Bullish Jim Goodwin in Dundee United state of the address as he talks transfers and out of contract stars

Jim Goodwin thinks the Scottish Premiership will be a much better place with Dundee United back in it next season. United can officially seal their return at Airdrie on Friday night, but their superior goal difference means they are already all but assured of their return to the top-flight.

Goodwin believes the Tannadice club remain one of the top clubs in the country and they will be returning in a stronger position and have learned from mistakes of the past. The United manager said: “It’s exciting for everyone connected to the club and I think the Scottish Premiership is a better place with clubs like Dundee United in it. I’m not sure anyone can disagree with that. Yes, all clubs have their rivalries and every fan loves their own team, but ultimately everyone knows that Dundee United are one of the biggest clubs in the country.

"In terms of facilities, infrastructure, fanbase; the top-flight is where this club belongs – and we need to learn from mistakes of the past and ensure we don't do the same thing again and we won't. We are possibly in a better, healthier position going into the Premiership than what we were previously. We've balanced the books but will have a competitive budget and I think we'll prove a very attractive proposition for players who want to come and play in Scotland.”

United, having all but achieved their goal, can now start to recruit for the step up. Goodwin believes it also gives them an advantage on some of their Premiership rivals who still have question marks over where they will be playing next season and the fact United are such a big pull.

The former Aberdeen and St Mirren boss confirmed: “We are in a good position, and I believe we are a very attractive proposition now that we are back