Playing Catch Up.

So I am playing catch up today.

Now the whole of the football world know about Noel Hunts transfer to Reading.

Unfortunately, at the time this was all being confirmed, I was in St. Andrews, taking in a Barcelona training session. I got some pictures, which I will upload tonight and post.

Then, I arrived back, got the news (OK so we already knew didn't we, it was more the official confirmation we were waiting for) that Noel was away.

Depending on what you believe the fee, which officially is undisclosed, is anywhere between between £600k and £1m. Personally, from what I heard, I reckon it's at the lower end of that bracket.

What do we all think of the transfer?

It's a good piece of business in my eyes. A good profit from a player we signed for £50k and it would appear the gaffer seen it coming, judging by the number of forwards he signed this close season.

Hunt obviously wanted to try his hand at a higher level, fair play to the lad. He stated his intentions to United, yet he didn't come out in the press making waves about wanting a move. He carried on through pre season with a very professional attitude.

And nobody can say a bad word about his commitment when playing in a United shirt. He always gave 100%.

It's sad to see him go but you can't blame him for wanting to move on.

So, Arabest to Noel Hunt and good luck at Reading. I hope he makes a success out of his time there.

Hunt Deal almost done?

Word is going around that despite rejecting a £500k bid from Reading for Noel Hunt last night, the club have now accepted a bid in the region of £750k.

It is thought that United are prepared to accept a bid closer to the £1m mark, with £750k thought to be the figure it would take to prise the Irishman away from Tannadice.

Rumour has it that the striker is now one route to the Madjeski Stadium to under go a medical, before putting pen to paper on a deal that will see him join forces with his brother Stephen Hunt.

It is noted that Hunt was set to be left out the squad to face Dunfermline tonight (not tomorrow as I stated elsewhere) due to a knock.

I'm more than happy for this deal, if true, to go through. Yes, his goals last season were important and will be a big loss for the team, but (and here I go putting all my faith in one man) if Warren Feeney can chip in with a few this year and this likes of Shala and Sandaza can pick up a years experience, I reckon the loss of Hunt wont be as dramatic as some may thing.

And we can very well argue with a profit of £700k over a couple of years, can we?

Reading Hunting Hunt.

United have knocked back an improved bid from Reading for Striker Noel Hunt.

The Royals made a second bid for the Irishman, believed to be in the region of £500k.

Steve Coppel is looking for a striker after the sale of Dave Kitson. It is thought that Hunt may be swayed by the fact his brother plays for the club.

As much as I would hate to see him go, his contract is up at the end of the season. Time to cash in, or risk loosing him for nothing.

Feeney may well turn out to be a good signing, and with a years experience Shala and Sandaza may prove to be big players for us.

Time to wait for an improved bid and take the money.

Match Report

Raith Rovers 0 - 4 Dundee United

Zaluska, Dillon, Dixon, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Buaben, Gomis, Swanson (D.Robertson 71), Hunt (Sadaza 85), Feeney (Smith 77)

Subs Not Used: Kovacevic, Grainger, Shala, Gibson (GK)

A strong United line up picked up a good win against Raith Rovers at Starks Park yesterday.

United got off the mark with only 5 minutes gone, when on loan striker Warren Feeney latched on to a Noel Hunt pass, and put the ball home from inside the box.

It took only 8 minutes for the Irishman to double his tally for the day. Danny Swanson and Sean Dillon combined to get the ball into Feeney, who looped a header past Rovers Keeper O'Connor. The stopper appeared to get a hand to the ball but it was not enough to keep the ball out.

It was then Rovers turn to mount an attack however, Joe Dunbar's effort lacked any real conviction, and United Keeper Zaluska had no real problems picking the ball up.

It was then Swanson's turn to test the Rovers defence, with a jinking run ending with a shot from the edge of the box, only for the shot to sail wide.

United went into half time 2 up and with the second half only 10 minutes old, the boys widened their lead further.

Willo Flood was brought down in the box and Warren Feeney stepped up to take a penalty, which he coolly smashed past O'Connor, to complete his hat trick.

The scoring was then rounded off when Noel Hunt, who has been in amongst the goals already this pre season, received a pass down the left hand side from Gomis. The firey forward cut inside then placed the ball past the keeper.

Rovers did have a couple of chances as time whittled down, but they came to nothing.

All in all, a decent performance from the lads, looking like the match fitness is starting to come back.

Feeney commented after the game "It's great to score a hat-trick and these friendlies are good for building up confidence but the main thing is being in the best shape possible for the Hamilton game."

Next up it's Dunfermline on Wednesday at East End Park.