Dundee United have had three bids for Falkirk midfielder Brad Spencer rejected, with the Bairns' manager John McGlynn branding the offers embarrassing. The public rebuke comes as the Premiership side, currently second in the table, prepare for their next home fixture against Hibernian.
According to a report from STV News this week, the Tangerines' attempts to sign the 30-year-old have been firmly knocked back. McGlynn stated that Spencer is not for sale and that the club's board has continuously communicated this position. "We have continuously told them for some time now that Brad’s not for sale, he’s part of Falkirk Football Club," the Falkirk boss said.
Why were Dundee United's bids rejected?
John McGlynn did not mince words when assessing the quality of the offers from the Premiership club. He described them as being 'miles off' the valuation required to even begin a conversation about a transfer. The manager suggested the person who wrote the offers must have been embarrassed by their content. Spencer remains a key player under a long-term contract at Falkirk, with at least another couple of seasons remaining on his deal.
The relationship between manager and player is a significant factor in Falkirk's stance. McGlynn originally signed Spencer for Raith Rovers when the midfielder was playing part-time football at Forfar Athletic. The pair have worked together for most of the time since, barring one year apart, building a strong understanding that the manager is unwilling to break.
What is Brad Spencer's current situation?
Brad Spencer is a central figure in the Falkirk midfield and is considered indispensable by the club's hierarchy. At 30 years old, he brings considerable experience and stability to the side. His contractual security gives Falkirk a strong negotiating position, allowing them to dismiss bids they deem inadequate without pressure.
McGlynn's comments highlight a clear message to Dundee United and any other potential suitors. The decision to reject all offers was made by the Falkirk board, which fully backs the manager's assessment. This firm stance treats Dundee United as a direct opponent in the market, not a partner to be accommodated.
How does this affect Dundee United's plans?
This failed pursuit occurs while Dundee United are enjoying a strong start to the Premiership season. They sit second with six points from three games, having won two and lost one. Their recent form reads WWL, and they have scored four goals while conceding just one, giving them a healthy +3 goal difference. You can track their progress in the standings.
The club's immediate focus must now shift to their upcoming match. They host Hibernian at Tannadice on 30 August, a game that presents an opportunity to consolidate their high league position. Fans can find details for this and all future matches on our dedicated fixtures page.
With the transfer window's dynamics now clear, Dundee United's recruitment team may need to look elsewhere to strengthen their squad. The public nature of this rejection could influence future negotiations with other clubs. Managerial comments like McGlynn's are rare and signal a complete breakdown in dialogue between the two clubs over this particular player.
