Dunfermline Athletic | Matchday Programme 03 by dundeeunitedfc

the gaffer

Firstly, welcome back to Tannadice!

We’re excited to get our home league campaign up and running and your support has been tremendous since coming back for pre-season.

I think our overall performance last weekend was excellent and we showed a lot of things that we’ve put into practice in training.

The most pleasing thing is probably the composure and creativity we showed and we could easily have scored eight or nine on the night.

It was the perfect start for us but we can’t get carried away. This afternoon we’re playing a really good side in Dunfermline and they will bring their own challenges.

We’re all looking forward to the game. I watched them last weekend and was very impressed. Dunfermline have some very good experienced players but also some real creativity and threat going forward. We’re going to have to be at our best defensively to keep a clean sheet and I’m sure it will make for an entertaining encounter.

PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE 12TH MAN AND I THINK THE FANS HAVE BEEN A CREDIT TO THE CLUB. FOR OVER 3,000 TO TURN OUT IN ARBROATH AND TO SHOW THAT LOYALTY IS FANTASTIC. WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO REPAY YOUR FAITH AND WE’RE GOING OUT TO TRY AND PUT ON ANOTHER SOLID DISPLAY THIS AFTERNOON.

Enjoy the game!

- JIM GOODWIN

GOODWIN

JIM

match preview

We host our first cinch Championship match of the 2023/24 campaign by welcoming Dunfermline Athletic to Tannadice this Saturday.

OPPONENT OVERVIEW

Under the guise of former Dundee boss James McPake, the Pars cantered to the cinch League One title last term, losing just one solitary match and finishing 14 points ahead of bitter rivals Falkirk in second. Furthermore, they conceded 18 fewer goals than anyone else in the division.

In the Viaplay Cup Group Stage, the East End Park outfit faced a Fife Derby against Raith Rovers on Matchday One, eventually running out 4-2 winners after a tense penalty shootout.

McPake’s men also swept aside fellow Group F sides Albion Rovers and Annan Athletic with relative ease.

However, a defeat to Premiership Kilmarnock was enough to snuff out their hopes of finishing top of the pile and progression to the Last 16 despite amassing eight points.

On the opening day of the cinch Championship, Dunfermline assuaged their Viaplay Cup woes by kickstarting their league campaign with a victory over fellow newly-promoted side Airdrieonians.

The hosts actually slipped behind on 22 minutes after Craig Watson rose highest in the area to nod home a rebound, but summer signing Ewan Otoo notched a fine header of his own to equalise on the half-hour mark.

And as the match approached the last quarter, Craig Allan thundered home a strike worthy of winning any match - a tremendous, first-time effort that found the top corner in front of the Norrie McCathie Stand.

INS AND OUTS

In the summer window, Dunfermline moved quickly to secure the services of three title-winning loan players on a permanent basis.

2022/23 breakout star and fans’ favourite Kane Ritchie-Hosler put pen-to-paper on a threeyear deal in Fife as the former Rangers prospect looks to continue his journey in senior football. The lively attacking midfielder will miss this weekend’s clash however after sustaining a nasty ankle injury in training.

The Pars also swooped for the aforementioned Ewan Otoo from the green half of Glasgow after the 20-year-old impressed during the run-in, playing every minute of the final eight league matches of last season.

McPake raided former club Dundee for two of their young talents. Defender Sam Fisher returned to commit his future to East End Park for the following three years, and shot-stopper Harrison Sharp embarks on the second loan spell of his career.

Finally, veteran winger Michael O’Halloran was snapped up at the beginning of July after calling time on a lengthy stint with St Johnstone. A club legend at McDiarmid, O’Halloran would make almost 200 top-flight appearances with the Perth Saints, and was part of three domestic cup triumphs.

It’s a move that suggests the Pars are eyeing up more than just survival in a notoriously competitive division.

The departures board features Bulgarian targetman Nikolai Todorov, who made the switch to Championship new boys Airdrieonians, midfield stalwart Paul McGowan and former Alloa Athletic striker Kevin O’Hara.

TALE OF THE TAPE

United’s record in recent times against Saturday’s opposition is almost flawless, having lost just two of their last 23 matches. Despite this, our last joust with Dunfermline ended in defeat, with Kevin Nisbet and Jonothan Afolabi rippling the net in Fife.

Clashes between the sides at Tannadice are notoriously action-packed - the last ten have averaged almost 2.5 goals.

Chance creation usually flows from the direct wingers of Andrew Tod and Lewis McCann isolating their markers and driving to the byline before setting the ball back for the wing-backs to deliver a first-time cross into the area.

Out of possession, the pair are also vital to pressing from the front, constantly pestering their opponents and harrying them into mistakes. Against Airdrieonians, Tod and McCann forced numerous turnovers in the attacking third leading to clear-cut chances.

Dunfermline’s high line does however leave them susceptible to direct balls into the wider areas or into the feet of a striker dropping deep to link play - exactly the patterns of play which saw United dismantle Arbroath last Friday.

It appears there will be space for Tony Watt, enjoying a new role spearheading our midfield, to operate between the lines.

Predicted XI: Sharp, Fisher, Benedictus, Otoo, Comrie, Chalmers, Allan, Edwards, Tod, Wighton, McCann

one to watch

It looks as though Craig Wighton has finally found a home in Scottish football.

United Academy graduate Chris Mochrie played an instrumental role in Dunfermline’s promotion to the second tier, as he turned out 36 times during a season-long loan. The midfielder would grab four goals and two assists in black and white.

Scottish Cup-winning hero Craig Brewster is one of few players to have reached a century of appearances for both clubs. Others in the hundred club include Paul Gallacher and Pat Gardiner.

TALKING TACTICS

McPake has remained loyal to a back three throughout the entirety of their Viaplay Cup campaign, with both summer signings, Otoo and Fisher, flanking experienced defender Kyle Benedictus.

The attacking-minded 3-4-3 setup utilised has proved successful thus far, with the Pars notching ten goals in their opening five competitive matches of the season.

After bursting onto the scene at Dens and representing Scotland at numerous youth levels, the frontman found his subsequent career hampered by injuries and unsuccessful short-term loan stints. He endured a torrid time with Heart of Midlothian, finding himself dropped from the first-team squad during the ill-fated tenure of Daniel Stendel.

Wighton made the permanent switch to Dunfermline in July 2021, but it would take until last season to reignite the goalscoring touch of his youth, grabbing a sensational 20 goals in all competitions.

April was a month to remember for the 26-year-old, as he was rewarded with a new two-year deal by former Dundee teammate McPake and scooped the SPFL League One Player of the Month award thanks to consecutive strikes against Falkirk, Peterhead, Queen of the South and Aidrireonians.

Already off the mark in 2023/24, Wighton will no doubt keep the United backline busy with his space-invading duties at the forefront of Dunfermline’s attack.

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the skipper

Good afternoon and welcome back to Tannadice.

I’d like to start by showing my appreciation for how welcoming everyone around the club has been to me, it’s really helped me settle quickly. There are a few new faces and these boys will say the same I’m sure. The group have come together really well and are all gelling both on and off the park, which I think has shown in the progress the team has made throughout the course of pre-season.

Our start last week up at Arbroath was excellent. The performance was very good and it was great to add that clinical side to our game and score a few goals. The boys will agree with me in saying that the support that night was truly unbelievable and it really drove us on. Everyone pulling in the one direction is a thing I’m a huge believer in, it’s something that will hopefully be a huge factor for our club this season.

We’re all buzzing to get back out in front of the home crowd today to face a very good Dunfermline side who will be full of confidence after winning their league last season.

I WANT TO FINISH BY SAYING I HOPE WE’RE ALL GOING TO AN ENJOYABLE AND SUCCESSFUL SEASON, THE BOYS WILL GIVE EVERYTHING IN TRAINING AND GAMES TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND WITH YOUR SUPPORT, I’M SURE WE CAN DO JUST THAT.

All the best and enjoy the game!

- DOC 9

the visitors

Winning the League One championship last term by a staggering 14 points was an impressive enough feat, but the fact that Dunfermline did so losing only one league match along the way shows how utterly dominant they were.

In fact, our Fife visitors this afternoon suffered only three defeats (four if you include the Scottish Cup penalty shoot-out loss to Partick Thistle) all season.

Like ourselves, this time out however, the men from East End Park exited the ViaPlay Cup at the group stage having drawn 1-1 with Raith Rovers, routed Annan 4-0, lost 0-2 to Kilmarnock and finally defeated Albion Rovers 3-0.

Last weekend saw their return to the Championship after a solitary season away and their 2-1 victory over fellow new boys Airdrieonians will see them arrive full of confidence this afternoon.

new faces

The Pars have made five summer signings to boost their squad for the step up to second-tier football. However, three of those are already well-known faces around East End Park!

Twenty-year-old goalkeeper Harrison Sharp arrived on a six-month-long loan from Dundee earlier this month and made his debut in the win over Airdrieonians.

Michael O’Halloran brings some experience to the side after arriving from St Johnstone. The 32-year-old attacker spent the tail end of last season at Cove Rangers on loan and has also featured for Bolton, Sheffield United, Tranmere and Rangers, amongst others during his career.

Ewan Otoo was on loan at East End Park last season from Celtic and his form at the tail end of the campaign was a factor in not only him being offered a new deal, but also to Dunfermline cantering to the title. Quick, physically strong and excellent in possession, the 20-year-old has a bright future in the game.

Kane Ritchie-Hosler also made a loan move permanent in the summer. The versatile midfielder/ winger signed having left Ibrox at the end of last season.

Defender Sam Fisher couldn’t make the breakthrough at Dundee and has spent most of his career on loan. Another who was at the club on loan last term but signed permanently in the summer, he has started all five matches thus far.

the manager

james mcpake

Appointed as manager of The Pars in May 2022, his debut season in charge saw the 39-year-old lift the first silverware of his career when breezing to the League One title.

The 39-year-old began his playing career at Livingston, progressing through the youth side to make 100 league appearances before going on to feature for Morton (on loan), Coventry, Hibernian and Dundee. Called up for Northern Ireland in the summer of 2012, the central defender was part of a makeshift side which was annihilated 6-0 by the Dutch as he gained his solitary cap.

Upon retiring from playing, he took up a role at Dundee within the youth set-up before being appointed Manager in the summer of 2019. His first season was interrupted by the Covid pandemic with Dundee sitting in third place, albeit a massive 18 points behind champions United. Promotion via the playoff came the following season but Dundee continued their yo-yo existence and were in 11th place and ultimately headed for the drop when McPake was sacked in February 2022.

Last season however saw the Belshill-born manager earn rave reviews for Dunfermline’s attacking style of play and he certainly won’t be looking to just finish in eighth place and survive this time out.

clashes

one to watch

LEWIS McCANN

The 22-year-old Edinburgh-born striker is undoubtedly the man the United rear-guard need to be wary of this afternoon.

Having formerly had spells in the youth sides of both Hearts and Raith Rovers (where he was coached by former Arab Craig Easton, he made his Pars debut back in a 2018 League Cup match whilst aged just 17.

The right-footed striker has been capped at U19 and U21 levels by Northern Ireland, for whom he qualifies through his father, and already has 108 Dunfermline appearances to his name. A talisman when scoring, The Pars have lost only one match when McCann has found the net.

Up and running for the season after hitting the net three times in the Viaplay League Cup, the 6’2” frontman will be looking to surpass last term’s career best of 10 goals.

By Ryan Haldane

With only two wins in their last 23 matches against United, they need to overturn the form book as well as a United side who were in exceptional form last weekend at Gayfield last weekend.

last time at tannadice

Lawrence Shankland (9’)

2 0 11 26 October, 2020 memorable clash

Nicky Clark (27’) Paul Dixon (13’) Lauri Dalla Valle (18’) Johnny Russell (75’)

1 4 29 October, 2011

Gary Mackay-Steven (82’) Andy Kirk (55’)

PLAYED FOR BOTH noel hunt

Signed by manager Craig Brewster in 2006, the genial Irishman proved to be an inspired acquisition and a highly profitable one.

Aged just 20 when he joined Dunfermline Athletic from Shamrock Rovers for £100,000 in January 2003, he went on to win the club’s Young Player of the Season award the following season.

His pace and aggressive running won praise from Pars fans, but his three at East End Park were disrupted somewhat by a recurring knee injury. All told however, he fell just short of 100 appearances for the Fifers (98 to be precise) and scored 11 times in just over three years.

One of a trio of United summer signings in 2006 - Craig Conway and Steven Robb being the others - the striker, 23, penned a three-year contract, having left Dunfermline Athletic. Dunfermline received an undisclosed compensation fee (later revealed to be £50,000) from United - a player Brewster knew well, having played alongside him for the Pars.

Brewster was quoted as saying, “He is obviously a player I know very well, and I kept tabs on him last season when his form progressed working alongside Mark Burchill. He works hard, has pace, is good in the air and I believe he can further improve as a player at Tannadice.”

And Brewster’s assertion was pretty much spot on as the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international became a regular in the United line-up.

Like Paul Hegarty, he was equally as spring-heeled - and therefore a real aerial threat despite only being 5’ 10”. In his first season at Tannadice, he was the second top scorer and in his last season, his 18-goal return saw him finish as the Club’s top scorer. With United, Noel collected a runners-up medal in the League Cup final in March 2008, scoring United’s opener in the 2-2 draw with Rangers who won on penalties. Indeed, with his tally of 28 from 75 appearances, he only played in that final because the club had rejected offers during the January Transfer Window. With his value greatly enhanced, six months later, he was sold to Reading for a £600,000 fee.

Down south, he helped the Berkshire club to the Championship title and his form earned him the first of three full caps for the Republic.

Thereafter, he pulled on the shirt for Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Southend United, Portsmouth and Wigan before crossing the Irish Sea to play a few games for his hometown Waterford to whom he had been loaned to way back at the start of his career 17 years earlier.

Going into coaching, Noel was appointed assistant manager at Swindon Town working alongside the newly appointed manager, Richie Wellens in November 2018.

Two years later, he was appointed caretaker manager of Swindon Town due to Richie Wellens leaving for Salford City but left the Robins by mutual consent.

In May 2021, Hunt became assistant manager to Richie Wellens at Doncaster Rovers, following Wellens in leaving the club in December 2021. Two months later, Reading appointed him as their Senior Professional Development Coach and last April became their Interim First Team Manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Paul Ince. However, his job was only until the end of the season and unfortunately, he was unable to prevent the Royals slipping into League One.

the tangerine files jack walton

Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

I don’t have any superstitions but I have a routine before each half where I touch each post and crossbar.

What would you be if you weren’t a footballer?

A physio/ doctor.

Best stadium you’ve played at? Elland road, was an unreal atmosphere.

Best player you have played with?

Harvey Barnes.

Best player you have played against?

Has to be Wayne Rooney, no explanation needed.

Who is the best player of all time?

Lionel Messi.

Best game you’ve ever watched?

On TV I would say AC Milan vs Liverpool Champions League Final

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Hard work pays you back.

Who is the dressing room joker?

Tony Watt and Dec Gallagher. They fight it out every day to be the joker.

Who is the best dressed in the United squad?

Archie Meekison.

Who is the worst dressed in the United squad?

Skip (Ross Docherty) - it’s debatable some of the gear he wears to training.

Which one player would you take on a holiday with you?

Louis Moult - because I could beat him at golf everyday.

What do you do in your spare time?

Walk my dog.

Favourite TV show?

The Simpsons.

Favourite band?

The Courteeners.

jack’s ultimate 5 a side team

walton

match REPORT

ARBROATH 0

DUNDEE UNITED 4 (MIDDLETON, CUDJOE, SIBBALD, MOULT)

7:45PM FRIDAY 4 AUGUST, 2023

GAYFIELD PARK

CINCH CHAMPIONSHIP

Attendance: 5,558

Four goals, four scorers and a hat trick of assists for Louis Moult saw United lay down an early marker in the cinch Championship.

THE TEAM TALK

After a stellar performance at Brunton Park last weekend, it was no surprise that Jim Goodwin made no changes ahead of our cinch Championship opener.

Two goals in two starts saw Louis Moult lead the line with support from Glenn Middleton, Tony Watt and Mathew Cudjoe. Declan Gallagher also made his first competitive start for United.

a point to prove

The men in green came flying out of the traps with two chances inside the opening five minutes.

Following a stramash in the box, Scott McMann found himself striking at goal before Joao Balde blocked his effort off the line.

McMann almost turned provider minutes later when his cross from the left found Moult in space. Our number nine turned to get a snapshot away which Derek Gaston was equal to to keep the score level.

just rewards

Our first goal of the cinch Championship season came after eleven minutes as Middleton notched his second goal in as many games.

A slack loss of possession from Balde in the Arbroath midfield had the United attack purring as Moult raced forward on the counter. With options to choose from, he slid the ball out left for Middleton who made no mistake, firing a low effort past Derek Gaston.

cool cudjoe

United made it two on twenty-five minutes courtesy of a stylish first United goal from Cudjoe!

A line-splitting pass from Craig Sibbald found Moult who had dropped deep to take the ball in space. Another clever pass unlocked the defence finding Cudjoe in behind who showed great composure to look up and dink the ball over the onrushing Derek Gaston to double our lead.

three to the good

Goodwin’s side almost had the third just after the half-hour mark. Finding room at the edge of the box, Sibbald curled an effort at goal which had Gaston beaten all ends up - unfortunately crashing off the crossbar.

Just four minutes later he did find the back of the net to add a well-deserved third.

A long ball forward was flicked on by Moult who completed his hat-trick of assists when Sibbald latched on to it and slid the ball into the corner beyond Gaston.

0-4

MAGNIFICENT MOULT

After a stellar first-half showing, Moult had a goal of his own on the stroke of half-time.

Patient play and a delicious pass from Cudjoe broke the Arbroath backline to find our number 9 after some clever movement off the shoulder. Knowing where the goal was, he blasted a first-time effort beyond Gaston to put the game out of sight for the hosts!

KEEPING CONTROL

United matched the intensity of their first-half display with a number of second-half chances.

After an impressive pre-season, McMann was once again on form and almost had a goal to match. Picking up a loose ball on the edge of the box, he let fly with a ferocious first-time effort which cracked the post.

Moult almost had his second of the evening after some clever play from Watt found him in space, but his goal-bound effort was blocked en route.

young guns impress

A trio of changes came with just over ten minutes to play.

OFF: Middleton, Cudjoe and Moult

ON: MacLeod, Thomson and Glass

Miller Thomson was almost involved straight away. With some tenacious play and quick feet, he almost wriggled clear but was eventually crowded out at the edge of the penalty area.

Clever link-up from Meekison and Declan Glass almost fashioned an opening before Glass dragged a shot wide in search of a fifth.

United made a final change as Ross Graham replaced Gallagher to see out a comfortable victory in Arbroath.

WATCH THE STORY OF THE MATCH HERE!

today’s mascots

Charlie Green

Age: 9

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

Abbie Moss

Age: 10

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

Michael Henderson

Age: 12

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Lewis Dunbar

Age: 6

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

the early days

With the centenary of the name change from Dundee Hibernian to Dundee United coming up in October, throughout the season we’ll be looking back at meetings between visiting clubs and Dundee Hibernian.

When Dundee Hibernian was founded in 1909 the directorate lost no time in applying for membership of the Scottish League. Indeed, the first attempt was made before the club had played a game or had even signed any players! Not surprisingly, that bid was unsuccessful but, following a year of campaigning by secretary/manager Pat Reilly and his committee members, the Hibs were elected at the Scottish League AGM in June 1910.

It was an astonishing feat, not least because it was achieved ahead of nearby rivals Dunfermline Athletic and St Johnstone – both of which had been in existence for 25 years.

However, those clubs were not far behind in gaining League membership, St Johnstone winning election the following year and Dunfermline in 1912.

The first-ever meeting between Dundee Hibernian and Dunfermline came at Tannadice in March 1911, in the Consolation Cup. The Hibs won 3-2 in what was actually a national competition, designed for clubs eliminated in the qualifying rounds for the Scottish Cup.

The first league match took place at East End Park in March 1913, and it ended 0-0, watched by a crowd of 2000. The next was just three weeks later, at Tannadice (see picture below), a fixture that had been postponed in December. It also ended in a draw, though this time 1500 fans did at least see each side manage to find the net. The Fifers had a very successful first league season, finishing runners-up by just a point, eight places above the Hibs.

Tannadice, March 1913: Duncan Ronaldson (Dunfermline) in a challenge with Tom Boland of Dundee Hibs in a Division Two match which ended 1-1.

The next season the pair were nip and tuck in Division Two, each winning at home by one goal and finishing level on points, with Dunfermline earning third place on goal average.

But 1913-14 was also notable for a meeting of the clubs in the Qualifying Cup, a competition that was a real crowd-puller. Witness to that is the fact that 7000 saw the tie at Tannadice in September, while the league match later that season attracted just 1500. A double by Hibs’ Collie Martin (that season’s top scorer in Division Two) helped his team to win the tie 3-0 on their way to the final.

Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914, but the new football season still began on schedule 11 days later, with Dundee Hibs the visitors to East End Park. Dunfermline took the honours with a 3-1 win and came out on top in the return at Tannadice in November (2-0). The league season was played to a finish but neither club distinguished themselves, the Fifers ending sixth out of 14, with the Hibs tenth.

The Scottish League then suspended Division Two and the two clubs spent the next three seasons in the Eastern League. Of eight league meetings during that period, Dundee Hibs won four and Dunfermline three (clubs played each other twice home and away in season 1917-18).

Neither club played competitive football the following season but when the Scottish League did not reinstate Division Two for 1919-20, the Eastern League resumed, and Dundee Hibernian ended the season as champions. But they didn’t meet Dunfermline, who had joined the Central League and the Hibs joined them there for season 1920-21.

Tannadice, October 1920: James Herron of Dundee Hibs gets in a shot at goal despite the attentions of Dunfermline’s John Lamb and Tom Calligan. Hibs won this Central League match 2-1.

Once again honours were shared with each club winning their home games and the same held the following season when Division Two finally returned. But 1921-22 was a campaign to forget for all at Tannadice as the Hibs finished second last in the table and lost their Scottish League place.

The next time the clubs clashed in a league match was to be the final one. It came on 6 October 1923 when Dunfermline scored the only goal at East End Park. A fortnight later Dundee Hibernian took to the field for the last time - and the following week became Dundee United.

Across eight seasons covering the period 1912-1922, how well the clubs were matched is shown by Dundee Hibernian’s record in league matches with Dunfermline Athletic: P 18 W 7 D 3 L 8 F 25 A 27.

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SUPPORTING THE SUPPORTERS

Welcome back to Tannadice! I’m sure supporters of all ages have missed a Tannadice matchday and are looking forward to what will hopefully be a successful and enjoyable campaign - culminating in our return to the Premiership for Season 2024-25.

In line with UEFA licensing requirements, all clubs are required to have a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), and I am delighted to be the specific communication and contact point for all supporters and recognised supporters` groups within our Club. Although the nature of the role varies from club to club all SLOs share the same responsibility in providing effective and professional liaison between supporters and their club’s Board and Management. Dundee United are committed to ensuring high-level engagement processes with its supporters that ensure that as a club, decision-making is fan informed and fit for purpose.

As SLO, I regularly liaise with the club’s management on matters affecting all aspects of the supporter experience at the club and provide rationale via regular updates and responses back to supporters.

key duties

• Point of contact/ co-ordinating fan engagement at the club

• Contactable at home and away games and known to supporters as a point of contact.

• Communicate to the club management issues raised by supporters.

• Active and ongoing communication and role development with SLO`s at both National and International level

• Chair and coordinator of the clubs DUSG (Dundee United Supporters Group)

DUSG

Part of the SLO The Dundee United Supporters’ Group (DUSG) comprises representatives from the main supporters’ organisations and includes two (non-fans group committee members) season ticket holders from the fan base. The DUSG is the mechanism by which the Club will liaise with its supporters’ organisations. The only two exceptions to this principle will be if the Club is invited to attend each organisation’s AGM, and if an organisation has a proposal to invest or donate directly into the Club. The DUSG meet approximately six times a year, and senior management staff and Team Leaders will attend these meetings to discuss and answer questions on a wide range of operational matters.

- colin stewart (slo)

In addition to representatives from each of the recognised supporters’ groups attending meetings, the two democratically Season ticket reps for this season, John Lindsay and Arthur Hayburn also take part in the meetings.

key CONTACTS

Colin Stewart Supporter Liason Officer slo@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk

Arthur Hayburn DUSG Season Ticket Representative arthur240689@hotmail.co.uk John Lindsay DUSG Season Ticket Representative johnlind2000@googlemail.com

club news

DEREK ROBERTSON PLAQUE

Today’s first home fixture of the league season allows supporters the first opportunity to view a recently unveiled plaque that commemorates the naming of the concourse in the Eddie Thompson named after him.

At today’s fixture, supporters can view a recently installed plaque commemorating the Derek Robertson Concourse.

Derek was a lifelong Dundee United supporter and joined the club’s Board in 2002, playing an active role as a director until his resignation at the end of season 2014-15. He used his position in the Board Room to good effect advocating much greater supporter involvement in the football club he loved.

He was a key driver in the establishment of ArabTRUST, the Dundee United Supporters’ Society, as well as being a leading figure in the development of the national fans’ body Supporters Direct.

He was fortunate enough to enjoy many of the club’s greatest moments and never tired of being involved in assisting the club and its supporters with any manner of matters. To cement his relationship, he was inducted into the DUFC Hall of Fame in February 2016.

Derek passed away shortly after this and we will hope that in some way, this plaque will acknowledge the commitment and love he had for the club.

“And so meh friends,meh tale is telt. Eh might no be a cherub, But there’s one thing I will always be. Ehm Proud to be an Arab’’.

in memoriam

CLAYTON CARAVAN PARK BECOME ACADEMY SPONSOR

The five-star holiday park has committed to supporting the continued development of the Dundee United Academy in an agreement which will see its brand positioned proudly on the front of all academy team shirts.

Clayton Caravan Park is located in the magnificent Eden Valley in rural Northeast Fife, close to St Andrews, and offers a wide range of new and pre-owned holiday homes and lodges for sale and hire. Facilities at the park include a Restaurant and Bar, Swimming pool, Gym, 18hole Adventure Golf and fishing on the River Eden.

On the signing of the agreement, Clayton Caravan Park’s Managing Director Andrew Kennedy commented, “We are very proud at Clayton to be the main sponsor of the Dundee United Academy for the next two years. The club has targeted a great deal of investment in recent years towards the academy and it is now rightly recognised as one of the best youth operations in the country. As a season ticket holder at Tannadice myself I know how much the supporters love to see homegrown talent performing for the club at the highest level”.

benny rooney 1943-2023

The club was saddened to learn of the passing away of former player Benny Rooney aged 80 last month.

Whilst much more associated with St Johnstone during his playing days and as a managerial legend with Greenock Morton, the Glaswegian did spend almost three years at Tannadice in the early to mid-sixties.

Freed at the end of season 1962-63, Jerry Kerr brought him to Tannadice to hopefully fill the problem centre-forward position that had persisted the previous season. Signed just before United embarked on their tour of Rhodesia and South Africa, he was included in the squad trip which lasted a month.

On his return, the forward came on board only as a part-timer to complete the final year of his apprenticeship as a welder. He scored four times in his first eleven matches and featured sporadically until 1966.

We pass on our condolences to Benny’s friends and family.

dufcw news

Dundee United Women are delighted to announce Rachel Todd as their new captain ahead of the SWPL1 campaign kicking off this weekend.

Following the departure of Danni McGinley last week, Graeme Hart has moved quickly to fill the armband left vacant.

Rachel can play in a number of positions and has been at the club since August 2021. Speaking to dundeeunitedfc.co.uk the 26-yearold was elated after being given the armband.

“I’m delighted to have been named as captain, there’s a lot of leaders in the group but to be recognised and selected is an honour”.

“It was our first season in the top flight and this year we will know what to expect. We’ve made a lot of positive movements this summer and hopefully, we can use our experience to kick on”.

Head Coach Graeme Hart admits there were a number of contenders for the role.

“It was a tough decision to be fair, there are plenty of leaders in the squad but we just felt that the way Rachel is within the group and how she’s come back for pre-season, it was the right call for the team. We’re delighted she has taken up the role and we’re excited for the season ahead!”

DUFCW travel to Partick Thistle this Sunday in their SWPL1 curtain-raiser.

dufcw player sponsorship now available! For full details, contact commercial@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk

ON THIS DAY

12TH AUGUST

In the first league game of the season, United found themselves three down after 65 minutes after McCartney, Herbert and Walker were on target for visitors. Consequently, John Brown’s penalty conversion five minutes from the end was only of consolation value.

In the past, the second Saturday in August heralded the start of a new season. But these days, the season starts much earlier as this being our sixth match testifies. But here we’ll share with you the eclectic mix of some of the fixtures that have taken place on this auspicious day in the shooting calendar!

The Montrose Review reporter penned, “The football was a bit crude”. As it was, an own goal gave the Links Parkers the lead, but Watt Newton levelled within five minutes. This was the second match of the promotion season and, remarkably, just four of this team were in the promotionwinning side eight months later.

Twice United lead through goals from Arthur Milne after 12 minutes and Bobby Gardiner on 62 minutes, the Dark Blues replying through Tommy Robertson three minutes after the restart with Archie Coats (later to serve United as a coach) prompting a reply, lobbing in the leveller 15 minutes from the end. Remarkably, in the replay a week later Dundee won 8-1!

1981 - DUNDEE UTD 2-0 PARTICK TH | LEAGUE CUP (SECTION 4)

Just under 5,000 saw Jim McLean’s men overcome the newly relegated Pars in a League Sectional Tie 2-0. It took until the 73rd minute for United to make the breakthrough, Kenny Cameron the marksman. And Doug Smith’s last-minute penalty sealed the victory.

2017 - DUNDEE UTD 2-1 QOS | LEAGUE (CHAMPIONSHIP)

Nine years later and there was another 2-0 win in a home League Cup tie, this time Partick Thistle the victim. As in the previously mentioned match, the goals came late - Willie Pettigrew (64’) and Paul Sturrock (71’).

In the opening game of the last of the Wartime league, United came from behind to beat the Methil men who led courtesy of Wilson’s eighth-minute counter. Charlie McGillivray cancelled that out on 33 minutes with Sandy Elder’s winner coming just after half-time.

Celtic’s first competitive match since their historic European Cup win drew a crowd of over 50,000 and they were made to wait until the very last minute before celebrating a goal thanks to a dogged defensive display by United. Ironically, it came from an unexpected source given it was a header, Jimmy Johnstone!

1997 - TRABZONSPOR 1-0

DUNDEE UTD | UEFA CUP (2ND QUAL. ROUND 1ST LEG)

Although the Turks dominated the game most of the danger came from the long-range shooting of Hami. However, United’s defence stood firm. Only a late penalty award enabled Trabzonspor to arrive at

For the first home league game of the season, United edged out Queen of the South in a tight affair.

Scott McDonald side-footed home his first goal for the club. However, Callum Fordyce slammed in the leveller from 12 yards. Scott Fraser was the home hero netting the winner midway through the second half.

1933 - DUNDEE UTD 1-3 EAST FIFE | LEAGUE (DIVISION TWO) The United scorers – Bobby Gardiner (left) and Arthur Milne (right). 1944 - DUNDEE UTD 2-1 EAST FIFE | WARTIME (NORTH EASTERN - 1ST SERIES) 1959 - MONTROSE 1-1 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE CUP (SECTIONAL TIE) 1967 - CELTIC 1-0 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE CUP (SECTIONAL TIE) 1972 - DUNDEE UTD 2-0 DUNFERMLINE | LEAGUE CUP (SECTIONAL TIE)

fixtures

season 2023/24 DATE OPPOSITION RES ATT STARTING XI July 15 The Spartans (A) Viaplay Cup L 0-1 1,701 Walton Freeman Denham Holt McMann Grimshaw Docherty © Cudjoe 18 Partick Thistle (H) Viaplay Cup L 1-2 3,147 Walton Freeman Denham Holt McMann Docherty © Sibbald 1 Cudjoe 22 Peterhead (H) Viaplay Cup W 3-0 2,103 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt 2 McMann Docherty © Middleton Mochrie 25 Falkirk (A) Viaplay Cup W 1-0 3,186 Walton Freeman Graham Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Meekison August 4 Arbroath (A) W 4-0 5,558 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald 1 Docherty © Cudjoe 12 Dunfermline Athletic (H) 26 Ayr United (A) September 2 Airdrieonians (H) 9 SPFL TRUST TROPHY (3 Rd) 16 Greenock Morton (H) 23 Inverness CT (A) 30 Queen’s Park (H) October 07 Raith Rovers (A) 21 Partick Thistle (A) 28 Arbroath (H) 31 Airdrieonians (A) November 4 Inverness CT (H) 11 Dunfermline Ath (A) December 02 Greenock Morton(A) 09 Ayr United (H) 16 Raith Rovers (H) 23 Queen’s Park (A) 30 Partick Thistle (H) January 02 Arbroath (A) 06 Greenock Morton (H) 13 Inverness CT (A) 27 Dunfermline Athletic (H) February 03 Ayr Uinted (A) 17 Raith Rovers (A) 24 Queen’s Park (H) 27 Airdrieonians (H) March 02 Partick Thistle (A) 09 Arbroath (H) 16 Dunfedrmline Ath (A) 23 Inverness CT (H) 30 Raith Rovers (H) April 06 Queen’s Park (A) 13 Greenock Morton (A) 20 Ayr United (H) 27 Airdrieonians (A) May 03 Partick Thistle (H)

and results

KEY: GOAL 1 BOOKED SENT OFF FIRST SUB SECOND SUB THIRD SUB FOURTH SUB FIFTH SUB SUBSTITUTES

Meekison Middleton Watt Newman Graham Chalmers Sibbald Glass Duffy Mochrie MacLeod Thomson Fotheringham Glass Watt Newman Graham Grimshaw Moult Chalmers Middleton Meekison Mochrie MacLeod Mochrie Meekison Watt Moult 1 Newman Denham Chalmers Sibbald Fotheringham Glass Freeman MacLeod Cujoe Meekison Fotheringham 1 Cudjoe Watt Newman Denham Niskanen Grimshaw Middleton Glass Duffy MacLeod Thomson 1 Middleton 1 Watt Moult 1 Newman Denham Graham Meekison Glass Freeman Duffy MacLeod Thomson

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