Defender David Proctor, signed from Caley Thistle at the start of the season for £35,000 – was told by Craig Levein last month that he is surplus to requirements at Tannadice.
The 22-year-old was signed by former manager Craig Brewster in the summer, but failed to make an impression on new manager Levein.
He made 2 appearances for Dundee United under Levein’s leadership, both as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Celtic and the embarrassing 5-1 defeat by Falkirk.
Dundee United had agreed a short-term loan deal with Airdrie before the transfer window closed, but United had to pull the plug on the deal after they learned that Proctor had played for Caley Thistle’s reserve team before arriving at Tannadice – to help him get more match practice to help him recover from a shoulder injury.
Fifa rules prevent players from playing for more than 2 teams in the same season, meaning that Proctor would be stuck in limbo for the remainder of the campaign.
However, Airdrie appealed to Fifa to consider Proctor’s case as an exception and the football governing body have agreed to let the loan deal go through.
David Proctor and Javier Mascherano have something in common, since both were granted permission from Fifa to play for their 3rd team of the season – after West Ham’s Mascherano moved to Liverpool after also playing for Brazilian side Corinthians since 1st July 2006.
It looked like I would be heading back to Inverness last week but that didn’t materialise,” said Proctor.
“Then when the Airdrie thing appeared to be in some doubt you do start to fear the worst. It was a bit demoralising not playing at United but I am just glad everything has been settled at last.”
“This is a great opportunity to kick-start my career, and that is what I intend to do.”
Although, the defender is determined to return to Dundee United once his loan deal expires and convince Craig Levein to change his mind about offloading him to another club.
Proctor continued, “I am planning on going back to United to fight for my future once this loan deal is up. It is disappointing not to have been involved recently, but you never rule anything out.”
“I want to show what I can do with Airdrie and hope to do well enough to be considered again for United.”
Before Fifa had made their decision on Proctor’s situation, manager Levein had made it clear he was giving his full backing to Airdrie’s appeal.
“I know Airdrie have appealed this and, hopefully, between them, the SPL, the league and the SFA can sort something out to allow David to move,” said Levein.
“From our point of view, we were happy to allow him to go and everything had been done last Wednesday when we realised he had played for Inverness and we had to call a halt to his loan.”
why would proctor be so desperate for a loan deal with airdrie to go through? it would have been in his best interests to stay at united and fight his way back into leveins plans
The way Levein has been talking, I doubt there is much chance of that. So, its probably a good idea getting a loan deal with a lower league club, rather than rotting in the United reserves until the end of the season.
good riddance
A bit harsh there Shingles. I thought he was going to be a great player for us, but sometimes things just dont work out that way.