing here that I’m looking forward to being a part of. I can’t wait to get back in for pre-season, re-unite with the lads and kick on. I need to be pushing for a regular place in the first team.”
MATURITY BEYOND HIS YEARS
After tying down another member of his silver-kissing side, United boss Goodwin added: “Ross has shown maturity beyond his years ever since my arrival to the club. Not only does his impeccable performance level speak for itself, but his attitude on a day-to-day basis, even when out of favour, was flawless.
“When his opportunity arose last season, he grasped it with both hands and re-affirmed to everyone what a talented footballer he is. I’m excited to continue working with him, eagerly anticipating the next steps in his development, and delighted we have the option of a third year should he flourish as expected."
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Hear from Ross as he speaks exclusively with DUTV after making his decision to continue with the club until at least 2026!
