Dundee United

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Jim Goodwin admits it was "relief" as Dundee United were crowned winners of the Scottish Championship, bouncing back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

United were expected to canter to the league title - they did win with two games to play - but have suffered a few surprise defeats on their ascent back to the Premiership.

“Speak to anyone in the game, when you achieve something there is a level of celebration but more often than not, the main emotion is one of relief," Goodwin said.

“There has been a lot of pressure on us as a group this year. We were big favourites before a ball was kicked at the start of the season. Pressure can bring a lot of anxiety as well, particularly from the younger players.

“I thought they handled it particularly well. We had a great first half to the season, a mini blip at the start of the third quarter, but the group and the staff have shown character to go on the run we have been in the last four or five games."

It remains to be seen what shape the United squad will be in, as they have 11 players out of contract in the summer, while another four loan players will re-join their parent club.

“We have been quite optimistic behind the scenes in planning for being back in the Premiership. A lot if that work has taken place already and will be ongoing for the next few months to get a squad that’s capable of competing.

“Without getting too far ahead if ourselves we have a huge job in our hands this summer. We have got a big rebuild on our hands.

“I think it’s exciting. It’s an opportunity for me to put my own stamp on things. I quite enjoy the rebuild process. I’ve had to do it numerous times in years gone by.

“It's the most important job at any football club, the summer transfer window, and it's vital you get the signings right and they have the right profile and fit within the way you want to play."

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's Friday night clash with Airdrieonians live on BBC Scotland.

Here are the key points:

• He celebrated all but winning the title last weekend but admitted the "main emotion is one of relief".

• Summer plans are already in place, although United "have a huge job on our hands" with a lot of players out of contract.

• He will sit down with chairman Mark Ogren next week to agree his budget, adding that newly-appointed head of recruitment Michael Cairney will be a huge asset in hunting for new players.

• Goodwin is looking forward to rebuilding his squad for the Premiership as it's "an opportunity to put my own stamp on things".

• He says Airdrie are one of the best football teams in the league and praised manager Rhys McCabe.

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Tony Watt says he thought he'd be the "first on the chopping board" when he returned to Dundee United, but is delighted to have helped his side back to the top flight.

The striker was full of praise for manager Jim Goodwin, who he says has proved been a "credit" despite sections of the support venting frustration throughout the campaign.

“People have been writing us off, but the boys have been brilliant," he told BBC Scotland.

"You see social media and people going mad the manager, but he’s so positive. He’s been a credit for us, I think he’s been the driving force for us.

“The manager had a clear out. I came back and the manager had faith in me. I was the easiest one to put on the chopping block. I was the first person I thought the manager was going to get rid of."

After their 1-0 win over Ayr United, the Tannadice side have all but sealed the Scottish Championship title, and Watt plans to make the most of the celebrations.

“What a group of boys," he added. "They’ve been sensational. We’ll go and have fun for a couple nights, a smile and a beer or two.

“I made plans that were dependent on the result, and I was embarrassed at half-time thinking I might need to cancel the plans.

“But we’ll have tonight and Dundee and then enjoy a few days. You need to let loose, you can’t be uptight all year. We’ll savour the moment."