CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING STOPPER JACK WALTON RETURNS

Dundee United are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Walton on a season-long loan from EFL Championship outfit Luton Town, subject to both SFA and international clearance.

Upon his arrival from the Hatters last summer, Walton quickly cemented himself as a fans’ favourite thanks to his dependability between the sticks. Last term, the Englishman played every single competitive minute available to him - his final total standing at 3,990.

A club record of 19 clean sheets in 36 second-tier appearances contributed greatly to the Terrors’ Championship title triumph, bettering legendary stopper Billy Thomson’s 1986/87 haul by one solitary shutout. 

Furthermore, no other side in the entirety of the Scottish and English professional pyramids could match United’s remarkable defensive shrewdness, with Walton conceding a mere 23 league goals throughout 2023/24. During the opening three months of the season, he only had to pluck the ball out of his net four times.

A man for the big occasion, the 26-year-old’s best performance of the campaign came on Matchday 35 as he produced a stunning string of saves against Airdrieonians to ensure his side garnered the point needed to rubber-stamp their status as Champions. As a result, Walton earned himself a place in the SPFL Team of the Week.

???? Another week, another vital intervention from super @JackWalton23#UTDQPK | #cinchChamp | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/H779hSsSDV

— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) February 25, 2024

Our number one returns to Tayside ready to partake in the first season of top-flight football in his flourishing career.

HE'LL PICK UP FROM WHERE HE LEFT OFF

“Jack was a big presence in our defence last season - he made some vital saves on the road to our title success, commanded his area with distinction and was ever a calming presence behind the backline", said United Manager Jim Goodwin after securing Walton's signature for another 12 months.

“Around the training ground, he is both a shining example of professionalism and a bright personality amongst the playing group. Ensuring he returned to Tannadice for our first season back in the Premiership was an integral part of our summer plans.

“Having him back in amongst the squad this morning was terrific and I am certain he’ll pick up from where he left off in a United jersey.”

I WANTED A TASTE OF THE PREMIERSHIP

Walton himself added: "I'm delighted to finally get the deal done - as soon as last season finished, the discussions started.

"We had great success last year, both personally and collectively, and I felt like I had some unfinished business up here with us getting promoted. I wanted a taste of the Premiership"

"I learned a lot last season, dealing with different challenges throughout the season, and I'm excited for that to continue next year. I'm just looking forward to the season ahead!"

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Hear more from Jack below as he speaks exclusively with DUTV on his return to the Calforth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park!