Dylan Tait wanted to take up Dundee United opportunity as star quits Falkirk for Scottish Premiership rivals
Dylan Tait wanted to take up Dundee United opportunity as star quits Falkirk for Scottish Premiership rivals.
Dylan Tait has said that making a move to Falkirk’s Scottish Premiership rivals Dundee United was an “opportunity he wanted to take” after a memorable three-and-a-half year spell with John McGlynn’s side.
The midfielder, 24, initially joined the Bairns on loan in January 2023 from Hibs after being given a chance to revive his career under McGlynn’s management again. He quit a loan period at then Hamilton Accies to make the move to Falkirk. And he excelled - going to play a key role in the club’s invincible League One-winning campaign and the subsequent second tier title success. In the top flight, former Raith Rovers and Hibs ace Tait made his mark as one of the top Scottish performers in the middle of the park.
He netted during Falkirk’s 2-2 draw with Jim Goodwin’s side on the opening day of the league season and eventually helped the Bairns finish above the Terrors in sixth spot. The club attempted to tie Tait down to a new deal but he choose to move elsewhere with his contract expiring this summer.
Dylan Tait ‘delighted’ to make Dundee United move
“I’m delighted to get everything completed and become a Dundee United player,” Tait told United’s club website. “As soon as I heard about the interest from the club, it was something I was really excited about. Dundee United is a massive club with a rich history and of course such a passionate fanbase, so it was an opportunity I really wanted to take. The chance to play at Tannadice and test myself in a new environment under the manager and coaching staff here really appealed to me. I’m hungry to keep improving, working hard every day and hopefully creating some great memories with the supporters over the next few years.”
United boss Goodwin added: “Dylan is a player we’ve admired for a long time and somebody we believe is perfectly suited to the way we want to play. There was significant interest in Dylan from elsewhere, so we’re naturally delighted he’s chosen Dundee United for the next stage of his career. He’s technically excellent, progressive in possession and very comfortable receiving the ball in all areas of the pitch. His passing range and intelligence allow him to influence games in different ways, whether that’s controlling the tempo or opening teams up in the final third.
“What’s impressed us most is the consistency he’s shown over a number of seasons. Dylan played an important role in Falkirk’s invincible League One title success, followed that up by helping the club win the Championship and then backed it up again by contributing to a top-six finish in the Premiership. At 24, there’s still significant room for development and we believe Dundee United is the perfect environment for him to continue progressing.”
A statement on Falkirk’s club website confirmed that the Bairns had offered new terms to Tait and wished him well for the future after being part of a “special” group of players. He netted 13 times for McGlynn’s team making over 100 appearances.
That message read: “Falkirk Football Club can confirm that Dylan Tait will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract. The club has been in discussion with Dylan and his agent for a number of months, however the midfielder has chosen to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Dylan first joined Falkirk on loan from Hibernian in January 2023 and quickly became an important part of John McGlynn’s squad as the club went on to secure the Scottish League One title as Invincibles. He returned on a permanent basis the following summer and continued to play a key role as The Bairns won the Scottish Championship, sealing back-to-back titles and a return to the top flight.
“This season, Dylan again made a valuable contribution as Falkirk competed in the Scottish Premiership and secured a top-six finish, underlining the remarkable progress made by the club during his time at The Falkirk Stadium. Across his spell with The Bairns, Dylan made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and contributing to one of the most successful periods in Falkirk’s recent history. Dylan has created and shared in moments that will live long in the memory of everyone connected with the club, and he will always be remembered as part of a special Falkirk side. He leaves with the club’s sincere thanks and best wishes.”