Scott McMann has expressed his “surprise” at being released by Dundee United this summer. The 27-year-old was one of 15 players that left the Tangerines following their promotion to the Premiership. David Wotherspoon, Chris Mochrie, and Archie Meekison were among those who walked out. However, the decision not to offer McMann an extension drew the most criticism.
He played all but one competitive match for United last season and was selected to the PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year. Nonetheless, McMann believes that there was no time to lick his wounds, as he has quickly signed a two-year contract with Championship club Ayr United. He told the Ayrshire Post: “Being released by Dundee United was unexpected on a personal level, but that’s football. You just need to dust yourself off and move on to the next opportunity.
“Nothing is guaranteed in this game. I played 42 of the 43 games there last season, so I was quite disappointed by their decision. But that’s the essence of football, so I shouldn’t linger on it.” Another promotion for McMann? The Honest Men have already made some impressive signings this season, including Anton Dowds, George Oakley, and Harry Stone. And McMann sees no reason why he can’t challenge for a second consecutive promotion under Ayr manager Scott Brown.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Dundee United were a terrific side last year and got promoted, so it was a fun season. To be named team of the year was a wonderful bonus, and I’m looking for more of the same this year. “There’s no reason why we can’t reproduce that. From the initial conversation I had with the gaffer (Brown), he spelled out his preferred style of play, the project, and the club’s objective. “Hopefully, this year we’ll be at the top end of the league and competing for promotion and then next year, it’s either in the Premiersip or really pushing again.”
