“This is something I have been working towards for a while, so I will be pleased if I get through the course successfully, but my first year as a manager has definitely taught me more about the job than any course I’ve been on,” he said.

“At times it’s been tough, but I’ve enjoyed it and it has been a real learning experience for me and one I would not want to swap.”

His studies in Ayrshire mean Alex will not be at Dens tomorrow when the first of his summer signings, David Worrell and David O’Brien, are paraded.

They have not, however, interrupted his quest to add even more bodies to his squad and, having secured the experienced defender from Rotherham and exciting young Stirling Albion wide man, his attention has now turned to other areas of the pitch.

High on his list of priorities is an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition for Ludovic Roy and another striker is also set to be added between now and the start of pre-season in a month’s time.

“These are the two areas I am looking at right now and, although there is nothing definite yet, I have been speaking to people and been making some progress,” he added. “Until deals are complete, though, there is not much more I’ll be saying at the moment.”

Zaluska is due to fly in tomorrow for a medical and all being well will put pen to paper by evening before jetting home for the summer early on Thursday.

And Irishman Flood is on course to complete a year-long loan move to Tannadice before the week is out — United have confirmed their interest, but are not yet in a position to say that deal is definitely done.

Several other names being linked are not, and never have been, Tannadice-bound and today the manager was quick to squash the suggestion Dunfermline striker Tam McManus could be signed.

“It’s part of the game that you get linked with players and it’s one way of people, usually agents, stirring up interest by throwing a few names into the hat,” said Craig.

“This summer, people know we are making signings so it’s easy to add us to the list and it’s not something that bothers me particularly.

“When I do get a bit fed up, though, is when I read stories like one last week saying Aberdeen had beaten Dundee United in the race to sign Jackie McNamara when we had made no attempt to sign Jackie.

“Now there’s a chance it will happen with Tam McManus, but I can state categorically he is not one of the players I am interested in and there will be no moves for him.”

Meanwhile, United’s U/14 youth side are heading back from France overnight with a fresh piece of silverware after winning the prestigious Festival D’Armor in Brittany.

The kids beat French side Vannes in the final yesterday thanks to a Robert Thomson goal that made a gruelling eight-game schedule over the weekend worthwhile.

But a Saints spokesperson said he was unaware of any interest in the player.