Issuu

the gaffer

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to Tannadice for the final time this season!

It’s been a very positive mood in the camp right from the beginning of preseason. We knew some player’s confidence may be knocked following relegation but the camaraderie in the group has been key to our success. We’ve got a great blend and everyone has pushed each other all season long.

WE KNEW WE WERE FAVOURITES RIGHT FROM THE OFF BUT WE STILL HAD TO WORK HARD. I WANT THE PLAYERS TO ENJOY THE MOMENT AND CELEBRATE WITH A GOOD PERFORMANCE AND THREE POINTS.

We’re expecting near enough a sell out and we want to entertain the huge support that will be in attendance. The fans are obviously excited to see the trophy but they’ve paid good money to come along and we want to merit that with a performance to match on the park.

We can’t take the success for granted and we can’t let anyone take it away or diminish the achievement of this season. To escape the league at the first time of asking is a real testament to every single person involved at the club - fans included. The supporters have been fantastic, turned out in great numbers and have stuck with us. It’s up to us to put a team on the park to bring that pride back to Tannadice. It’s a nice moment for the players to enjoy with their friends and families - it’s a short career and there’s some players who go their whole career without winning anything.

This club has a rich history and we want to stabilise ourselves next year to challenge for places the higher end of the table.

I hope you all enjoy the celebrations!

- JIM GOODWIN

JIM

GOODWIN

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today’s mascots

Rhoan Gorman

Age: 10

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

Sonny Clark

Age: 8

Favourite Player: Craig Sibbald

Jonah Barrie

Age: 8

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Hutchison

Age: 8

Favourite Player: Jack Walton

Leo Robertson

Age:

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Cole Ritchie

Age: 6

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Woody Simpson

Age: 6

Favourite Player: Jack Walton

Rupert Smith

Age: 8

Favourite Player: Miller Thomson

Reilly

Age: 9

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

Barrie

Age: 11

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

Connell Patrick Joel

Find a keeper

With thousands of cars in one place you’re sure to find your perfect ride. And you have 14 days to love it or your money back.

Dundee United Manager Jim Goodwin has completed his hat-trick of Glen’s Vodka Championship Manager of the Month Awards, as he scoops the accolade for the third time this season.

Throughout April, the Terrors have remained undefeated under the guise of the Irishman, with three wins and a draw from four massive fixtures setting United on course for the cinch Championship title.

Despite being faced with a daunting westcoast double-header to begin the month, Goodwin’s charges remained resilient to secure two resounding victories back-to-back.

United enjoyed their first win at the National Stadium since 2015 in a 5-0 mauling of Queen’s Park, before racking up the goals once more on a sodden Friday evening in Greenock - seven days, seven points clear and nine scored.

Our spot back at the top table of Scottish football was then all but confirmed on Matchday 34, as Chris Mochrie’s late strike was enough to dispatch Ayr United and send us out with the realistic grasp of Raith Rovers at the summit. The result also marked our first four-match winning streak this term, and the Gaffer’s best run of league form since November 2017.

The month culminated with a goalless draw at the Excelsior to rubber-stamp our status as Champions.

In 2023/24, Goodwin has broken multiple personal records. No other side managed by him have attained as many points (72) or scored as many goals (69), and he prepares to get his hands on the first piece of silverware since hanging up his boots.

Furthermore, having conceded just 22 in 35 matches, the former St Mirren and Aberdeen boss has built the meanest defence in both recent second-tier memory and his career to date.

The last Manager to receive the recognition three times in one campaign also sat in the Tannadice hotseat - fellow Championshipwinner Robbie Neilson.

‘THE AWARD IS FOR EVERYBODY’

Upon his acceptance of the award, the 42-year-old commented: “It’s a great honour to be named the Glen’s Vodka Championship Manager of the Month for the third time this season. It’s a nice way to finish the season on a personal note, but it’s not an individual game - you can’t win anything on your own.”

“I reiterate my comments from earlier on in the campaign - that awards like these are for everybody at the football club as it would not be possible to succeed without their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

“I accept the trophy on behalf of my entire backroom team and the playing squad.”

the visitors

Whilst this evening brings the curtain down on our Championship winning campaign, Thistle hope to have a further six matches to navigate as they strive to join us in the Premiership next season.

With Airdrieonians, Raith Rovers and either Ross County or St Johnstone all potential play-off opponents over the next three weeks, it’s possible that several first-team regulars may be rested tonight as our guests aim to go one better than last a year ago. Last season, with a 3-0 aggregate lead and only 20 minutes left on the clock, a monumental Thistle collapse saw Ross County mount a stunning comeback, culminating in a stoppage-time equaliser to force penalties and subsequently, preserve their top-flight status.

However, coming into this final regular season fixture on a seven-match unbeaten run, Thistle will be hoping they’re peaking at just the right time for the play-offs this time around.

Our meetings this term have seen Partick very much run out second best. A Kevin Holt hat-trick inspired us to a 5-0 Firhill rout back in October before we saw out 2023 with a comprehensive 3-0 Tannadice win, courtesy of another hat trick, this time by Tony Watt. Last time out however, it took a Louis Moult equaliser to rescue United a point from Firhill back in March.

WINTER WINDOW RECRUITMENT

With a tight budget, Thistle didn’t invest heavily in the January window, relying on their extensive summer recruitment drive to tide them through.

Central defender

Daniel O’Reilly did arrive however, following the expiry of his short-term Raith Rovers deal. The 29-yearold from the Republic of Ireland formerly featured for Hamilton Academicals on his arrival from home shores where he featured for Finn Harps, Shelbourne and Drogheda. A powerful defender, he is a threat at set pieces

as his nine goals over the past two seasons testify.

Luke McBeth made the dream step up from Junior football following an extended trial with Thistle. The defensive midfielder hit the ground running and has been a regular in the side since his arrival. The 24-year-old had been with Glenafton earlier in the season but penned an 18-month contract on New Year’s Day.

Back-up goalkeeper Ross Stewart completed the winter business. The 29-year-old arrived in January and has featured twice, but, after conceding seven goals in the space of five days, hasn’t played since late February. The Motherwell youth graduate has also featured for Albion Rovers, St Mirren, Livingston, QoS and Hearts.

in charge

kris doolan

One of football’s nice guys, Kris Doolan is most definitely a bona-fide Partick Thistle legend. With over 400 appearances, the first Jag to score 100 goals, a Hall of Fame inductee in 2019 and a First Division title winner, few have made such an indelible mark on the club’s history. The 37-year-old former striker also holds the distinction of being the first player to score a ‘perfect’ Premiership hat-trick after its 2013 formation.

Appointed manager in March 2023 following Ian McCall’s departure, the former Scottish Junior internationalist has overseen sixty-three matches and boasts a 46% win rate. Having secured back-to-back play-off berths, the month of May will see whether Doolan can lead his charges back to the top flight for the first time since the 2017/18 campaign.

As well as Partick, Doolan also represented Clyde, Ayr United and Morton before bringing his career to a close at Gayfield with Arbroath. A scorer of five goals against United over the years, including three during season 2015/16, his managerial style mirrors that of his playing days with the emphasis very much on attack. Indeed, only title-winning United has scored more Championship goals than The Jags this season.

one to watch

Aiden Fitzpatrick

With eleven goals to his credit this term, the 23-year-old winger is enjoying the best season of his career. A youth product, he made his senior debut back in 2018 when his appearance from the bench turned Thistle’s League Cup tie with Albion Rovers as the Glaswegian struck the opener in a 2-0 success. Later that season, the former Scotland youth international scored a last-minute winner over us as he continued to impress during his breakthrough campaign.

Norwich City paid £350,000 that summer to take him to Carrow Road and although the move didn’t work out as hoped, he happily returned home to Firhill after three years with the Norfolk club.

This season saw the hard-working wide man chalk up his 150th career appearance and, although under contract until 2026, his form this season means that Thistle are likely to spend the summer warding off interest from several clubs.

With manager Kris Doolan being a massive fan of the youngster and being keen to see him on the ball as often as possible, it’s likely that the winger’s performances in the upcoming play-offs will prove pivotal as to which division Thistle play their football in next season.

- By Ryan Haldane

PLAYED FOR BOTH

chris erskine

At the start of this season, Manager Jim Goodwin made a double swoop on Firhill to acquire Ross Docherty and Kevin Holt, but that wasn’t the first time the Club raided the Thistle ranks.

In the close season after Jackie McNamara was appointed United boss in February 2013, Paul Paton, and a couple of weeks later, Chris Erskine also followed their former boss.

Chris began his playing days with local teams competing in East Kilbride youth football, playing mostly for Calderwood Bluestar. In 2005, he joined Scottish Junior side Kilbirnie Ladeside of North Ayrshire at the age of 18.

The striker’s footballing pathway was very different from most entering the senior grade these days, having been recruited by Partick Thistle from the ranks of the redoubtable Ayrshire Juniors at the age of 22.

‘Squidy’ didn’t initially make the expected impact. Indeed, he managed only nine appearances –four of those from the bench - and a solitary goal before he was spirited off on loan in January 2014 to his kindred spirit, Partick Thistle!

Going back to Firhill proved a great boost. Having previously had four great years there, making over 100 appearances, it rejuvenated him.

He badly needed a run of games if only to prove to himself that he could play at the top level, and that set him up well for season 2014-15.

Because he was back at Firhill, he had missed out on the Club’s run to the 2014 Scottish Cup final, but an impressive pre-season and a scoring start to the 2014-15 season saw him earn a regular place in the United starting lineup following his return.

However, under new manager Mixu Paatelainen he failed to make an impression and after a few months he agreed a pre-contract with former club Partick Thistle.

And after 68 appearances – of which 23 were as a substitute – in which he scored ten goals, it was back to Thistle.

A summary of his three spells with The Jags, he made debuted on Saturday, 11th July 2009, in a 1-1 friendly draw at Stirling Albion.

Chris scored his first two goals for Thistle on Saturday, 1st August 2009, in a 5-1 win at home to Berwick Rangers in a League Cup 1st Round tie. He scored the last of his 61 goals on 1st September 2018, in a 1-0 win at home to Greenock Morton in the SPFL Championship.

His last game for the club was on 30th March 2021, in a 2-2 draw at home to Forfar Athletic in the SPFL League One, having clocked up an impressive 306 appearances as a Jag.

Erskine joined his hometown club, East Kilbride of the Lowland League, in July 2020.[13] In March 2021, he returned to Thistle, now managed by Ian McCall, joining on loan from East Kilbride until the end of the season.

He only managed two substitute appearances, suffering a hamstring injury in a game against Forfar Athletic which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

After Thistle won the League One title, Erskine returned to East Kilbride whom he left in June 2022 after being unable to agree terms on a new contract, subsequently signing for West of Scotland League club St Cadoc’s.

re-kicking dundee

Dundee United Community Trust is partnering with Cif on a mission to reboot the beautiful game for thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and inspire on-pitch confidence through the restoration of used football boots!

Teaming up with England and Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer, Cif are aiming to provide ‘free kicks’ to budding young players in Dundee, helping them to feel pitch-ready.

After conducting research with UK-wide sports charity Sported, Cif found that 97% of their community sports groups believe that their young players feel more confident playing sports when they have the right kit. However, a staggering 98% of group leaders agreed that the cost of new football boots is a cost-ofliving challenge for their families.

Something needs to change. Using the power of our community, we will be collecting even the dirtiest of boots to be cleaned and redistributed across the UK using Cif, ready for young football players ahead of the 2024/25 footy season.

We’re also pleased to announce that one of our well-known supporters, Denis McGurk, will be involved in the project, assisting with

identifying recipients and deliveries. With already over 1,200 pairs of boots cleaned and re-distributed as part of his own ‘No Noots No More’ campaign, Denis is urging our supporters to look out their old boots to help out!

Lisa Croll, Head of Operations at Dundee United Community Trust, added, “We are delighted to once again be supporting our community in breaking down barriers for young people to take part in football.”

“Working with Cif gives us a fantastic opportunity to access more boots from across the country, and using our support network we can identify those in the local area who may need them most”.

DONATION POINTS

If you have a pair of boots you’d like to donate, you can do so at:

Tannadice Park Club Shop New Beechwood Park Showcase the Street

For further enquires, contact lisa.croll@dundeeunitedct.co.uk.

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•

SETTING SIGHTS

Dundee United are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cairney as the club’s Head of Recruitment.

Michael arrives at Tannadice boasting a wealth of experience in scouting and recruitment, most recently with Londonbased investment giants Sport Republic, who currently possess an 80% stake in Southampton amongst other elite-level European clubs.

After cutting his teeth in the world of talent ID with various positions across the EFL pyramid, Michael landed a scouting role with Eredivisie outfit FC Twente. During his time working with the Tukkers, they secured their return to the European stage for the first time in seven years with a fourth-place finish in the top flight.

Subsequently, he was named League Two side Doncaster Rovers’ Head of Scouting in the summer of 2022. The 30-year-old’s stint in Yorkshire saw him responsible for leading a team of ten nationwide scouts scouring the country for potential targets.

On a day-to-day basis, he will be tasked with utilising his keen eye for detail and intimate knowledge of both the British and European market to pinpoint future members of our first team, whilst ensuring the overarching recruitment process aligns with our football department strategy.

‘WORK IS ALREADY UNDERWAY’

Speaking on his appointment, Michael commented: “I am delighted to be joining a club of the size and stature of Dundee United. It was an opportunity that I could not turn down

after having discussions with both the Chief Executive and the Board of Directors. Helping the club fulfil its ambitions over the coming seasons is a challenge I will relish.”

“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the club - we have a bit of a blank canvas and an excellent opportunity to implement some new structures and processes. Work has been underway for several weeks on identifying some key targets and enhancing our recruitment strategy moving forward.”

‘A KEY FIGURE IN OUR PROCESS’

Chief Executive, Luigi Capuano, added: “At the outset of this season, both the Manager and I were clear in our process of recruitment, which was focused on acquiring players who were previously successful in attempts to get out of the cinch Championship.”

“Having secured our Premiership status, the strategy has now shifted to building a squad that can be competitive in the top flight next term, and we perceive Michael and the Head of Recruitment position overall to be a key figure in this process.

He continued: Looking at the long-term future of this area of the club, the construction of a Recruitment Department is of paramount importance, as this will play a pivotal role in the club’s efforts to develop players at Tannadice as part of our player trading model.

“Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, we are committed to ensuring our success both on and off the pitch persists.”

dundee united ayr united

3PM Saturday 20 April 2024 | Tannadice Park | cinch Championship | Attendance: 10,025 United were all but over the line with a dramatic victory over Ayr United!

Kai Fotheringham had our first sighting at goal inside six minutes as he picked up Tony Watt’s flick-on, unfortunately for our number 18 his snapshot was always rising. Another chance fell his way just after 20 minutes as he headed wide after Glenn Middleton beat his man and worked a cross.

In our best chance of the half, a clever interchange between Sibbald and Moult saw the former stride toward goal before his effort was diverted just wide of the left-hand post by Jack Sanders.

MORE PURPOSE AND INTENT

A couple of nice moves almost saw us hit the front in the early period of the second half. Clever footwork from Miller Thomson started the move as he kept the ball away from the pressing Jamie Murphy. A line-breaking pass found Watt who shifted it wide for Middleton to latch on to inside the box. His cutback looked to cause chaos but after Josh Clarke’s initial fumble, it was hooked behind by Sanders.

Another delightful interchange saw Moult flick the ball round he corner for Middleton who set Sibbald free. His threaded ball was chased down by Moult but the onrushing Clarke was there first to gather.

A MAN ADVANTAGE

Scott Brown’s side were reduced to 10 men as McAllister was sent off for an elbow on Middleton just before the hour mark!

A SUPER-SUB INDEED

Just two minutes after replacing Fotheringham, Chris Mochrie’s strike sealed the points for United. A brilliant ball from Wotherspoon was met by Watt who forced Clarke into a smart save but our number 26 was there to follow up from yards out!

Pandamonium ensued as the full-time whistle went, leaving United with a seemingly unassailable lead with six points to play for.

1 0

Mochrie 78’

PROUDLY SUPPORTING DUNDEE UNITED

Well, it’s been quite a season!

The main aim was always to ensure a swift return to the Premiership and, happily, that has been confirmed. But along the way quite a few records have been set, or equalled.

In the 100 years since the name change to United, the club has suffered relegation from the top division on six occasions – 1927, 1930, 1932, 1995, 2016 and 2023. The second and fourth of those saw an immediate return, a box ticked again by Jim Goodwin and his squad.

In terms of goalscoring, Jimmy Brownlie’s team of 1928/29 lead the way with 99, some way ahead of this season’s 69 (so far). Although it’s fair to say those were the days when the rate per match was much higher – as evidenced by the fact that 55 were conceded in 1928/29, compared to just 22 this season. Unless we concede four this evening, 2023/24 will mark a new defensive record in a Scottish League season for United; the current best is 26 from 36 games in 1988/89, when Jim McLean’s team finished fourth in the Premier Division. Although only 22 were conceded in our last Championship-winning season in 2019-20, that campaign was of course brought to a premature end due to covid with only 28 games played.

One record that can still be achieved is the fewest goals conceded in the second tier since 36 matches were introduced at that level in 1994/95. Currently the record is held by St Johnstone, with 23 in 1996/97. The best so fare in the Championship is 25, achieved by Hibernian in 2016/17.

Four records that have already been set this season are:

• The longest unbeaten start to a league campaign (14 matches, which would

for the record...

have been 15 had the first visit to Greenock Morton not been postponed)

• The fewest away goals conceded in a league season (an incredible 10 in 18 matches!)

• The fewest away defeats in a league season (2 out of 18)

• The only time in our history that fewer goals have been conceded on the road than at Tannadice in a league season (10 versus 12)

So now it’s time to look forward to season 2024/25 and our return to the Premiership where, it’s safe to say, records will be just a little more difficult to achieve!

The highest-scoring United team in a championship-winning season (99 in 1928-29) The United squad with the best defensive record in a league season – so far! (26 in 1988-89)

BOOK YOUR PLACE FOR 2024/25! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

airdrieonoians dundee united

7.45pm Friday 26 April 2024 | Excelsior Stadium | cinch Championship | Attendance: 3,192 United crowned cinch Championship Champions!

It was Rhys McCabe’s side who started stronger, forcing Jack Walton into a number of early stops - most of which were comfortable for the United number 1.

Our first effort came on 21 minutes when Craig Sibbald let fly from the edge of the area, It came after some intricate play inside the penalty box between Kai Fotheringham and Tony Watt, none of whom could get a shot away before Sibbald fired over.

Fotheringham had a chance of his own ten minutes later. It was positive play from Glenn Middleton initially to beat his man and work the cross, but our number 18 could only head over the bar from inside the area.

The chance of the half fell the hosts’ way, as Charlie Telfer struck the outside of the post on 43 minutes - leaving us with a deadlock at the break.

AIMING TO CREATE

The men in StreetBlack began to probe in the early second-half stages - three changes before the 65th minute saw Miller Thomson, Wotherspoon and Fotheringham all be replaced by Liam Grimshaw, Moult and Rory MacLeod.

More important stops from Walton kept the score level as the hosts mounted the pressure in search of gathering momentum ahead of their play-off hopes.

Moult’s effort against the side netting was the closest we came to scoring in the half, but a slightly jaded United performance was enough to get us over the line!

0 0

LOYALTY PERIOD closes today!

How you get here is your story - a pilgrimage to the place we call home. How it came to be? That tale transcends generations.

It’s here where we march together, to the beat of the same drum - when the turnstile clicks, we are as one.

Be there, as the Shed Go Marching on...

CLICK HERE to renew your Season Ticket online!

PRICING AT A GLANCE

We’re delighted to announce that prices have been frozen for the 2024/25 campaign - whilst also giving supporters three pricing periods and a number of ways to spread the cost!

Each season, our goal is to create a package that attracts supporters, offers affordable football and maintains our competitiveness on the park. We assess ourselves against other clubs to ensure our Season Ticket offering stands out favourably. After being met with widespread positivity over the last two seasons, we are also continuing our two free U12 Season Tickets with the purchase of an Adult Season Ticket in the George Fox Lower – saving a further £80!

Any supporters with outstanding rebate vouchers can collect them from the Ticket Office or email tickets@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk to receive your one-time use code. All rebate amounts must be used in the Loyalty Period and can only be used once.

CLICK HERE for our full pricing structure!

KEY DATES

Once again, we have three purchase periods that offer savings for both existing and new Season Ticket holders.

LOYALTY PERIOD: 26 MARCH - 30 APRIL

• This period exists only for current Season Ticket holders to renew at the cheapest possible price - covering two payday dates.

• This is the only chance for current Season

Ticket holders to secure their existing seat, which will be released at the beginning of the Early Bird Period.

• All seats will be reserved until the Seat Release Deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 30 April.

• Tickets bought in this period offer savings of up to £183 for adults compared to gate prices.

EARLY BIRD PERIOD: 6 MAY - 30 JUNE

• This is the first opportunity for new Season Ticket holders to purchase their seats for the 2024/25 season.

• This period offers renewals and new customers a discount that compares favourably to full-price Season Tickets.

• Tickets bought in this period offer savings of up to £143 for adults compared to gate prices.

FULL PRICE PERIOD: 3 JULY ONWARDS

• Full-price Season Tickets go on sale with no discount offered.

• Tickets bought in this period offer savings of up to £83 for adults compared to gate prices.

THE EARLY DAYS

With the centenary of the name change from Dundee Hibernian to Dundee United having taken place in October, throughout the first half of the season we looked back at matches between visiting clubs and the Hibs. During the second half, we’re highlighting the first-ever league meetings between United and our Championship rivals.

Within two years of the name change manager Jimmy Brownlie had transformed the club. Just two years after returning to the Scottish League, United won the Division Two championship and with it a place among the elite in Division One. Among the clubs that awaited them there was Partick Thistle, established in Division One since 1902. In the seasons following the return to a twodivision set-up after World War One Thistle had finished in the top third of the table, also winning the Scottish Cup in 1921.

Brownlie appreciated that most of the players who had achieved promotion for United were not of a standard to enable the club to sustain a place in Division One – and Partick Thistle had a role in his realism. The clubs had met in February 1925 in a Scottish Cup tie at Firhill. United were top of the Division Two table and on their way to promotion but they were handed a reality check by Thistle, who outplayed them and won 5-1.

A total of nine new players were brought in for the club’s first season at the top level and - perhaps not surprisingly - the team took some time to gel. Prior to the arrival of Thistle in December, United sat seventeenth out of twenty in the league table, having won just four of their first seventeen matches. Offering some encouragement, though, was the fact that one of those victories was against Celtic, who would end the season as league champions.

Ten months after that cup tie United and Thistle met again, for the first time in a league match. It took place at Tannadice on 5 December 1925 and these were the teams:

United – Bill Paterson; Jock Kay, Hugh McBride; Jimmy Walker, Dave Walker, Bobby Bauld; Jimmy Simpson, Micky Campbell, Willie Welsh, Andrew Finlay, Jock McDonald.

Thistle – Joe Ramsay; Jimmy Gibson, Alex Donald; Harry Chatton, Alex Lambie, Jimmy McMullan; Davie Ness, Jimmy Kinloch, John Miller, Bobby Grove, Willie Salisbury. Manager, George Easton.

The Jags were expected to provide United with strong opposition and the Sunday Post report said it was “a fast and often exciting game on a pitch which was like a skating rink.

“At the interval the League babes led in everything but goals. With a little bit of luck, they might have been about two up. An even more important factor in the game than luck during this period, however, was Ramsay, the Jags’ ‘keeper. Time and again he saved brilliantly from every one of the home forwards, and from the middle line as well.

“This does not mean that the Thistle were out of the game in the first half. They had, in fact, almost as much of it as the United, but when near Paterson their attacks faded away. Compared with Ramsay, Paterson had very little to do prior to the interval.”

Unfortunately, towards the end of the first half United’s inside-left Andrew Finlay landed awkwardly on the hard surface following a tackle and broke a bone in his arm. That ended his involvement and left his team-mates to play more than half the match with ten men.

Despite that, United showed great spirit and after weathering a concerted period of pressure from the Jags, when ‘keeper Bill Paterson was required to look sharp on several occasions, the Black and Whites worked their way back into the match.

And in the 72nd minute they gained their reward. Centre-forward Willie Welsh was bundled to the ground as he prepared to shoot and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Skipper Dave Walker confidently slammed home the kick and the ten men had the lead!

Thistle stormed back in search of an equaliser, but the United defence held firm, with Paterson again coming to the rescue. So, the match ended in a narrow but deserved win for United, with Paterson named as their man of the match. But reports spoke of the livewire performance of Jimmy Simpson, United’s right winger who had turned 17 only five weeks earlier. He was a star in the making and would earn a transfer to Rangers in 1927, where he became a half-back and won many honours, not least captaining Scotland on twelve occasions.

Thistle gained revenge in the return at Firhill in February (2-0) and they finished the season in fourteenth place, three ahead of United.

Dave Walker (left) scorer of Dundee United’s first ever goal against Partick Thistle.

United’s Andrew Finlay (right), who had to be taken off in the first half with a broken arm.

Captain of the Wembley Wizards

Jimmy McMullan leading out the Scotland team at Wembley in 1928.

The Partick Thistle team at Tannadice in 1925 contained two men – defender Jimmy Gibson and wing-half Jimmy McMullanwho would be involved in what remains arguably the most famous Scotland team of all time, becoming known as the Wembley Wizards following the legendary 5-1 thrashing of England in 1928.

Indeed, McMullan led Scotland out at Wembley and played a captain’s part in orchestrating the team from midfield, as he sprayed passes to the forwards and cut out attempts by the English to gain a foothold in the game. Though only 5’5” tall, he was a colossus.

He made over 300 appearances for Partick Thistle, but was unfortunate in missing their Scottish Cup triumph in 1921, as the result of an injury sustained playing against England the previous week.

McMullan was transferred to Manchester City for the then huge fee of £4700 in 1926. He played 242 times for the Sky Blues and in his last match captained them in the 1933 FA Cup final, at the age of 38. He later managed Aston Villa, Notts County and Sheffield Wednesday.

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TUNNEL BOXES THE LOUNGE

1958 - DUNDEE UTD 7-0 BERWICK | LEAGUE (DIVISION TWO)

United finished what was a rather mundane season in the Second Division (finishing 9/19) by equalling their biggest victory over a hapless Shielfield side. A trialist, former East Fife striker Jack Keddie scored twice in what was his only appearance for the Club with Dave Sturrock also bagging a brace, while Willi McDonald, Alan Ross and Stewart Fraser chipped in with singles.

1986

1967 - CELTIC 2-3 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE (DIVISION ONE)

Jackie Graham who scored the winner that completed an amazing double over an invincible Celtic.

This was supposed to be the evening Celtic clinched the league title in their allconquering campaign, which was capped by winning the European Cup, but Jerry Kerr’s men proved party poopers. Just before New Year, United became the first and only Scottish side to defeat Celtic in that historic season and produced an astonishing double by doing it again. Tommy Gemmell converted a penalty after 27 minutes, but Billy Hainey equalised ten minutes into the second half. Within five minutes Willie Wallace put the Hoops ahead again, midway through the second period Dennis Gillespie levelled and three minutes later Jackie Graham stunned the near 41,000 crowd by notching the winner.

- HIBERNIAN 1-2 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE (PREMIER DIVISION)

The bizarre events at Dens Park, where Hearts were chasing the title, produced the unusual sight of Hibs cheering a home defeat! After a slow start United gradually took control and deservedly took the lead after 25 minutes. Paul Sturrock threaded a superb through ball to Ian Redford whose shot was sliced into the net by Mark Fulton in an effort to clear. Hibs got back into the game thanks to a soft penalty given when Eddie May and Paul Hegarty tangled in the box. Steven Cowan did the needful from the spot. As the game looked to be heading for a draw, Stuart Beedie – in his last game for United before moving to Hibs - chested down a cross from Eamonn Bannon and volleyed in the winner.

1986 - HIBERNIAN 1-2 DUNDEE UTD | LEAGUE (PREMIER DIVISION)

Gary McSwegan, the matchwinner against his future club.

Hearts’ third visit of the season to Tannadice produced exactly the same result as the other two - a 1-0 victory for the lads in Tangerine! With nothing at stake, both sides contained a fair smattering of young players and free from the normal pressure pot of Premier points, the game flowed with both defences generally coming out on top. Hearts found one chink in the United rearguard when John Robertson found himself in front of goal only to be foiled by Sieb Dykstra’s point-blank save. However, it was Gary McSwegan who made more of a lesser opening, turning to fire home from 25 yards via the inside of the post.

3 MAY

fixtures and results season 2023/24 DATE OPPOSITION COMP RES ATT STARTING XI July 15 The Spartans (A) Viaplay Cup VC L 0-1 1,701 Walton Freeman Denham Holt McMann Grimshaw Docherty © Cudjoe 18 Partick Thistle (H) Viaplay Cup VC L 1-2 3,147 Walton Freeman Denham Holt McMann Docherty © Sibbald 1 Cudjoe 22 Peterhead (H) Viaplay Cup VC W 3-0 2,103 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt 2 McMann Docherty © Middleton Mochrie 25 Falkirk (A) Viaplay Cup VC W 1-0 3,186 Walton Freeman Graham Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Meekison August 4 Arbroath (A) cc W 4-0 5,558 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald 1 Docherty © Cudjoe 1 12 Dunfermline Athletic (H) cc D 1-1 8,892 Walton Freeman Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Grimshaw Middleton 26 Ayr United (A) cc W 0-3 3,103 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt 2 McMann Docherty © Glass Middleton September 2 Airdrieonians (H) cc W 2-0 8,008 Walton Freeman Gallagher Holt McMann Grimshaw Glass Middleton 9 Dunfermline Athletic (H) SPFL TT W 3-0 2,408 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Graham McMann Tillson Glass 1 Fotheringham 16 Greenock Morton (H) cc D 1-1 7,075 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Tillson Glass Cudjoe 23 Inverness CT (A) cc W 0-1 3,503 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Docherty © Sibbald Meekison 30 Queen's Park (H) cc W 4-1 7,256 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt MCMANN 1 Docherty © Sibbald Fotheringham October 07 Raith Rovers (A) cc D 1-1 6,808 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Docherty © Sibbald Middleton 14 Peterhead (A) SPFL TT W 2-0 1,352 Walton Freeman Graham Holt McMann Middleton 1 Tillson Docherty © 21 Partick Thistle (A) cc W 5-0 5,120 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt 3(1p) McMann 1 Middleton Sibbald 1 Docherty © 27 Arbroath (H) cc W 6-0 8,489 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Middleton Sibbald Docherty © 31 Airdrieonians (A) cc W 0-2 2,402 Walton Grimshaw Gallacher Holt McMann Middleton Sibbald Docherty © November 4 Inverness CT (H) cc D 1-1 7,602 Walton Freeman Gallagher Holt 1 McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham 11 Dunfermline Ath (A) cc W 1-2 7,237 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Tillson Sibbald Fotheringham 17 Falkirk (A) SPFL TT L 4-2 2,891 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Glass Sibbald Cudjoe 1 25 Queen of the South (A) SC 2-2 (4-3) 1,603 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Fotheringham December 09 Ayr United (H) cc W 1-0 7,000 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Fotheringham 16 Raith Rovers (H) cc L 0-1 10,334 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham 23 Queen's Park (A) cc D 0-0 2,536 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Tillson Cudjoe 30 Partick Thistle (H) cc W 3-0 8,110 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham January 02 Arbroath (A) cc W 0-3 5,276 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham 06 Greenock Morton (H) cc L 2-3 7,706 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham 13 Inverness CT (A) cc W 0-1 2,662 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Greive Tillson Fotheringham 27 Dunfermline Athletic (H) cc D 0-0 8,260 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Fotheringham February 03 Ayr United (A) cc W 1-2 2,943 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © 1 Greive 17 Raith Rovers (A) cc L 2-1 7,923 Walton Grimshaw Graham Holt McMann Fotheringham Sibbald Wotherspoon 24 Queen's Park (H) cc W 3-1 7,341 Walton Thomson Gallagher Holt McMann Cudjoe Tillson 1 Sibbald 27 Airdrieonians (H) cc L 0-2 7,867 Walton Thomson Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Meekison Greive March 02 Partick Thistle (A) cc D 1-1 4,488 Walton Thomson Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Greive 05 Greenock Morton (A) (rearanged) cc W 0-1 2,115 Walton Grimshaw Gallagehr Holt McMann Docherty © Sibbald Tillson 09 Arbroath (H) cc W 4-0 7,676 Walton Thomson Gallagher Holt McMann Sibbald Docherty © Fotheringham 16 Dunfermline Ath (A) cc L 3-1 6,368 Walton Thomson Gallagher Holt McMann Tillson Sibbald Docherty © 23 Inverness CT (H) cc D 1-1 7,567 Walton Grimshaw Gallagher Holt Thomson Docherty © Sibbald Fotheringham 30 Raith Rovers (H) cc W 2-0 10,336 Walton Thomson McClelland Graham McMann Docherty © Sibbald Fotheringham April 06 Queen's Park (A) cc W 0-5 3,109 Walton Thomson McClelland Graham 1 McMann Fotheringham 2 Docherty © Sibbald 13 Greenock Morton (A) cc W 1-4 2,423 Walton Grimshaw McClelland Graham McMann Fotheringham Docherty 1 © Sibbald 20 Ayr United (H) cc W 1-0 10,025 Walton Thomson McClelland Graham McMann Sibbald Tillson Fotheringham 26 Airdrieonians (A) cc D 0-0 3,912 Walton Thomson McClelland Graham McMann Sibbald Wotherspoon Fotheringham May 03 Partick Thistle (H) cc

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DUNDEE UNITED MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN partick

MANAGER: KRIS DOOLAN 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 35 Jack WALTON Kevin HOLT Sam MCCLELLAND Ross GRAHAM Alex GREIVE Liam GRIMSHAW Louis MOULT David WOTHERSPOON Jack NEWMAN Craig SIBBALD Glenn MIDDLETON Jordan TILLSON Archie MEEKISON Kai FOTHERINGHAM Sadat HAPPY ANAKU Declan GLASS Ross DOCHERTY Flynn DUFFY Chris MOCHRIE Rory MACLEOD Mathew CUDJOE Miller THOMSON Declan GALLAGHER Tony WATT Scott McMANN Craig MOORE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 17 19 20 21 23 25 26 29 31 34 36 37 99 Jamie SNEDDON Jack MCMILLAN Harry MILNE Wasiri WILLIAMS Aaron MUIRHEAD Lewis NEILSON Kerr MCINROY Suart BRANNIGAN Brian GRAHAM Steven LAWLESS Kieran NGWENYA Scott ROBINSON Luke MCBETH Daniel O’REILLY Adam FITZPATRICK Blair ALSTON Ross STEWART Ben STANWAY Zander MACKENZIE David MITCHELL Rico DIACK Che CAMPBELL Thomas HORN Tomi ADEELOYE

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