‘Too Good to Turn Down’ 23-year-old wing-back, officially joined Dundee United

 

Will Ferry has officially joined Dundee United on a three-year deal from Cheltenham Town, marking the Scottish club’s first signing of the summer. Ferry, a versatile 23-year-old wing-back, explained that the opportunity to play in the Scottish Premiership and the potential for European competition made the move irresistible.

 

Ferry’s journey to Dundee United has been marked by a series of strategic career decisions. Starting his career at Bury’s academy, Ferry caught the attention of Southampton, joining their famed youth setup at 17. During his time at Southampton, Ferry was a regular in the youth teams and even made it to the bench for several first-team matches during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons【14†source】【15†source】.

 

After gaining valuable experience on loan at Crawley Town, where he made nearly 40 appearances, Ferry made a permanent switch to Cheltenham Town in 2022. Over two seasons, he played 82 matches, contributing significantly with two goals and eight assists. Despite Cheltenham’s relegation to League Two last season, Ferry’s performances stood out, attracting interest from several clubs, including Blackpool【15†source】.

 

Michael Cairney, Dundee United’s Head of Recruitment, expressed his delight at securing Ferry’s services amidst stiff competition. Cairney highlighted Ferry’s fit within the club’s strategic vision and praised his defensive skills and ability to impact the final third of the pitch. “He’s a player that has been on our radar for a considerable period of time, and we had to fend off stiff competition for his signature. Not only is he an incredibly talented young footballer who perfectly matches the profile for his position, but he personifies the exact type of character we wish to continue bringing to Dundee United,” Cairney said【14†source】【15†source】.

 

Ferry himself is enthusiastic about the move, citing both professional and personal reasons. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove myself at the top level of Scottish football; it’s a challenge that really excites me,” he said. Ferry also mentioned his excitement about reuniting with close friends at the club, which contributed to his decision. “I’ve kept a keen eye on the club’s progress throughout recent seasons, with some of my close friends in football, such as Ross Graham, playing here – I’m looking forward to reuniting with him,” he added【14†source】.

 

The move to Dundee United represents a significant step in Ferry’s career, offering him a platform to showcase his talents in a higher league and potentially on the European stage. For Dundee United, securing a player of Ferry’s calibre demonstrates their ambition and strategic planning as they prepare for the upcoming season. Ferry’s addition is seen as the first of many moves aimed at strengthening the squad and ensuring the club’s competitive edge in the Scottish Premiership【14†source】【15†source】.