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SHED TALK

CLUB HONOURS

Scottish Premier Division Champions 1983

Scottish Cup Winners 1994 and 2010

Scottish League Cup Winners 1979-80 and 1980-81

UEFA Cup Runners-up: 1986–87

JIM GOODWIN

Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to Tannadice for the start of another league campaign.

Like everybody associated with the club, I'm really looking forward to getting going.

The work that has gone into the last six weeks has all been geared towards nights like this. We achieved our objective in the Premier Sports Cup, and now our full attention turns to the league season.

We've been pleased with the business we've done during the summer, and Daniel Bennie is the latest addition to the group.

He is a talented young player who gives us another excellent option in the forward areas, while the players who have already come in have added plenty of pace, energy and competition for places throughout the squad.

I'm also delighted with the progress of the younger players. Sam Cleall-Harding and Owen Stirton have both made excellent starts to their loan spells, and that

experience will stand them in good stead for the future.

This evening brings a tremendous challenge against Rangers in front of a packed stadium.

These are the occasions that players want to be involved in, and it's important that we embrace the atmosphere, play on the front foot and give our supporters something to enjoy.

Finally, I want to thank you once again for your outstanding support.

There will be highs and lows throughout the season, but if we all stick together, I'm confident we can enjoy plenty of positive moments along the way.

As always, I can assure you that the players and staff will give absolutely everything for this football club.

A CLOSER LOOK AT

RANGERS

Rangers arrive at Tannadice this evening for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership season. With just one league title and one League Cup triumph to show from the past 15 campaigns, the Ibrox side will be determined to make a strong start as they look to close the gap on rivals Celtic.

Last season proved to be one of the most disappointing in recent memory for Rangers, with the Ibrox club finishing third in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since Aberdeen separated the Old Firm in 2017/18.

Failing to finish above Hearts only added to the frustration, while defeats to Celtic in both domestic cup competitions ensured that the campaign ended without silverware.

The season was also marked by significant upheaval in the dugout, with two managers departing within the space of a year.

Russell Martin was appointed amid considerable excitement but endured a difficult start to life in Glasgow. Despite losing only one league match and guiding the club to the League Cup semi-final, the former Southampton manager

paid the price for a dismal run in Europe.

Rangers were comprehensively beaten 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers before suffering further defeats to Genk and Sturm Graz in the Europa League.

A draw away to Falkirk eventually proved to be the final straw, bringing Martin's spell in charge to an end after just 123 days.

German coach Danny Röhl was chosen as his successor, arriving with an impressive reputation following his work at Sheffield Wednesday.

However, his tenure also began in disappointing fashion. A 3-0 defeat away to Brann was followed by a 3-1 loss to Celtic in the League Cup semi-final, placing the new manager under immediate pressure. Röhl soon turned fortunes around, however, as

Rangers embarked upon a remarkable run of form that yielded just a single defeat in 25 league matches.

Unfortunately for the Ibrox side, their challenge collapsed during the closing weeks of the season. Defeats to Motherwell, Hearts, Celtic and Hibernian after the split saw Rangers slip back into third place, with Röhl subsequently departing the club during the summer.

THE MANAGER

The man now entrusted with restoring Rangers to the summit of Scottish football is Derek McInnes, who arrived at Ibrox after an exceptional campaign with Hearts. Having come agonisingly close to delivering the league title to Tynecastle, the 55-yearold was rewarded with the opportunity to take charge of the club he supported as a boy.

McInnes is, of course, no stranger to either side. The former midfielder spent the early years of his playing career with Morton before joining Rangers in 1995. He later enjoyed spells with West Bromwich Albion, Dundee United, Millwall and St Johnstone, making more than 700 senior appearances in total.

His managerial career has been equally impressive, bringing league titles with St Johnstone and Kilmarnock, as well as four consecutive secondplace finishes during an outstanding eight-year spell at Aberdeen.

Pre-season preparations have included a victory over St Étienne and a goalless draw with West Ham United at Ibrox.

Last season's meetings between Rangers and United produced plenty of entertainment, with two encounters finishing 2-2 before the Glasgow side claimed a 4-2 victory in the final meeting of the campaign. Rangers now arrive at Tannadice looking to extend their unbeaten run in the fixture to 14 matches, while United will be hoping to record a first victory over the Light Blues since Jamie Robson's winner in August 2021.

SCORE A TASTY OFFER

NEW FACES JORDAN AMISSAH

Jordan Amissah arrived at Tannadice after leaving Burton Albion, with the goalkeeper signing a two-year deal with the club.

The 24-year-old returns to Scotland after an impressive spell with Ross County, where he established himself as a reliable presence between the posts in the Premiership. Before moving to Dingwall, Amissah gained valuable experience with both Guiseley and Sheffield United, continuing his development into one of the most promising young goalkeepers around.

Blessed with excellent reflexes, composure on the ball and a commanding presence in the penalty area, the German-born stopper has already demonstrated the qualities that persuaded United to bring him back north of the border.

Supporters were given their first glimpse of Amissah during the recent pre-season friendly against Salford City, when he came on at half-time to make his unofficial debut in tangerine. Still only 24 years of age, he will be hoping to play an important role for the club in the years ahead.

AUGUST

AGE: 7

FAVOURITE PLAYER: ZAC SAPSFORD

BRYCE

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LACHLAN ROSE

GRACIE

AGE: 11

FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON

NIAMH

AGE: 11

FAVOURITE PLAYER: WILL FERRY

JORDAN

AGE: 5

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LACHLAN ROSE

MAEVE

AGE: 2

FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON

LOCAL SUPPLIER OF KEGS, BOTTLED BEERS/LAGERS, SPIRITS, WINES AND SOFT DRINKS SHORT NOTICE DELIVERY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK.

YOUNG TERRORS

Dundee United's Under-17 side returned from Northern Ireland with silverware after lifting the O'Neills Foyle Cup in Derry following an impressive week of performances.

The tournament provided ideal preparation for the new Club Academy Scotland campaign, with this season's squad made up of players born in 2010 and 2011.

The young Terrors will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of last season's Under-17 group, several of whom have already made the step up to first-team football during pre-season.

Under the guidance of Alex Cleland and Paul Dixon, United progressed to the final without conceding a goal, with Lewis Mathers and Oliver Mess leading the way in front of goal.

In the final at the Brandywell Stadium, United overcame Ballymena Youth Academy on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw. Mathers was again on target, while Isaac Ayeni also found the net as the young Terrors rounded off a

memorable week by lifting the trophy.

Reflecting on the success, Academy director Scott Allison praised both the players and the academy's sponsors for making the trip possible.

"It has been an excellent week for both the players and staff, and the boys deserve enormous credit for their performances throughout the tournament. Several academy players have already featured for the first team during preseason, and this success gives the next group another example to follow.

"We would also like to thank Fitness Beyond, CGM Bathrooms, Harry Forsyth, Bancon Group and all of our academy player sponsors, whose continued support allows our young players to enjoy opportunities such as this."

Many of the players have since returned to domestic action, featuring in the Club Academy Scotland Under-19 League opener against Rangers at Foundation Park.

NEW FACES JESSE RANDALL

Jesse Randall became one of Dundee United's most exciting additions of the summer after arriving at Tannadice following the expiration of his contract with Auckland FC.

The New Zealand international began his career in Wellington before spells with Island Bay United, Tasman United and North Wellington. A successful period in the United States followed, where he scored ten goals in 17 appearances for North Kentucky Norse, before returning home to join Wellington Olympic. There, he established himself as one of the country's brightest attacking talents, scoring 24 goals across three seasons and helping the club to successive regional titles.

His performances earned him a move to Auckland FC, where he played an important role during the club's inaugural campaign in the A-League. Randall helped the Black Knights make history by becoming the first New Zealand-based side to lift the title, while his impressive form also earned him regular recognition on the international stage.

Having already represented his country on 14 occasions, the winger was selected as part of New Zealand's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made his tournament debut in a 2-2 draw against Iran. He has also found the net for the Kiwis against both the United States and Vanuatu.

Since arriving in Scotland, the 23-year-old has already offered supporters a glimpse

of his ability. After making his debut against Arbroath, Randall registered his first assist in the victory over The Spartans, setting up fellow summer signing Lachlan Rose. Blessed with pace, intelligence and an eye for goal, the Kiwi winger looks set to be an exciting addition to Jim Goodwin's squad.

BERT ESSELINK

We're all really excited to get the new season started. Pre-season always feels long, but we've worked hard from the moment we came back in, and now everyone is looking forward to getting back out there in front of a full Tannadice.

The Premier Sports Cup campaign and the friendly matches have given us a good platform to build on.

We've put a lot of work into our fitness levels and the way we want to play, and I think everybody can see the progress we've made over the last few weeks.

We've also had a lot of new players come into the squad, but they've settled in really well.

Everyone has helped them adapt as quickly as possible, and we've built a really strong group. That's one of the most important things in football because everybody needs to be pulling in the same direction.

Tonight gives us a huge challenge against one of the strongest teams in the country.

Rangers are always difficult opponents, but these are the matches that you want to play in.

A full stadium, the lights on and a brilliant atmosphere, that's what football is all about.

A lot of the new lads will be experiencing that atmosphere for the first time, and I'm sure they'll enjoy every minute of it.

We know how important our supporters are to us, and we'll need them behind us throughout the season.

They give us confidence, energy and belief, and hopefully we can repay them with plenty of positive results in the months ahead.

Enjoy the game!

From the first Rangers programme to feature Dundee United's name in 1947 until the mid-1960s, the format changed very little.

The eight-page publication remained a familiar sight, with the competing teams listed prominently on the front cover, a tradition that survived for almost two decades before the programme underwent its first major redesign.

The line-ups eventually disappeared from the front page in 1965, replaced by an illustration of Ibrox Stadium, while the number of pages increased and the price doubled from threepence to sixpence.

Curiously, no programme was issued for United's visit to Govan that season. The match, a meeting between two of the division's leading sides, had been moved to a midweek date because of Rangers' involvement in the League Cup final.

Even the debut of Norwegian international Finn Seemann could not prevent Jerry Kerr's side from slipping to a 2-0 defeat.

The redesigned cover remained in use for four seasons, although the line-ups soon returned to the front page. A further update arrived ahead of United's visit just before Christmas 1969, when supporters were presented with a larger and more ambitious publication, more akin to those usually reserved for European fixtures and glamour friendlies. The increase in quality brought with it a higher price of one shilling.

The timing was no coincidence. Willie Waddell had recently replaced Davie White as Rangers manager, and his appointment was reflected by the decision to feature his photograph on the cover.

Much of the content naturally focused on the new man in charge, although United were also acknowledged as stubborn opponents following a series of closely contested encounters between the sides.

Rangers eventually edged the contest by the odd goal in three after another fiercely fought encounter.

The following season brought yet another redesign. Greater emphasis was placed on photographs and pictorial features, while the page count increased from 12 to 16.

Shortly afterwards, the physical dimensions of the programme were reduced, although the total number of pages increased to 24 without any additional cost to supporters.

However, United's visit to Ibrox in January 1971 was unlike any other occasion. The fixture took place only days after the New Year disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 supporters following Rangers' match against Celtic. In place of the usual programme, a simple four-page edition was produced containing the names of those who had lost their lives.

Understandably, football seemed insignificant in the circumstances, and the sombre atmosphere spread from the terraces to the pitch.

Rangers took the lead through John Greig after 13 minutes, but United gradually gained control of proceedings and drew level shortly after the interval when Alec Reid scored against his former club. The visitors pushed hard for a winner, only to be denied by the woodwork as the points were shared.

The result itself mattered little. More than half a century later, that programme remains one of the most poignant and unusual publications ever produced for a meeting between the two clubs.

NEW FACES DYLAN TAIT

Dundee United were delighted to secure the signing of Dylan Tait following the expiration of his contract with Falkirk, with the midfielder committing his future to the club until the summer of 2029.

One of the brightest young talents in Scottish football, Tait arrived at the CalForth Construction Arena after enjoying tremendous success with the Bairns.

Having initially joined the club on loan from Hibernian in January 2023, he quickly established himself as a key figure before making the move permanent later that year.

The midfielder began his career with Partick Thistle before progressing through the Fife Elite Football Academy and making his professional breakthrough at Raith Rovers.

His performances in Kirkcaldy earned him a move to Easter Road in 2021, while loan spells with Raith, Kilmarnock, Arbroath and Hamilton Academical provided valuable experience.

A reunion with John McGlynn at Falkirk proved to be a turning point in his career, with Tait playing an influential role as the Bairns secured back-toback promotions and established themselves in the Premiership.

He has already made a strong impression at Tannadice, demonstrating the energy, composure and technical ability that have become the hallmarks of his game.

He has also captained the side in Ross Graham's absence and marked his home debut with a superb strike in the 4-0 victory over The Spartans.

JOSHUA RAWLINS

Joshua Rawlins officially became a Dundee United player this summer after joining the club following the expiry of his contract with Melbourne Victory, signing a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

The Australian defender began his journey with Perth Glory, progressing through the academy ranks before making his senior debut against Manchester United in 2019.

Rawlins quickly established himself as one of the country's brightest prospects and became the youngest player ever to start both an A-League and AFC Champions League match before his 17th birthday.

A move to Europe followed in 2022, with the versatile defender joining Dutch side FC Utrecht.

During his time in the Netherlands, Rawlins made 24 appearances for Jong Utrecht and captained Australia's Under-23 side at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

He returned to his homeland in 2024 to join Melbourne Victory, where his impressive displays earned widespread praise.

Equally comfortable at right wing-back or in central defence, Rawlins established himself as one of the division's standout performers before making the move to Tannadice.

The 21-year-old has featured in all four of United's matches so far this season

and has already shown the qualities that made him such a highly sought-after talent. His pace, energy and technical ability suggest there is plenty more to come from the Australian.

MENS FIRST TEAM

PLAYED FOR

BOTH

FRANCISCO SANDAZA

When Craig Levein brought Francisco Sandaza to Tannadice in the summer of 2008, few supporters knew quite what to expect. The Spanish striker had arrived from Valencia's reserve side, where he had enjoyed an impressive campaign, and Levein was convinced he had found the ideal partner to strengthen United's attack alongside Warren Feeney.

Having begun his career with the youth sides of CD Leganés before spells with CD Coslada, CD Toledo and CD Onda, Sandaza had spent six years at Valencia, primarily representing the club's B team, Mestalla.

After scoring 23 goals during the previous campaign, the 23-yearold arrived in Dundee on a three-year deal, with Levein praising the Spaniard's blend of pace, strength and technical ability.

The United manager's faith was soon justified. Sandaza announced himself by scoring twice as a substitute against Dunfermline in a preseason friendly before netting the winner away to Plymouth Argyle. His first competitive goal came in a 1-1 draw against Celtic, and he

quickly established himself as one of United's most important attacking players.

By the end of the 2008/09 season, Sandaza had finished as the club's leading scorer with ten goals, including doubles against both Rangers and Celtic.

His combination of physicality, movement and clinical finishing made him a firm favourite among the Tannadice support. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted the following campaign, with groin and hernia problems severely limiting his appearances. After struggling to regain his place in the side, Sandaza left Tannadice in 2010 and

briefly joined Brighton & Hove Albion under Gus Poyet before returning to Scotland with St Johnstone the following year.

His goalscoring exploits in Perth quickly attracted attention, and Rangers moved swiftly to secure his signature in the summer of 2012.

Arriving at Ibrox shortly after the club's demotion to the Third Division, Sandaza made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against East Stirlingshire in front of almost 50,000 supporters.

However, his spell in Glasgow proved to be a turbulent one. Injury problems restricted his appearances, while an ill-fated attempt to engineer a move to Major League Soccer eventually brought his Rangers career to an abrupt conclusion. By the time he departed Ibrox, Sandaza had made just 18 appearances and scored twice.

Thereafter, the Spaniard embarked upon a footballing journey that took him across the globe. Spells followed with clubs in Spain, Japan, Qatar, China and India before he eventually brought the curtain down on his playing career with CD Extremadura in 2022.

Nevertheless, it is for his exploits in tangerine that Sandaza remains best remembered, with the Spaniard's outstanding debut season ensuring his place among the more popular overseas players to have represented the club in recent years.

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31 JULY

Over the years, this date has produced plenty of memorable moments for Dundee United supporters, from landmark victories and derby triumphs to important cup ties and

memorable European nights.

The most recent addition to the list came in 2025 as United secured a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League with a hard-fought victory over UNA Strassen in Luxembourg.

Having already established a slender advantage in the first leg at Tannadice, Jim Goodwin's side travelled to the continent knowing that another positive result would secure the club's first successful European campaign in almost three decades.

It was far from a vintage performance, but European football is often more about results than performances, and United ultimately got the

job done. The decisive moment arrived during the second half when Iurie Iovu rose highest to power home the only goal of the game.

The Moldovan international's celebrations were matched by those of the travelling supporters, who had witnessed the club progress through a European tie for the first time since the famous 17-0 aggregate victory over Principat in 1997.

A few years earlier, in 2016, League Cup football was on the agenda as United welcomed Dunfermline Athletic to Tannadice.

Ray McKinnon's side knew that avoiding defeat would be enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages, although

an unlikely sequence of results elsewhere meant there was still an outside chance of finishing at the summit of the group. In the end,

United made certain of their place in the last 16 with a professional display against the Pars. Simon Murray broke the deadlock with a trademark header before Scott Fraser added a second to secure a deserved victory.

Having endured the disappointment of relegation only a few months earlier, the result represented another positive step forward as the club looked to rebuild. Rangers were the opposition on this day in 1991 as Maurice Malpas was honoured with a testimonial match to celebrate a remarkable career in tangerine.

More than 12,000 supporters turned out to pay tribute to the defender, who remains the club's record appearance holder, having represented United an incredible 830 times.

The home side ensured the occasion would be remembere,, racing into a commanding lead inside the opening minutes. Hamish French opened the scoring after two minutes before Michael O'Neill doubled the advantage shortly afterwards.

French struck again before half-time to put United firmly in control, while Ally McCoist grabbed a late consolation goal for the visitors.

Eight years later, local pride was at stake as Dundee arrived at Tannadice for the opening match of the 1999/2000 Scottish Premier League season.

Magnus Sköldmark gave the hosts an early advantage, only for Willie Falconer to draw Dundee level after the interval. The decisive moment came when Joaquim Ferraz was introduced from the bench. The Portuguese striker made an immediate impression, rising above the visiting defence to direct a powerful header towards goal.

Although goalkeeper Julian Douglas got a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from crossing the line, allowing Ferraz to make an unforgettable start to his United career.

Another memorable away victory arrived in 2011 as Peter Houston's side travelled to Tynecastle to face Hearts. Having been held by Kilmarnock on the opening weekend of the campaign, United were eager to build momentum, and they did exactly that thanks to a determined performance in the capital.

The decisive moment arrived midway through the first half. Jon Daly was initially denied by an excellent save from Marian Kello, but the United striker was not to be thwarted for long, heading home from the resulting corner to score the only goal of the game. Debutant Scott Allan turned in an outstanding display in midfield, while United survived a dramatic late scare to secure all three points.

From emotional occasions and derby victories to cup triumphs and memorable nights on the European stage, this date has undoubtedly produced some unforgettable moments in the club's history.

NEW FACES

MICHAEL FORBES

The signing of Michael Forbes has brought further quality and competition to United's defensive ranks, with the Northern Ireland international arriving following the expiry of his contract with West Ham United.

Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, the 22-year-old developed through the youth systems of Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts before earning a move to West Ham United, where he continued his development within one of England's most highly regarded academies.

During his time in East London, Forbes became a regular for the club's Under-21 side, captaining the team on numerous occasions and establishing a reputation for his leadership, composure and ability in possession. He also gained valuable first-team experience, earning a place in West Ham's senior matchday squad during the club's successful UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.

A loan spell with Northampton Town during the 2025/26 season provided the defender with further experience of senior football, while his consistent performances saw him progress through Northern Ireland's youth ranks before making his senior international debut against Finland in 2023.

Forbes has adapted quickly to life in tangerine, making his debut against Stirling Albion before featuring in each of United's opening four matches. Calm on the ball, commanding in the air and comfortable playing in a variety of roles

across the back line, the young defender has already shown exactly why the club moved swiftly to secure his signature this summer.

MENS FIRST TEAM FIXTURES

JACK

ZAC

DYLAN TAIT

WILL FERRY

EMMANUEL AGYEI

JULIUS ESKESEN

LACHLAN ROSE

NEIL FARRUGIA

ESSE

JAMIE

DANIEL

IDJESSI

RANGERS

MANAGER: DEREK MCINNES

IVOR PANDUR (GK)

ROSS MCCRORIE

BEN GODFREY

JOHN SOUTTAR

DAN NEILL

LAWERENCE SHANKLAND

CONNOR BARRON YOUSSEF CHERMITI MOHAMED DIOMANDÉ

THELO AASGAARD

NEDIM BAJRAMI

JOSE CIFUENTES

LYALL CAMERON

CAMMY DEVLIN

CLINTON NSIALA

RYAN NADERI

DUJON STERLING

VANJA DRAGOJEVIĆ

DJEIDI GASSAMA

TUUR ROMMENS

BOJAN MIOVSKI

LIAM KELLY (GK)

EMMANUEL FERNANDEZ

TOCHI CHUKWUANI

NICOLAS RASKIN

ROSS MCCAUSLAND

PAUL NSIO

FINDLAY CURTIS