And the new season will mark the first year of a three-year partnership with sports and leisurewear manufacturer Hummel that is likely to be worth a six-figure sum.

In addition to strips, the Danish company, who also make jerseys for Hearts and, in the past, have boasted the likes of Spurs among their clients, are to launch a leisurewear range for United fans.

“We are delighted to tie up with Hummel for the next three years. We spoke to many suppliers, but Hummel impressed from day one,” said United marketing director Stephen Thompson.

“The arrangement with them enables the club to buy into their full leisure and fashion ranges throughout the year and I’m sure our fans will be delighted with the range and quality of items available to them.

“The club shop, Dundee United Direct, has seen major changes in the last two years and this new arrangement will take the club to a new level in the provision of sports leisurewear.”

A new shirt sponsorship deal has still to be finalised, but it is still secheduled for home strips to be on sale before the end of June and pre orders are now being taken.

In future seasons, plans are for any new kit to be available as early as May, and Hummel are already hopeful this will be a working relationship that will last longer than the initial three-year period.

“We are delighted to have agreed a partnership with such a renowned Scottish Premierleague club,” said the company’s chief executive Soren Schriver.

“We have been impressed with the club to date and believe that the partnership will be successful and stretch beyond the current agreement.

“Both organisations are ambitious and work continues both on and off the field to bring success back to the club.

“We believe that our products will prove as successful on field for the players as off it for the supporters, and bring the fans greater choices in order to support their club.’’

The 28-year-old was a team-mate of present United boss Craig Brewster at Easter Road and he admitted that had made it a tough decision.

“I spoke to Grant this morning and told him he was free to find a club. He’s a good friend, but, on a professional level, that had to stop when I arrived here,” said Craig.

“I still think he has great ability and won’t be short of admirers, but I have to go on performances since I arrived here in January”.

Earlier this month, club captain Derek McInnes, Jim McIntyre, Paul Ritchie and David Fernadez were all told there were not part of the long-term plans.

Meanwhile, although top-team results have not been what he would have wanted, Craig continues to be impressed by the work of his reserves.

The second string’s busy end to the season continued at Tannadice yesterday when only a last-gasp equaliser denied them victory over Aberdeen.

“It looked like it was going to be a win right until the death, so to get pegged back was painful, but they played some good football again. It was encouraging, because there was not a lot of experience in the side.”

Exceptions when it came to experience were midfielder Barry Robson, who is in the midst of a first-team suspension right now, and fit-again David Fernandez.

Although the Spaniard will be available for Saturday’s visit of Falkirk, he may be left out as Craig looks to the future.

Robson remains in the sin-bin for that match and Tuesday’s final home game against Dunfermline, but will be available for the last-day trip to Motherwell.

Fans are reminded they can take an under 12 to Tannadice for free for the next two games, though tickets will have to be collected from the club shop for those who normally pay at the gate. Season ticket holders will need to produce vouchers.

However, with an able deputy in teenager Scott Murray available and a bigger picture to look at, co-caretaker boss Bobby Mann confirmed today neither of the senior men would be called into action at Dumfries.

“Soapy was training again today and is very close to being ready, but I don’t think he is quite there and it just is not worth the risk playing him on Saturday,” said Bobby.

“His aim has to be to get ready for next season. If he was to try to play and aggravate something it could set him back a bit and that would be stupid.”

As for Jack, his now certain involvement in the World Cup in Germany will not be jeopardised by forcing him to play in what would almost certainly be his last game for Dundee — he is out of contract in the summer and not expected to be offered a new deal.

“Kelvin is not in full training yet, but he is heading back to Trinidad on Sunday and I think he will be doing all the work there next week. He wants to be ready for the World Cup and we’ll leave him to aim for that.”