United’s first confirmed summer signing was the capture of defender Jack Robinson on Tuesday afternoon, and manager Paul Simpson spoke of his delight at securing a player who had already spent time with the club.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve done this,” he said. “Jack impressed me when he spent his time here on loan with us last season.
“He was really unfortunate that he didn’t get to play more games than he did, but that was because of the form Jack Armer was in.
“I want competition for places and I think Jack certainly gives us that. He’s the right sort of character, he’s got a good personality and he certainly has ability.
“I’m hoping he’s going to use us as a base to go and develop for the next stage of his career.”
The length of the deal gives the 22-year-old a real sense of trust as he returns to Brunton Park ahead of the new season.
“Without a doubt, and that’s because I think he’s got plenty to give us,” the gaffer told us. “We’re talking to players about two-year contracts as a minimum when they’re at this young age.
“The contracts that we’ve offered to all of the players we’ve spoken to so far – I think I’m right in saying there’s only Kris Dennis where it was a one-year deal. That was down to his age and the stage he’s in with his career.
“The younger ones, it’s two years, because we’re trying to get players here who we can work with and develop. Alongside that we’re looking to build a squad that’s capable of doing well.”
And it must be a help that it’s a player who knows the club as well as the club knows him.
“That’s massive as far as I’m concerned,” he commented. “We basically put each other on trial over the course of the last six months and it’s worked out well for all of us.
“Jack’s only concern when I talked to him was about the game time. That’s good to see that he’s desperate to be out there, we want that.
“But I’ve said the same thing to every player that was either here last year and we’ve tried to renegotiate with, or any those I’m trying to bring in, I don’t guarantee that they’re going to play.
“They have to show us that they deserve to play. That’s exactly the same for Jack Robinson, who will compete with the rest of our left-sided players. It’s up to him to show us that he deserves to play.
“The good thing is that when he did play he didn’t look out of place. He’s got some ability with a lovely left foot and he’s a very good athlete.
“He ticks the box. He’s had a really good grounding from Middlesbrough with the upbringing he’s had and I’m looking forward to working with him.”