Dundee United has enjoyed Ian Harkes’ presence over the past three seasons and the Scottish Premiership club rewarded the American with a new contract Thursday.
Harkes signed a one-year contract to stay at Tannadice Park for the 2022-23 season, the club announced. The 27-year-old earned Dundee United’s Player of the Year award last season, helping the Scottish club finish fourth in the Premiership standings.
“I’m delighted that Ian has chosen to come back,” Dundee United manager Jack Ross said about Harkes’ return. “It’s a deal the Club has worked hard on to get it over the line. I’ve seen his qualities from coming up against him and it’s a pleasure to now have the opportunity to work with him.
“I spoke to him a lot on the phone when I first got the job and met him a few days ago to give him a better understanding of how I work and what I am looking to achieve here,” Ross added. “He had other options but hopefully that gave him greater clarity in the decision-making process. The fans will be delighted. They have seen first hand what he is capable of and I am convinced he will get better and better.”
Harkes joined Dundee United in 2019 and helped the club win the Scottish Championship title, earning promotion back to the top-flight. The former D.C. United homegrown midfielder has totaled 131 appearances for the Tangerines, scoring nine goals and adding nine assists.
Dundee United’s fourth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season guaranteed it a spot into the UEFA Conference League Qualifying Round this summer.
good, some loyalty for a change.
Loyalty? What Loyalty?
Dundee United were possibly the best deal he could get. That’s just good common sense not loyalty.
At his age he may not feel like he wants to start over again somewhere else.
Plus, they are now in Europe. That might give him a chance to make a splash and get a better offer, enough to tempt him to take a chance on a move
It’s called professional soccer because it’s a business.
“Loyalty” has nothing to do with it.