RYAN STRAIN MAKES TERRORS SWITCH

Dundee United are delighted to announce the signing of Australian international Ryan Strain on a two-year deal after his departure from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

Strain began his footballing journey within the ranks of Aston Villa, sharing the stage in the Midlands with both his brother, Tom, and future Champions League winner, Jack Grealish.

A move Down Under for the family saw him continue his youth career with Modbury Jets, before joining top-flight outfit Adelaide United as a 19-year-old. In 2017, he became just the 30th homegrown player in the history of the Reds to progress into the senior set-up.

Both of the defender’s first two seasons as a professional culminated with him kissing silverware, as Adelaide retained the FFA Cup - Strain making 45 appearances across the campaigns despite his youth. 

The summer of 2021 brought a permanent switch to 15-time Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa, where his trophy successes continued in the form of a league and cup double. UEFA Conference League Qualifiers against Neftchi Baku, Dinamo Tbilisi and HB Torshavn also afforded a first taste of European action.

Strain would then follow in the footsteps of his Grandfather to St Mirren after a solitary year in the Middle East, one of an influx of Australian talent descending on Scottish football. 

Instantly an integral member of the squad, he would turn out in all but two of the Buddies’ Premiership matches during 2022/23, contributing three goals and five assists to the Paisley side’s efforts to reach the Top Six for the first time since its inception. 

This form saw Socceroos boss Graham Arnold take notice, and an international debut at senior level in an all-Oceania clash with New Zealand followed. The 27-year-old has gone on to represent his homeland a further five times.

Strain received the Premiership Player of the Month Award for August last term, before his campaign was halted by a groin injury. He returned for Saints' final six matches, aiding Stephen Robinson's men to rubber-stamp European qualification.

A COUP FOR THE CLUB

“The signing of Ryan is a coup for the club, I’m thrilled to get the deal done”, said United Manager Jim Goodwin upon the unveiling of his new first-team star.

“Throughout the past two seasons, he has been one of the country’s best performers in his position - his set-piece delivery is first-class, he rarely loses a defensive duel and possesses an infectious work rate. Furthermore, he has experience on both the European and international stage which he can pass on to other members of the dressing room.”

He concluded: “Bringing Ryan to Tannadice represents an exciting and forward-thinking piece of business, and I look forward to working with him upon his return from international duty.”