That effectively confirmed speculation he was to become a Tangerine and, today, he was at Tannadice to formally complete his city switch by signing a three-year contract.

While, on the surface, recent similar switches by Steven Robb and Lee Wilkie means he is following what’s become a well-worn path to over the road, there is no question this transfer is a painful one for Dundee fans.

The latest loss to their bitter rivals was a firm favourite with the blue half of the city and known to be a life-long fan of their club. For the midfielder, though, it had become clear his wish to be an SPL player was going to force him out. In typical fashion, though, he did not leave without saying thank you.

“I wish to express my gratitude to the staff and fans of Dundee FC for all their support over the years,” was how Robertson put it, before admitting this was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I’m delighted to be joining Dundee United and to be playing in the SPL next season. I’m looking forward to working under Craig Levein, who has a reputation for improving players and who convinced me that I was making the right choice in furthering my development under him.”

Robertson admitted that, despite his well-known Dundee allegiance, making the switch was not a difficult decision.

“Everyone knows I’ve been a Dundee fan all my life, and my family are, too, but this is a great chance for me,” he said.

“I feel I’ve learnt a lot playing in the First Division, but the time is right for me to be in the SPL and I think it’s probably a chance I deserve.

“I know I’m coming here to fight for a place and I can’t expect just to walk straight into the team, but I’m excited because I think United will be high up the league again next season and challenging strongly for a place in Europe.”

For his new gaffer, it was a signing that represented the end of a long chase. Robertson first came to his attention back when he was Hearts boss and, after Craig switched to Leicester City, there was another unsuccessful bid.

Having finally got his man, he believes it’s an addition that will boost an already impressive midfield.

“My attention was first drawn to Scott when he was playing in the Dundee youth team against Hearts. A while later I tried to sign him and I had another go when I was down in England, but nothing came of it,” said Craig.

“In the end, it’s taken five or six years, but it will be worth it because we are getting another talented player whose best years are ahead of him and who has the ambition and hunger to be a success.”

Robertson had also attracted firm interest from other SPL clubs and several in the English Championship, so United are viewing his arrival as a major coup.

“It’s a compliment to the players already here that Scott’s looked at what they’ve done last season and seen something that is going to continue to improve and is worth being part of. I am aware of the strong interest there was in him, so it’s nice to know we’ve got him and that’s what matters to me.”

United were also awaiting confirmation today their manager would be hauled before the SFA for his after-match comments concerning referee Mike McCurry’s error-strewn performance in last month’s defeat at Rangers.

Under pressure from chief executive Gordon Smith and president George Peat, the general purposes committee was meeting at Hampden and expected to call Craig to answer for what have proved widely-supported observations.

His board are determined to back their manager’s right to freedom of speech all the way to court if necessary, but, in advance of any summons, were making no comment.