BACK IN THE GOOD BOOKS

United boss happy to be thriving as costs are cut

- SCOTT BURNS

JIM GOODWIN has built a team that is not only making its mark on the Premiership but helping Dundee United to finally balance the books.

American owner Mark Ogren has had to continually put his hand in his pocket to fill the massive hole left by extravagant overspending in recent seasons but has made it clear the club has to become more self-sustainable.

The remnants of those big wages will finally end when this season comes to a climax.

But the United boss has cleared the decks, brought in 13 new signings and on a wage budget marginally higher than the one they won the Championship with.

Goodwin said: "There has been a slight increase in terms of where we were last season to where we are now in the Premiership. Everybody can look at the books at the agm and see there has been a significant decrease in salaries to players and staff.