SAM MCCLELLAND | DETERMINED TO MAKE AN IMPACT | Dundee United Football Club
Our newest team member is very optimistic that his past experiences have prepared him to achieve success with Dundee United.
After recently joining the club, Sam McClelland from Northern Ireland believes that his experience playing in the physically demanding English Football League has equipped him with the skills and toughness necessary to tackle upcoming challenges at Tannadice.
In his first interview with the press, Sam expressed his thoughts, saying: "It has been a pleasurable experience so far, the team has been very receptive, and I am glad to be back on the training field. Once I found out that the club was keen on signing me, everything went quite swiftly."
"I had a desire to resume playing, and the club's chance to reclaim their spot in the Premiership this season further sparked my interest."
McClelland experienced a setback when he got hurt on his ankle while practicing for the national team, which ended up keeping him out of the game for approximately three months. This unfortunate occurrence interrupted his progress, but he's now completely recovered and showing great determination to make a powerful contribution to Jim Goodwin’s team.
At the end of the day, it's simply a part of the sport. After participating on the Northern Ireland team and getting hurt, it removes you from play, which is difficult.
In the past, McClelland was chosen as the starting player for all seven of St Johnstone's initial cinch Premiership games.
McClelland possesses a distinctive combination of expertise to add to our team, as he has gone up against some of Europe's best soccer teams for young players whilst being part of Chelsea's academy. Furthermore, he has gained priceless insight into professional soccer at senior level through his employment at Barrow as well as recently at St Johnstone.
When you're at Chelsea, you face off against the best academy teams in the youth league and elite teams throughout Europe, which involves playing very skillful football. However, as soon as you take part in your inaugural senior game, it becomes a bit of a fight and presents a totally distinct world.
After successfully completing the initial games, you will experience a boost in self-assurance and subsequently continue to develop your skills.
Whilst at Chelsea, McClelland was given the opportunity to train with some of the top players in the Premier League, which allowed him to gain valuable experience with the first-team squad.
I participated in some training sessions, mostly during Frank Lampard's tenure as Manager. Towards the end of each session, he would bring in some academy players to help the first team players practice for the upcoming weekend matches.
Our latest player wearing the number 5 jersey is excitedly looking forward to tonight's match against Raith Rovers, as more than 3,600 supporters of the team will travel to Fife to cheer them on. "This is an important game, as the top two teams in the league are facing off. I have had a productive week and a half of training, and I am thrilled to be playing in a match of this magnitude. I hope we can secure a victory and increase our lead at the top of the standings".
