Michael Gardyne back in Dundee and looking forward to a happy union

Michael Gardyne may have taken his time getting to Dundee United but his loyalty to his hometown club cannot be questioned. The striker spent the eve of his own wedding modelling United’s new strip yesterday, finally pulling a tangerine shirt over his head after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Tannadice club back in January, while still with Ross County.

He left Dingwall having achieved what he intended by helping deposit the club in the Scottish Premier League. However, when they meet next season it is United who will occupy his thoughts.

Today, however, it will be all about his other half, Lisa Hogg. The couple are getting married in Glasgow before they set off on honeymoon together to Morocco. “I made sure that the hotel we are staying in has an air-conditioned gym and I will be on the treadmill so that I come back fit and ready for pre-season,” he said.

He is looking forward to setting up home in Dundee, the city both he and Lisa grew up in. “I’ve been away from home since I was 15, so it’s great to finally be able to move back at the age of 26,” he said, having started his senior career with Celtic, the club he supported when a boy. “My missus is from Dundee as well so she was happy with the move. There isn’t really any extra pressure coming back to the city as the last time I played here it was for boys’ clubs. I went away and I like to think I did well so deserve this opportunity to come back and show what I can do.

“I signed in January so it is great to get in today and properly see the place. I am absolutely buzzing for the start of pre-season. It wasn’t difficult to keep my concentration going at Ross County towards the end of the season. My contract with United didn’t start until the first of June so I had a job to do with Ross County.”

Gardyne has already met a few of his new team-mates, while he will be joined at the club by fellow new signing Mark Millar. Club chairman Stephen Thompson did not rule out further signings yesterday. Gardyne is aware he has joined a club where there is a very evident buzz. “I know a couple of the boys like Gary Mackay-Steven from his time at Ross County,” he said. “John Rankin was also at the club and I have kept in touch with him for the last few years.

“So I know a couple of the boys and obviously that’s good coming to a new club. I also met a few of the lads at the PFA awards. I went over to introduce myself and they were all brand new. John also introduced me to the club captain [Jon Daly] so I am really looking forward to working with them.”