Dundee United Football Club, The CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park, Dundee, DD3 7JW 01382833166
Option 1 - Ticketing
Option 2 - Commercial
Option 3 - Retail
ADDRESS BOOK
Chairman
MARK OGREN Vice-Chairman
SCOTT OGREN Director
JIMMY FYFFE
Chief Executive
LUIGI CAPUANO
Chief Operations Officer
JOE RICE
Finance Director
JAMES ROBERTSON
Manager
Printed copies of Shed Talk are available via Curtis Sport. 12 8 17 31 22
JIM GOODWIN
Assistant Manager
LEE SHARP
First-Team Coach
DAVID BOWMAN
Head of Goalkeeping
PAUL MATHERS
Head of Football Operations
ROSS STARKE Head of Player Care
NIALL NICHOLSON Head of Medical
MARCIN SZOSTAK First Team Analyst
AIDAN CROLL
First Team Sports Scientist
EWAN ANDERSON
Strength and Conditioning Coach
ALLAN GARTSHORE Club Doctors
DR DAVID NICOLL
DR STEPHEN GALBRAITH Kit Manager
ANDREW BRYAN Head of Commercial
MARK CUNNINGHAM Ticket Office Manager
MOIRA HUGHES Head of Retail
STUART BOOTLAND
Commercial Sales Manager
DECLAN PRIDDING
Catering & Bar Operations
Manager
JOHN RICHARDSON
Head of Stadium and Facility Operations
JONATHAN ROBERTS
Head of Media
MARK MCCREERY
Head of Marketing
LUKE BAIN
Content Producer
YANNIS MARR
Club Photographer
RICHARD WISEMAN
SHED TALK
Design and Editors:
LUKE BAIN AND PETER RUNDO
Contributors
MIKE WATSON
RYAN HALDANE
LEE SMITH
THE GAFFER
Good evening everyone and welcome back to Tannadice!
We’re back home for the final match of the calendar year after overcoming some tough tests in recent weeks.
I felt we were unfortunate to go into the break trailing against St Johnstone. We played well in the first half, despite some poor final balls, but we didn’t deserve to be behind. The goal we conceded was disappointing but I was pleased with our reaction.
The character of the squad was evident, and we earned a fantastic three points - especially
on the back of a solid point against Celtic.
This time of year is always tough for professional athletes. We’ve got several foreign players who are away from their families, and sacrifices like training on Christmas Day are part of the job. It’s never easy, but when we get results like we did against St. Johnstone, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile.
A special mention to Glenn Middleton and Sam Dalby for the quality of their goals. It’s great to see players stepping up in all areas of the pitch - we are trying to instil freedom when we are in possession.
Tonight will certainly be a tough test, but it’s one we’re ready for. As we approach the final match of the year, we want to finish on a high and give our fans something to celebrate. Our supporters have been incredible all season, and their backing means the world to us. We know how important this game is, not just for us but for everyone connected with the club. We’re determined to give our all tonight and end 2024 with a performance that makes our fans proud. I hope you all enjoy the game!
- Jim Goodwin
AARON CLARK AGE: 11
FAVOURITE PLAYER: ROSS GRAHAM
JACK ELLWOOD AGE: 11
FAVOURITE PLAYER: WILL FERRY
TODAY’S MASCOTS
KARSON DARLING AGE: 5
FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON
ETHAN KERR AGE: 10
FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON
MYA JONES AGE: 10
FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON
OSCAR GRIEVE AGE: 9
FAVOURITE PLAYER: JACK WALTON
DEACON MAXWELL AGE: 10
FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI
OWEN KERR AGE: 7
FAVOURITE PLAYER: LOUIS MOULT
ELLIS LEE
AGE: 11
FAVOURITE PLAYER: DECLAN GALLAGHER
A
LOOK
THROUGH THE ARCHIVES!
Our pictorial input today provides visual proof of the reasoning behind the Club electing to change almost half a century of monochrome by swapping black and white strips for tangerine and black.
Back row (from left to right): Jimmy Littlejohn (Director), Andy Dickson (Trainer), Jackie Graham, Gerry Hernon, Wattie Smith, Mogens Berg, Finn Dossing, Ian Scott, Donald Mackay, Jerry Kerr (Manager).
Front row (from left to right): Sandi Davie, Tommy Millar, Jim Cameron, Tommy Neilson, Doug Smith, Jim Moore, Finn Seeman, Dennis Gillespie, Billy Hainey.
United twice played in the USA in the 1960s, representing Dallas Tornadoes, as seen here on their first visit in the summer of 1967.
Manager Jerry Kerr’s wife was the driving force behind the change, which took place immediately after the side’s second Dallas stint in the summer of 1969.
Only six of the 1967 squad saw action in both stints as Dallas Tornadoes: Jim Cameron, Donald Mackay, Dennis Gillespie, Jimmy Briggs (who joined the squad halfway through), and Ian Scott.
The new strip first saw the light of day at Goodison Park, where United lost 4-1 to Everton, who finished the 1969-70 season as First Division champions.
There was also no joy in its first airing at Tannadice, as Hearts came from two down at half-time to win 3-2 in the opening match.
THIS
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DUNDEE UNITED VS Aberdeen
1st prize £1000
2nd prize £250
3rd prize - Signed Top
4th prize - £50 club shop voucher
FOCUS ON ABERDEEN
When we last met back in October, The Dons extended their unbeaten run to fifteen matches with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Peter Ambrose’s late strike.
However, since then, they have only recorded two wins in their next ten matches and are currently on a sevenmatch winless streak, following a 4-0 humbling at Kilmarnock.
Despite early-season talk of being in the
Dimitar Mitov had a sensational season with St Johnstone last year, culminating in a final-day penalty save to ensure survival. The 6’2” Bulgarian goalkeeper has already kept seven clean sheets from his 21 appearances for Aberdeen.
Gavin Molloy was the first capture of the Jimmy Thelin era. The 23-yearold Irish defender was signed for a reported £75,000 from Shelbourne on a three-year deal.
Ante Palaversa graduated from Hajduk Split’s
title race, Aberdeen are now looking over their shoulder as the chasing pack closes in behind them.
Nevertheless, with the team still in third place in the Premiership and having only been knocked out of the League Cup semi-final by a dominant Celtic side, there is still hope that the current squad can provide fans with reasons for optimism moving forward.
academy, and Manchester City paid €7,000,000 for him in 2019. A defensive player with technical ability.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen was offered a three-year deal despite being 32 when signing in July. Apart from a brief spell in Belgium, the central midfielder had spent his entire career in Scandinavia before his move to Pittodrie.
Topi Keskinen became the second most expensive signing in the club’s history when £860,000 was paid to HJK Helsinki for the 21-year-old. A
pacey winger with trickery, he has contributed five goals this season.
Peter Ambrose joined from Hungarian side Újpest Dozsa for an undisclosed fee after scoring nine goals last season.
Kevin Nisbet was the hottest young talent in Scottish football five years ago, scoring 57 goals in two seasons with Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. While less prolific at Hibernian and Millwall, the seasonlong loanee has netted four times for The Dons.
ONE TO WATCH
SHAYDEN MORRIS
THE GAFFER JIMMY THELIN
Aberdeen appointed Swedish coach Jimmy Thelin, only the second continental manager in the club’s history, in the summer.
The 46-year-old led Elfsborg to second in the Allsvenskan in 2023, narrowly missing the title to Malmö on goal difference. A central defender during his playing career, Thelin spent his entire career with IF Gajakarna before moving into coaching with Ljungarum in 2005.
He then guided Jönköpings Södra IF from the lower divisions to the top flight, winning the title in 2015. Known for his emphasis on hard work, organisation, and fitness, Thelin’s strong start at Aberdeen earned him cult status with the fans within just six months - although they are without a win in their last seven outings!
Although not a regular in the side this season, the 23-year-old turned the game in our encounter at Pittodrie back in October.
Blessed with outstanding pace and trickery, the rightwinger gave Will Ferry his toughest afternoon of the season, as his direct style saw him repeatedly reach the byline.
Picked up by Southend United as a youth, he joined Fleetwood Town’s academy setup in 2018 and earned rave reviews for his performances at under-18 level. The Londoner made 40 appearances for Fleetwood, scoring twice, before signing a four-year deal at Pittodrie after impressing then-Aberdeen boss, Jim Goodwin.
By Ryan Haldane
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FRANK MUNRO
Since Frank Munro moved south of the border to become a Wolves legend, it is easy to overlook his impact while serving United and Aberdeen before moving south in January 1968.
By age 20, he had made nearly 150 appearances and scored 37 goals for two Scottish clubs before joining Wolves.
Frannie started at Chelsea but moved to United in August 1963, signing his first professional deal at 16. After a year in the reserves, he made a dramatic first-team debut, scoring a late winner in a 3–2 League Cup victory over Dundee at Dens Park in the 1964–65 season opener.
Despite his youth, his talent made him a first-team regular and earned him international youth recognition. In his debut season, during United’s Scandinavian transformation, he played 40 of 54 matches, culminating in a runners-up medal after Motherwell’s 3–2 aggregate win in the Summer Cup final.
Primarily featuring in an inside-right position, he was equally comfortable playing at wing-half or even as a winger, though his future career was as a centre-half.
After two full seasons, Munro became unsettled and was reluctant to re-sign. Although he eventually did, he was transfer-listed.
Huddersfield Town showed interest but baulked at the £15,000 fee. He eventually joined Aberdeen in October 1966 for a fee believed to be £12,000, having played 80 games and scored 23 goals while at Tannadice.
United in a reserve game at Pittodrie.
His first season was a success, earning a runners-up medal in the 1967 Scottish Cup Final, a 0–2 loss to Celtic at Hampden. Aberdeen’s
At Pittodrie, he quickly became a key player for Eddie Turnbull, who had been impressed by Munro’s performance for
European qualification saw Munro score their first-ever European goal with a hat-trick in a 10–1 win over KR Reykjavik in
the Cup Winners’ Cup.
After 14 goals in 59 games, he secured a £55,000 move to Wolves in January 1968. Wolves boss Ronnie Allen was impressed by Munro’s hat-trick for Aberdeen— playing as the Washington Whips— against Wolves in the 1967 President’s Cup Final, a thrilling 6–5 win for Wolves.
Munro went on to play 371 times for the Midlands club, becoming firmly established as a centre-back despite signing as a midfielder. He also chipped in with 18 goals, including strikes in both legs of the 1972 UEFA Cup semi-final win over Ferencváros. He played in the final, collecting another runners-up medal after a 2–3 aggregate defeat to Spurs. Fortunately, Munro didn’t have to wait long for a winners’ medal, as Wolves lifted the 1974 League Cup after a 2–1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley. Wolves also won the Texaco Cup in 1971.
Munro’s performances for Wolves earned him nine Scotland caps—as well as four at under-23 level—between 1971 and 1975. His full debut came on 18 May 1971 against Northern Ireland, and his final appearance for Scotland was in a 1–1 draw against Romania in Bucharest.
Shortly after helping the Midlanders regain their First Division status in 1976–77, Munro returned to Scotland, drawn by
the lure of Celtic. He signed after a short loan spell in December 1977 for £20,000, giving him the distinction of being the last player Jock Stein signed as Celtic manager.
His time in Glasgow was short-lived. Despite picking up another runners-up medal in the 1978 Scottish League Cup, Celtic only finished fifth in the Scottish Premier Division.
Released by Celtic in the summer of 1978, Munro sought a new challenge in Australia, signing for South Melbourne Hellas, managed by former Wolves goalkeeper Dave MacLaren. Although initially planned as a short-term arrangement, he ended up moving there permanently.
During the 1980s, Munro took on a player/ coach role at Albion Rovers (Victoria, Australia) before retiring as a player. He later managed Hamlyn Rangers (now Geelong Rangers F.C.) and Keilor Park. Munro returned to the UK in 1991 and settled in Wolverhampton but sadly suffered a stroke in the early 2000s that left him confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He passed away on 16 August 2011.
Sixteen-year-old Frank Munro heads the late winner in United’s 3–2 derby win on the opening day of the season in August 1964.
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SMASHING RECORDS
Dundee United fans have shattered records once again!
Almost seven thousand Arabs have staked their claim in the standssetting a record-breaking milestone and highlighting the unbelievable backing of the Tangerine Army!
Our strong start has us perched in fourth after 18 rolls of the Premiership dice - and with more challenges up ahead, we’re determined to dig in, maintain our focus, and keep pushing forward - all with you behind us.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. You can join the 6,736 strong Tangerine Army for the promise of more gripping action, pulse-racing moments and excitement at Tannadice with our Half
Season Tickets - all with significant savings on gate prices.
CLICK HERE to get yours!
IMPORTANT SEATING INFORMATION
Due to limited availability, supporters purchasing their Half Season Ticket in-store or over the phone can secure their match ticket in the Carling Stand for the Aberdeen match. Your designated Half Season Ticket seat will then be located in the George Fox Stand for the remainder of the season.
E: tickets@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk
T: 01382833166 (option 1)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
This campaign, you can secure your Half Season Ticket for upwards of 15% off gate prices across a minimum of nine William Hill Premiership matches!
We’re also encouraging the next generation of young Arabs, with U12 Half Season Tickets available for just £25 - working out at less than £3 per match!
In addition, you’ll be invited to our second exclusive Season Ticket holder retail event in the new year, offering 20% off all items in our Club Shop for a limited time.
FLASHBACK FOCUS
7 MARCH 2011
UNITED 3
Barry Douglas (29)
Craig Conway (33)
Danny Swanson (60)
ABERDEEN 1
Josh Magennis (51)
United capitalised on the first of two consecutive home games to jump to fifth place with a convincing victory over the Dons. Goals from Barry Douglas and Craig Conway gave United a
two-goal lead at halftime. Josh Magennis pulled one back for Aberdeen after 51 minutes, but a spectacular strike from Danny Swanson nine minutes later sealed the win.
Peter Houston made two changes to the side that won 2-0 away to Inverness. Paul Dixon missed out due to illness, and Stuart Armstrong dropped to the bench. Timothy van der Meulen and Prince Buaben were brought in, with Buaben having scored United’s opener in the Highlands.
Aberdeen threatened first, earning a corner that Zander Diamond met with a firm header, only for Pernis to make a fine save. Diamond had to leave the field with a head wound and returned wearing a bandage, only to immediately receive a yellow card for a late challenge on Buaben.
David Goodwillie looked United’s biggest threat upfront, setting up Keith Watson for a cross that
narrowly missed the target. At the other end, Buaben’s challenge left Young requiring treatment, and United began to push forward. A long ball from Pernis caused trouble for the Dons’ defence, but the referee waved away claims for a penalty when Robertson went down under a high challenge from Considine.
In the 27th minute, Craig Conway won a corner, and Barry Douglas met the cross at the near post, heading past Langfield for his first Tannadice goal. United piled on the pressure, with a Morgaro Gomis effort hitting the post and rebounding off Langfield’s back for another corner.
Aberdeen’s defence continued to struggle, and Diamond was replaced by Rory McArdle.
Langfield’s luck ran out when Craig Conway unleashed a 25-yard shot that the keeper misjudged, pushing it into his own net. Aberdeen tried to respond, with Jack
forcing a smart save from Pernis, but United controlled the first half.
After the break, Magennis replaced Aluko and injected some energy into Aberdeen’s attack. Five minutes into the second half, he headed home a Jack cross to bring the visitors back into the game. Pernis then denied Milsom as the Dons sought an equaliser.
Conway was substituted for Andis Shala after picking up a knock, and moments later, Goodwillie’s overhead kick struck the post. However, in the 61st minute, Goodwillie played a perfect through ball to Swanson, who fired a powerful shot
Attendance: 7,416
past Langfield to restore United’s twogoal cushion.
United regained control, with Shala testing Langfield and Pernis making a crucial save from Magennis. Goodwillie appeared to be fouled in the box by Considine, but the referee waved play on. Despite Aberdeen’s physicality, United passed the ball beautifully in midfield and continued to create chances.
As time ticked down, Johnny Russell replaced Goodwillie, and United comfortably saw out the match to claim a well-earned victory in front of 7,416 fans.
United: Pernis, Watson, van der Meulen, Dillon, Douglas, Swanson (D. Robertson 70), Buaben, Gomis, S. Robertson, Conway (Shala 54), Goodwillie (Russell 88).
Subs not used: Banks, Kovacevic, Smith, Armstrong.
Subs not used: Howard, Pawlett, Vujadinovic, Paton.
1917
DUNDEE HIBS 5-1 EAST FIFE | LEAGUE
This was the Club’s biggest win of the season, but The Sunday Post proclaimed, “The score flatters their superiority.”
James McGuire headed the opener, and a MacCabe double saw Hibs three up by the break. Law pulled one back for the Methil men early in the second half, but a Napper Thomson penalty and a Fraser goal sealed the fifth. Yet, three days later, Hibs were beaten 3-1 at Bayview!
29 DECEMBER
1951
DUNDEE UTD 5-0 QUEEN’S PARK | LEAGUE
A freak goal after 34 minutes by Peter McKay sent United on their way to a comprehensive victory. The centre forward bulleted in a header which
the Spiders’ keeper saved brilliantly, only for his arm to hit the post, causing the ball to roll over the line. Pinkerton was also at fault for the second goal, allowing a Frank Quinn shot to squirm from his hands right after halftime. Quinn’s second goal was a cheeky back-heel after George Mitchell had scored the third. Rounding off an afternoon where Queen’s shot themselves in the foot, Ross deflected a Mitchell drive that was going wide into his own net.
1973
DUNDEE UTD 6-0 DUMBARTON | LEAGUE
Andy Gray’s quartet of goals took his tally to 14 in just 23 appearances.
Dumbarton manager
Alex Wright dubbed Andy Gray ‘Superkid’ after the 18-year-old tore the Sons apart, scoring four times before missing a penalty. His first came after 17 minutes, with Tommy Traynor doubling the lead before the interval. Frank Kopel added a third early in the second half before Superkid scored three more. He could have bagged a fifth but sidefooted an 85th-minute penalty past the post to show he’s human.
Hamish McAlpine saved low to his left.
On 64 minutes, Richard Gough played Paul Sturrock in, and Luggy lashed the ball past Bonner to equalise. Seven minutes later, Gough headed in an Eamonn Bannon cross. Hard as it is to believe now, United extended their unbeaten run at Parkhead to five games!
1984
CELTIC 1-2 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE
After beating leaders Aberdeen, United meted out the same dose of medicine to secondplaced Celtic. Remarkably, a missed penalty turned the match. Celtic had gone ahead through Tommy Burns in the first half and were awarded a penalty when John Holt’s hand diverted a Brian McClair header. Mo Johnston, however, weakly hit the spot-kick, and
Due to the Beast from the East, this was the first outing in six weeks, but the Terrors showed no signs of rustiness as they made a dream start. David Goodwillie coolly slotted home after two minutes, and United deservedly extended their lead when Paul Dixon’s
cross was flicked home by Goodwillie on 35 minutes.
Crucially, with just seconds to go until the interval, Sol Bamba pulled one back with a header after Pernis had done well to parry Riordan’s free-kick. Spurred by that breakthrough, Hibs looked much livelier in the second half and were rewarded with a late leveller when Paul Hanlon prodded home.
2023
DUNDEE UTD 3-0 PARTICK THISTLE | LEAGUE
Sub-zero temperatures did not deter a crowd of over 8,000 for United’s final home match of the calendar year against Partick Thistle—and the hosts did not disappoint. Birthday boy Tony Watt sent everyone home happy with a memorable hat-trick.
