Dundee United manager Craig Levein is considering a move for out-of-contract Jackie McNamara, after the 34-year-old midfielder was released by Aberdeen.
Despite having a year left on his current deal, McNamara asks to quit Pittodrie at the end of April, claiming that injuries and travelling long distances were making it impossible for him to remain an Aberdeen player.
The former Celtic, Dunfermline and Wolves player is now hoping to land a coaching role, but Levein is more likely to want McNamara for his talent on the ball.
McNamara, who has been capped 34 times for Scotland, has implied that this could be his last year as a professional footballer, and wants to enjoy his final year in the game.
“I’d like to keep playing for another year and I’m also interested in doing some coaching,” McNamara told The Scotsman.
“My main aim now is to be able to enjoy my football, whether it is playing, coaching or both.”
Glasgow-born McNamara was signed by Aberdeen in 2007, after leaving Wolves under a cloud, following accusations that the club were openly criticising him to the English media.
He played 25 matches for Aberdeen this season, but spent most of his career with Celtic, where he made over 250 appearances during his 10-year spell with the Parkhead side.
Meanwhile, midfielder Mark Kerr is expected to leave Dundee United when his contract expires in the summer and Willo Flood is set to return to Cardiff City when his loan period ends.
So, Levein is on the look out for a creative midfielder, who is good with the ball at his feet, but is not scared of getting stuck in where necessary…. perhaps McNamara could be the answer?
In all honesty, I don’t think Jackie is the answer. Did great at Celtic, and i know the experience factor is always a bonus. But i think that United have prospered under those young determined player like Hunt and Flood. Levein knows what he is doing though. He did do wonders with Hartley at Hearts (which he doesn’t get credit for) and Robson at United so you never know.
I’ve always been impressed with this lad. Surprised no one in the premier league made a gamble on him.