Jim Goodwin has urged his Dundee United players to avoid repeating the “unnecessary negativity” that marred their Premier Sports Cup campaign last season.
The optimism following their Championship title triumph has been bolstered by six new summer signings, with another, North Macedonia international David Babunski, expected to join soon. However, Goodwin stresses the importance of maintaining momentum as the Terrors begin their competitive campaign at Falkirk Stadium on Saturday.
United’s previous season saw them crash out of the tournament at the first stage, with an opening day defeat against Spartans. Although there has been significant personnel change, Goodwin is determined to ensure his current squad avoids the same pitfalls.
“We have had conversations with the players and highlighted that last season (in the Premier Sports Cup) was very disappointing and created an unnecessary negativity before a league ball was kicked,” Goodwin stated. “I think it’s really important to get a bit of momentum and confidence in the group.”
He emphasized the importance of both defensive solidity and attacking sharpness, noting, “Defensively, we want to see the things we’ve worked on coming to the forefront in these games. On the attacking front, we want to see the strikers getting goals and the forward players – (Kristijan) Trapanovski, (Glenn) Middleton, (Kai) Fotheringham – getting up to speed.”

Goodwin aims for the squad to be fully prepared by the time they face Dundee, with recruitment and fitness levels meeting their needs. He highlighted the importance of securing the necessary points to progress in the competition, saying, “In this next couple of weeks, it’s important we get the points required to get through to the next stage.”
Reflecting on pre-season preparations, Goodwin noted that new signings have integrated well and emphasized the need for match fitness. “The competition comes around quickly and no side is fully prepared in terms of fitness levels and recruitment. But I do believe we are better prepared than we were at this time last season,” he added.
However, Goodwin acknowledges the challenge ahead, as Group B features strong opponents, including Falkirk, Stenhousemuir, Buckie Thistle, and Ayr United. “We have some very difficult fixtures; we know that,” Goodwin admitted. “It’ll be a good opener for all of the players – particularly the new signings. I think it’s the toughest group. There are four league winners within it, and an Ayr United team that has really strengthened over the summer. The onus is on us, being the Premiership team, as favourites.”
Goodwin’s focus is clear: to build momentum, integrate new signings, and ensure Dundee United avoids the early setbacks of last season as they embark on their competitive campaign.