First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Dundee United are delighted to announce the signing of Sam Dalby on a season-long loan from EFL League One side Wrexham AFC.
Born in East London, the striker broke through the ranks of boyhood club Leyton Orient, and became the third-youngest player to ever represent the O’s after making his first-team bow aged just 16 years and 226 days.
On Boxing Day 2016, Dalby would mark his full debut with his first professional goal in a memorable victory over Crawley Town.
Stints with then-Premier League outfits Leeds United and Watford followed, where he regularly found the back of the net at Under-23 level. Loan spells with Morecambe, Stockport County and Woking respectively also aided his development.
Our new number 19 sparked his senior career into life upon his arrival at Southend - a mainstay in veteran boss Phil Brown’s side during 2021/22 as he finished the season as top scorer.
His impressive form in Essex saw him attract various suitors across the EFL pyramid, however, he opted to join National League Wrexham in the summer of 2022. Whilst aiding their meteoric rise into League One, he has made almost a century of appearances in red.
A confident finisher also adept at bringing teammates into play, the 24-year-old has complimented his 13 Wrexham strikes with 12 assists, competing with former United frontman Steven Fletcher and talismanic figure Paul Mullin for a starting spot up top.
A WEALTH OF ATTACKING OPTIONS
On the capture of our new number 19, United Manager Jim Goodwin commented: “Sam will bring a real physical presence to our frontline - a threat attacking crosses, running in behind and bringing his teammates into play.
“He has an encouraging pedigree, having spent time with clubs such as Arsenal, Leeds United and Watford, and has also proven he has a winning mentality as an integral part of Wrexham’s recent success.
“His arrival gives me a wealth of exciting, versatile attacking options and combinations to experiment with throughout the season, and adds to the competition for places which helps drive standards throughout the wider group."
WE'RE SATISFIED WITH OUR SUMMER
Head of Recruitment, Michael Cairney, added: "Sam is someone we have been pursuing since the beginning of the window, and from the outset of our discussions with Wrexham, we knew we would have to be patient in allowing things to fall into place for the deal to materialise.
"His profile and character are ideally suited to what we look for in his particular position, and I have no doubt he will make an instant impact on the squad.
"We're satisfied with the work that has been done during the summer to overhaul the playing group, as we have welcomed no fewer than 13 new recruits to the club with the requisite quality to represent a club of this stature and help us pursue our targets. Focus now turns to the winter window and beyond to ensure we are in a suitable position to further strengthen when the time arises."
