Danny Cadamarteri was ‘sold a dream’ by Craig Levein and ultimately ended up with a winner’s medal and sampling European football.
But four years before signing for Dundee United he had turned down the chance to sign for Hibs.
The vastly experienced English centre-forward was entering the twilight of his career when he came north to sign for the Tangerines, just about to turn 30.
He played for the Tannadice side for two seasons and was part of the Scottish Cup winning United squad in 2010, under Peter Houston as Levein had left to take the Scotland job.
Cadamarteri had played in the Premier League for Everton and also turned out for clubs like Leicester City and Sheffield United but was disillusioned with life at hometown club Huddersfield Town when the call came on from Levein.
- READ MORE: European giants scout St Mirren’s Toyosi Olusanya with Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs interested
Danny Cadamarteri explains Hibs snub before Dundee United move
The striker had already been keeping a keen eye on Scottish football after turning down the Hibees years before.
And he had caught the bug which helped him make his decision to move to Tannadice.
He has now been looking back on the decision to finally come up to Scotland and his time at the Arabs.
“I passed up a chance to go to Hibs about four years earlier,” Cadamarteri told the Courier. “Although I turned that down, but it got me watching a few SPL games on Setanta.
“I saw the rivalries, the crowds and felt that I’d maybe missed out on a good opportunity. After bouncing around a couple of clubs, things came full circle.
“I was in contract talks with Huddersfield Town and Craig Levein came down to watch a game – and he caught me at the perfect time, in terms of my mindset. I’d been offered a new deal but was a bit disappointed with it.
“They wanted me to stay but loaded up the contract with a lot of incentives around being fit and available. I thought that was disappointing because I’d given a lot to the club.
“Craig came over to my house and had a chat with me and my wife. He sold us a dream, if I’m honest.
“Craig spoke about the huge faith he had in the Dundee United squad and said, “I only need to add a couple more – and you are one of them.”
“He believed United could split the Old Firm, win a cup, get to Europe; it was exactly what I wanted to hear.
“He was so passionate about what United could do.”
Cadamarteri on Dundee United Scottish Cup joy
Out injured for a couple of months before the Scottish Cup final win over Ross County, the frontman made an amazing recovery to take his spot on the bench.
“I was wearing a shoulder brace and was warned that if I got a yank on it, then it could be a big problem and require surgery,” he said. “There was an element of risk, but I wanted to be involved.
“I came to Scotland for those sorts of experiences, and I wanted to support the younger players, in particular. So, I was grateful for Housty to include me. I was disappointed not to get on, but I’ve got a winners’ medal and was part of a historic day.
“That’s special, and something no-one can take away.”