Premiership rival shares Hibs sacking that cost him Easter Road chance as lid lifted on transfer decision
The star had a spell at Hibs earlier in his career with a reboot required after Easter Road.
Dylan Tait insists he always knew he could shine at Premiership level - even after his botched Hibs stint.
The midfielder is now thriving at Dundee United and wearing the captain’s armband following his summer move from Falkirk. Tait’s form as a Raith Rovers youngster prompted Hibs to snap him up under Jack Ross in 2021 but his sacking later that year made things difficult for the now 24-year-old, who helped United defeat the Easter Road side last weekend.
A series of loans followed before a permanent exit to Falkirk during 2024 rebooted his career. He ascended through the lower leagues with John McGlynn’s team and was part of the impressive Bairns side that finished in the top six last season, but Tait was never in doubt over his ability, with Ross’ sacking proving costly at Hibs.
Dylan Tait on Hibs
He explained: "It didn't work out for me at Hibs but I still had the belief that I could play and do well in this league. It's not about proving people wrong. The manager who signed me at Hibs lost his job and then I didn't really get an opportunity after that.
"Sometimes, it doesn't work out at football clubs for whatever reason, but I am at a place now where I am really enjoying myself and I just want to keep it going. I always believed in my own ability and backed myself. I just needed that opportunity and I got it last season at Falkirk.
"I took it and I think I did well. Then, going into this season I have really found my feet in the last two games. I just want to keep that going. It is a really good and enjoyable league and there is not a lot between the teams. If you can get good momentum then that can stand you in good stead."
On joining United under the management of Jim Goodwin Tait added: "Everyone knows how big a club Dundee United is and that was a main attraction for me. Then when I spoke to the manager and he explained to me everything he wanted to do this season, it was an easy decision.
Why did Dylan Tait join Dundee United?
"It is the way I want to play and I am really enjoying playing here at Dundee United. At the start of the season we took a couple of heavy defeats but even in those games we created a lot of chances and there were a lot of good things.
"As a squad and with the manager, we looked at that and said if we kept doing it, the results would come. And they have done in the last two games. The football has been great but off the ball, our defensive shape and work-rate has been really good, which is what you need to do first and foremost in this league to get results. You need to win your individual battles and once you do that, it gives you a platform to play."