First Team

KEVIN HOLT TRIGGERS YEAR-LONG CONTRACT EXTENSION

28th May 2024

Dundee United are delighted to confirm that Kevin Holt has triggered an extension in his contract which will see him continue with the club until the summer of 2025.

A colossal presence at the heart of our defence, Holt was an integral part of a backline that kept 19 cinch Championship clean sheets on our charge to the title.

Statistically breaking down his contribution throughout a phenomenal season, he attained the highest defensive duel success rate, won over two-thirds of his aerial challenges and made 1,733 passes  - ranking second in the entirety of the division. 

The 31-year-old also made a sizeable contribution to our successes in the opposite penalty box, as his six league goals saw him claim the accolade of top-scoring defender. 

Half of his 2023/24 strikes came within 27 minutes of each other, when he netted a stunning second-half hat-trick against former employers, Partick Thistle, on Matchday Nine. In doing so, Holt became the first player in the 115-year history of United to grab three goals in one match whilst playing as a centre-back.

A knee injury sustained during the closing quarter of the season wouldn’t jeopardise the veteran’s richly-merited place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season, joined by three of Terrors colleagues.

With our number four now set to continue at Tannadice for our return to the top flight, Holt is set to surpass a century of Premiership appearances next term, currently standing just ten shy of the mark.

I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK UP AND RUNNING

The third player to extend his stay in the city of Discovery after raising the Championship trophy aloft, he commented: I’m delighted to get this over the line. I had a great season last year and I’m excited to try and build on that in the Premiership.

“It’s a great changing room, with a brilliant coaching staff and there’s a feel-good factor around the place just now - these things made it an easy decision.

“It was really important for me to get back on the pitch before the end of the season and to do that on a special night for the club was unforgettable. I feel fully fit now and I just can’t wait to get back up and running after the summer!

EXACTLY THE DESIRED IMPACT

United Manager, Jim Goodwin, added: “Kevin had exactly the desired impact upon his arrival at the club, leading by example on the park and nurturing the younger players in the dressing room. He was one of several senior figures who could easily have received the captain’s armband last summer

“His defensive record throughout 2023/24, 15 clean sheets in 30 league appearances, speaks volumes about his importance to the side, and retaining continuity in the backline will be hugely beneficial.

“With a wealth of Premiership experience under his belt, Kevin will continue to be a key figure around Tannadice next season.”

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