Dundee United vs Dunfermline Athletic | Matchday Programme 14

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VS DUNFERMLINE ATH. 3PM SATURDAY 27 JANUARY TANNADICE PARK

ISSUE 14

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shed talk edition 14

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DIRECTORY Dundee United Football Club, Tannadice Park, Dundee, DD3 7JW TELEPHONE NUMBER 01382833166 Option 1 - Ticketing Option 2 - Commercial Option 3 - Retail EMAIL communications@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk WEBSITE ADDRESSES Home - www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk DUTV - www.tv.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk Shop - www.shop.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk DUCT - www.dundeeunitedct.co.uk 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

FOOTBALL DEPARTMENT Manager 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 First Team Physiotherapist GREGOR PIRIE Strength and Conditioning Coach ALLAN GARTSHORE Club Doctors DR DAVID NICOLL DR STEPHEN GALBRAITH Kit Manager ANDREW BRYAN Assistant Kit Man FINLAY MCNICOLL Head of Player Pathway BRIAN GRANT Head Chef DUMINDA EKANYAKE

COMMERCIAL AND HOSPITALITY Head of Commercial and Sponsorship ELLIOT SHAW Commercial Sales Manager DECLAN PRIDDING Hospitality and Events Sales Manager LAUREN COCKBURN Catering & Bar Operations Manager JOHN RICHARDSON STADIUM OPERATIONS Safety Officer and Head of Facilities and Stadium Operations CHRIS GARLAND MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS Head of Media MARK MCCREERY Head of Marketing LUKE BAIN Content Producer YANNIS MARR Club Photographer RICHARD WISEMAN TICKETING AND RETAIL Ticket Office Manager MOIRA HUGHES Head of Retail STUART BOOTLAND CONTRIBUTORS SUB-EDITOR: PETER RUNDO MIKE WATSON RYAN HALDANE LEE SMITH

the gaffer Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to Tannadice!

As always, we’re expecting a difficult game this afternoon. Our last fixture against them at East End Park was a very close encounter. We were delighted to come out on top on the night, but it wasn’t easy. We had to work hard for the result.

Dunfermline are on a little bit of a difficult run themselves at the moment. I think they’ve only got three wins in their last 14 - I’m pretty sure James McPake will be wanting that to change pretty quickly and that’ll be their mindset coming into the game. We’ll have to be at our best on the day but we’re really looking forward to the game.

WE’VE ONLY LOST TWO GAMES IN THE 20 LEAGUE FIXTURES THAT WE’VE PLAYED UP TO NOW AND WE WANT TO TRY AND CONTINUE THAT GOOD RUN OF FORM THAT WE’RE ON. We’ve done great business in the window up to now already. We’ve added real quality when you look at David Wotherspoon and Alex Greive both coming in.

It was good to get both those deals done relatively early in the window as well.

We’ve enjoyed the recent break that we’ve had, with it being a couple of weeks now since our last fixture, albeit we would much rather have been involved in the Scottish Cup. From our perspective, it actually came at a pretty good time for us given the injuries that we had and how small the squad was looking up at Inverness.

I hope you all enjoy the game!

- JIM GOODWIN

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JIM GOODWIN

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today’s mascots

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Leo Robertson

Stephen Gray

Finlay Livingstone

Faith Cairncross

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Favourite Player: Mathew Cudjoe

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Favourite Player: Mathew Cudjoe

Finnlay Melville

Maisie O’Leary

Ryan Paterson

Ella Duffy

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Favourite Player: Glenn Middleton

Favourite Player: Mathew Cudjoe

Favourite Player: Louis Moult

Age: 8

Age: 9

Age: 9

Age: 11

Age: 7

Age: 7

Age: 10

Age: 7

Ewan Glenn Age: 9

Favourite Player: Tony Watt

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TANNADICE PARK SURVEY FINDINGS At the end of 2023, we offered supporters the opportunity to provide feedback on their matchday experience and the facilities at Tannadice Park as we look to enhance it for all.

With over 2,500 responses, the survey, available to all United fans, has provided the club with invaluable insight to allow us to plan the future sustainment and maintenance of Tannadice Park.

Below are some of the key takeaways from the information provided.

CURRENT STADIUM FACILITIES It was pleasing to see that almost 65% of supporters expressed satisfaction with the current state of facilities in our stadium.

However, with increased costs attributed to maintaining such standards, and a desire to improve those facilities for fans, 93% agreed that with more information, they would be willing to participate in any additional fundraising required to enhance and maintain the stadium. This is an important and reassuring result.

Areas like restrooms, seating within the stadium bowl and kiosks were all raised as potential areas of concern for supporters these results were in line with expectations and will allow the club to react and look at such enhancements alongside other required and ongoing operational maintenance work.

HISTORICAL ASPECTS AT TANNADICE PARK Over 72% of supporters feel it is necessary to maintain the historical aspects of Tannadice Park. This remains paramount in any future planning from the club’s perspective.

FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES We are pleased to note the encouraging view of those surveyed in potentially contributing financially to ensure the continuous improvement and upkeep of Tannadice Park.

We acknowledge the willingness of our supporters to ensure the longevity of our stadium.

The club continues to have dialogue with external supporter groups to enhance bricksand-mortar projects, however, with the support of these findings, we may yet explore alternative avenues of income for such improvements. The club is committed to providing further information should any direct fund-raising initiatives be activated.

We would like to thank our supporters for the time taken to complete the survey. We are fully committed to taking action from this study and your valuable input will play a pivotal role in shaping any future decision-making. The club will make use of these findings to initiate smaller focus groups across our various stakeholders including season ticket holders and fan groups - ensuring all views are heard as we continue to enhance the supporter environment. As we move forward, the club will remain transparent, with supporters kept informed on any future consultations or developments.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL RESULTS!

the visitors

With just two wins from nine matches since our November victory at East End Park, it’s been of some relief to those of a black and white persuasion that Dunfermline’s last two matches have fallen foul of the weather, especially given their ever-increasing injury list .

On the flip side of that however, our guests will arrive here having gone three weeks without any competitive action and it’ll need a huge effort to shake off any ring rust to prevent United from recording their fourth win in five matches.

Indeed with just three wins from their previous fourteen matches, The Pars have gone from promotion play-off contenders to now finding themselves a mere five points off the foot of the table, though they do have games in hand on the four reams beneath them.

Despite having the third best defensive record in the Championship thus far, the Fifers have only recorded two clean sheets all season, something that will need to be changed quickly if they are to rescue their season.

Our two encounters so far this season have proven to be tight affairs. It took a stunning 95th minute strike from Matthew Cudjoe to rescue a point here back in August, whilst Chris Mochrie’s winner in our 2-1 success last time we met came just five minutes from time.

january moves Dunfermline have been quiet during the winter window with Harry Sharp returning to Dundee after an unsuccessful loan which saw him play eight matches but fail to feature after being partly responsible for United’s winner at East End Park back in November.

On the flip side, the club have brought in Cardiff City centre half Malachi Fagan-Walcott. The 21 year old Englishman was picked up by Tottenham Hotspur as a 13 year old, going on to sign professional forms in 2018. After featuring just once for Spurs, in a last sixteen Champions League loss to RB Leipzig, the youth international was loaned to Dundee in January 2021. However, after just two matches, he suffered a tendon injury and was on his way back south. Signed by Cardiff on an

initial season long contract in September, he has again joined up with James McPake and Sam Fisher, both of whom he worked alongside at Dens.

However with Kane Ritchie-Hosler, Andrew Tod, Matty Todd, Aaron Comrie, Alex Jakubiak, Sam Fisher, Rhys Breen and Kyle Benedictus all either ruled out or struggling to make this afternoon’s encounter, it would come as no surprise if some late deals were done this week.

in charge james mcpake

Born in Bellshill in 1984, McPake joined the Livingston youth set up as a 16-year-old from Coatbridge Amateurs. After making his debut four years later, the central defender went on to make 119 appearances for the club before heading south in the summer of 2009 to join Coventry City.

After three and a half years he returned north and signed for Hibernian. The defender was sent off on his Hibs debut against Rangers and also on his final appearance for the club against Hearts the following year. Sandwiched in between those matches however, McPake earned a Scottish Cup runners up medal after reaching the 2012 final. Two years and 55 matches for Dundee followed before injury forced him into retirement.

During his playing career, he faced United twelve times, winning on three occasions, suffering seven defeats and scoring three times. After a spell overseeing the youth team at Dens, the once capped Northern Ireland international took over the top job at Dundee in 2019 and saw his side promoted at the second time of asking whilst, on a personal note, he lifted the Championship Manager of the Year Award. Sacked in early 2022 with Dundee floundering in the relegation zone, he was appointed Pars’ gaffer at the end of the season. The League One title was secured at the first attempt as the sleeping giants of Fife returned to the second tier.

one to watch ben summers

Still just 19-years-old, Ben Summers (pictured) looks to have a very bright future in the game.

After joining Celtic as a seven-year-old, he progressed through the youth set up and turned professional in 2020, aged sixteen.

The attacking midfielder made his Celtic B debut the following year and went on to appear 41 times in the Lowland League, scoring a respectable 12 times. Such was the form of the Hamilton born youngster that he made his Scotland U21 debut in March last year before pulling on a Celtic first team jersey for the first time the following month.

Having signed a contract extension until the summer of 2025, he was loaned to Dunfermline and made his Pars debut as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Tannadice in August.

Blessed with great footwork and an eye for goal, he has gone on to feature eleven times this term, scoring in his last two matches against Raith Rovers and Queens Park.

- Words by Ryan Haldane.

principal partner of dundee united

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Allan Preston

Although more associated with St Johnstone after leaving United, Allan had a brief spell with Hearts before almost an equally short stint with The Pars.

Although he only spent a few months with Hearts, he still managed to score four times in 24 appearances for the Jambos before joining Dunfermline at the start of the 1993-94 campaign, making an impressive start to his East End career, scoring five goals in only seven games. But it didn’t last, and he was on his way to St Johnstone before the end of the season, having played 31 times for the Pars.

Allan was a schoolboy international who joined United on an ‘S’ form from Hutchison Vale in the summer of 1985. A versatile left-sided player who could play in defence or midfield, he was quickly called up for United reserves, becoming part of the Scotland youth squad by season 1985-86.

It was former United teammate Paul Sturrock, then Saints boss, who took the full-back/winger to McDiarmid Park, where he enjoyed six years, winning the First Division title in 1997. He collected a League Cup runners-up medal in 1998 as an unused substitute. In total, he played 174 games for the Perth side scoring ten times. Had a loan spell with Queen of the South in 2000, before quitting the game due to a hip injury aged 31.

Aged 18 years old, ‘Biscuits’ was given his first team debut towards the end of the 1987-88 season, as manager Jim McLean rested a few regulars for the trip to Falkirk a week before the Scottish Cup final against Celtic. His next first team start was the European Cup Winners Cup tie against Maltese side Floriana in October 1988, and he had an extended run in the team over the next two months.

Another former teammate, Peter Davenport, appointed Allan as assistant manager at Macclesfield Town, but within a year he returned to Scotland for a coaching job with Livingston. In November 2004, he took over as Manager but was in the job for just five months before being sacked after a bad run of results. After leaving the game, Allan became a pundit on BBC Sportsound radio programme on which he can be heard most weekends.

Allan scored his only goal for United in a 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie during that time. After 11 starts during season 1989-90, Allan appeared less and less in the first team over the following three years, playing regularly in the second string. After being transfer-listed in April 1992, he left United having made 36 appearances to join Hearts six months later, along with £215,000 in exchange for Scott Crabbe.

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official partner of dundee united

the tangerine files david

wotherspoon Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

Pre match routine - foam rolling and stretching.

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

Football coach or Accountant.

Who is the dressing room joker?

Tony watt - never get a minutes peace...

Who is the best dressed in the United squad?

Ross Docherty - simple but I like it!

Best stadium you’ve played at?

Who is the worst dressed in the United squad?

Al Thumama Stadium - World Cup 2022 Group Stage.

Liam Grimshaw - has his own style but just not my cup of tea...

Best player you have played with?

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

Alphonso Davies - fast, powerful and a great left foot.

Louis Moult - we are similar ages and have kids at a similar age.

Best player you have played against?

What do you do in your spare time?

Marco Verratti - couldn’t get near him.

Spend as much time with my wife and kids - also like a game of golf if I can fit it in.

Who is the best player of all time?

Favourite TV show?

Zidane - loved watching him growing up.

Afterlife - just watched it again.

Best game you’ve ever watched?

Canada v Croatia - quality on the pitch was incredible.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Make good habits.

Favourite artist?

Coldplay - went to see them live twice.

david’s ultimate 5-a -side-team

10wotherspoon

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alex greive arrives

Hailing from Auckland, Greive honed his footballing talents as a youngster with various youth clubs based in and around the local area, then began his senior career aged just 15 with second-tier Birkenhead United.

A move to the United States followed, as he entered the American college football system via a scholarship with Northern Kentucky University. Greive excelled stateside, boasting a prolific strike rate in the NCAA First Division.

After finishing his studies, the tenacious frontman returned to his homeland to ply his trade with Waitakere United, and latterly Birkenhead United once again. In 2021, Greive netted 19 goals in as many games to claim the Northern League’s Golden Boot award and fire his side into the top flight.

His scintillating form saw Birkenhead United’s partner club, St Mirren, take notice and, then under the guise of Jim Goodwin, the Buddies snapped up the starlet in January 2022.

Coincidentally, Greive would make his St Mirren bow at Tannadice mere hours after putting pen to paper on his contract, and has since gone on to make over half a century of appearances in black and white.

Part of the side which achieved the Paisley outfit’s first top-six finish since the inception of the split, his participation in European top-flight football would also bring international recognition for the New Zealander.

No other player in St Mirren history has made more appearances on the international stage whilst at the club than Greive - with ten caps to his name for the All Whites.

This term, the 24-year-old has turned out no fewer than 18 times in the Premiership, notably rippling the net against both Hibernian and Aberdeen in August, as he arrives at Tannadice ready to make an instant impact.

Alex made his first United start and appearance as we were victorious in the Highlands just over a fortnight ago.

inverness ct dundee united

0 1

Watt 87’

7:45PM Friday 12 January 2024 | Caledonian Stadium | cinch Championship | Attendance: 2,662

Dundee United reclaimed their place at the summit of the cinch Championship table with yet another last-gasp winner at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

It was a forgetful opening 45, with neither side forcing any meaningful patterns of play.

It took until 24 minutes for the first goal attempt - falling in the hosts’ favour. A neat one-two between Billy McKay and David Carson opened up space for the Caley talisman to strike at goal. Thankfully from a United persuasion, it was bravely blocked by Kevin Holt and sent behind for a corner.

LEAVING MUCH TO THE IMAGINATION The chance of the half came courtesy of the hosts’ second corner. An inswinger from Cameron Harper was headed towards goal by Daniel Devine, but Jordan Tillson was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

There was little else to write home about as a goalless first half drew to a close.

It looked like there was more urgency in the Terrors as we took to the field for the second 45. It resulted in our first chance as Liam

Grimshaw floated in a cross for Tony Watt but he could only head over the bar in our first attempt of the 50 minutes played.

Jack Walton was forced into action as Max Anderson diverted David Carson’s cross towards the bottom corner, but a smart stop at full stretch kept the score level.

There was a change on 68 minutes as Alex Greive was replaced by Archie Meekison. Our number 17 brought Mark Ridgers into action when he caught a sweetly struck volley 15 minutes from time, but the experienced ‘keeper held on.

SMASH AND GRAB United stole the points with just minutes to go.

A ball down the left channel was flicked on

by Kai Fotheringham for Glenn Middleton to chase. Making no mistake, he fizzed the ball across the face of goal for Watt to turn it home at the far post!

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our new number 10

Born and raised in Perth, Wotherspoon opted to spend his youth career in the ranks of Hibernian despite a brief spell with Celtic.

After securing the Scottish Youth Cup and League double in 2008/09, his breakthrough into the senior ranks at Easter Road soon followed, initially nailing down a place at rightback. A mainstay in the Hibs side between 2010 and 2013, Wotherspoon racked up over 150 appearances in the capital.

Following the expiry of his Hibees contract, his services were subsequently secured by St Johnstone, with whom Wotherspoon’s name is now synonymous. Throughout a remarkable ten-year stint with his boyhood club, he played a major role in three domestic cup triumphs, recorded multiple top-six finishes against the odds and turned out for the Perth Saints in European competition on 15 occasions.

Furthermore, he sits fourth in the all-time St Johnstone appearance charts, behind Liam Craig, Murray Davidson and Steven Anderson, whilst ranking in the top ten for both goals and assists.

Wotherspoon, who can be deployed in a range of positions across the pitch, has opted to

represent the Canadian national team since 2018. Having aided their efforts to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he made a brief cameo at the tournament against eventual Semi-Finalists, Morocco - marking his 10th competitive cap for the North American nation.

The 33-year-old surpassed the milestone of 36,000 career minutes during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, with six goal contributions in 11 cinch Championship starts for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

‘A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL’ Adding a wealth of experience to his midfield options for the remainder of the season, United Manager Jim Goodwin commented: “David is a fantastic, seasoned professional who brings added quality at the top end of the pitch.

“If he can match the number of goals and assists he contributed during his time at Inverness, he will be invaluable for us.”

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. For the second half, we’re highlighting the first-ever league meetings between United and our Championship rivals.

Dunfermline had been the third last opponents of Dundee Hibs, winning a Division Two match at East End Park by the only goal in October 1923. The return fixture at Tannadice took place six months later, United meeting the Fifers for the first time ever on 19 April 1924.

Dundee Hibs had been re-elected to Division Two of the Scottish League in 1923, with new manager Jimmy Brownlie at the helm. That was regarded as quite a coup for the troubled club because, since before the First World War, the former Third Lanark and Scotland goalkeeper had been one of the most high-profile players in the country.

At 38 he had not yet called time on his playing career and was appointed-player manager at Tannadice. It was in that role that he became involved in the behind-closed-doors discussions which resulted in the name Dundee United being adopted.

Within two years Brownlie would transform the club, but as season 1923-24 dawned his primary aim was simply to ensure survival in Division Two. Among the clubs that awaited them, there was Dunfermline Athletic, who had been in the division since it was re-instated in 1921 but had not managed to mount a promotion challenge.

That was also the case in 1923-24, which was drawing to a close as the East End Park club faced United for the first time.

Jimmy Brownlie had quickly made his presence

felt and his team lay in ninth place (out of 20), more than anyone inside or outside the club could have expected when the season began.

Dunfermline were two places above, but on the same number of points, with each having two games to play.

The average home league crowd that season was more than 4000, but just a quarter of that number decided it was worth watching a match with nothing at stake. The stay-aways were wrong because it was a keenly contested game, which ebbed and flowed and produced three penalties.

It was United who dominated the first half, yet perversely the visitors ended it with a two-goal lead! Both were the result of penalty awards that were strongly disputed by the United players, but there was no dispute about the outcome, both being firmly dispatched by Hugh Strachan for the Fifers.

According to the Courier’s report, “United about completely overwhelmed their rivals, but poor shooting and clever goalkeeping by Paterson” kept the score at 2-0. It remained that way into the final ten minutes, which produced a dramatic finish – and very nearly a turnaround.

Eddie Gilfeather finally found the net to give Brownlie’s men hope and two minutes later centre-half Dave Richards sent a thunderous 20-yard drive past Paterson direct from a free kick.

Not that United’s players were willing to settle for a point; they continued to press and were rewarded with a spot-kick of their own. Up stepped goal hero Richards, only for Paterson to push his shot round the post.

So, a breathless finale ended with a point apiece and these were the teams that day: United – Frank Bridgeford; Jock Kay, Ed Stirling; James Porter, Dave Richards, John Swan; Tommy Simpson, Eddie Gilfeather, Jimmy Walker, Bobby Bauld, Sandy Gilmour.

Dunfermline – Bill Paterson; Jackie Baird, Chris McLeary; Frank Henderson, Peter Miller, Willie Miller; Trialist, Joe Sutton, Bobby Skinner, Jimmy Dickson, Hugh Strachan. Manager, Willie Knight

OPENING THE SCORING

Eddie Gilfeather (left), scorer of United’s first-ever goal against Dunfermline Hugh Strachan (right), scorer of Dunfermline’s first ever goal against United

bill paterson

Dunfermline’s goalie that day was a largerthan-life character who would later become a firm favourite with United fans. Bill Paterson was born in Dunfermline and signed for his hometown club at 18 in 1920. He made well over 100 appearances before leaving to try his luck in the USA with Boston but returned a year later.

Bill Paterson pictured when he signed for United in 1925 and with his former manager Jimmy Brownlie in the 1950s

Jimmy Brownlie was a good judge of a goalkeeper and brought Bill to Tannadice in May 1925 as United prepared for their first season in Division One.

An ever-present during that campaign, he was a commanding presence in the team and not just because he stood 6’ 3” tall. He was the joker that is often needed to break the tension of the dressing room or the monotony of a training session. He liked to communicate with United fans during matches and his butcher shop in the Hilltown became a magnet for many of them.

ON THIs DAY/ IN THIS MONTH

They were sorely disappointed when the club accepted a bid of £300 from Arsenal in January 1928 and Bill departed Tannadice. After a year at Highbury, Airdrieonians – then one of the top clubs paid £475 to bring him back to Scotland.

We have only once before played Dunfermline on 27 January, though it wasn’t exactly a day to remember – a goalless SPL draw at Tannadice in 2007 which can be found in he On This Day aticle on page 31.

In all, we have contested January league matches with Dunfermline on 16 occasions between 1929 and 2019, 10 of them at Tannadice. The only Ne-er Day meeting came in 1942, in the wartime North-Eastern League.

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united’s sweet 16

Getting off to a good start to a season will give any club the basis for success, and of course that is exactly what gaffer Jim Goodwin has done as DUFC look to make a quick-fire return to the top-flight.

Having searched the archives, we can confirm that the 16-match undefeated run to this season’s campaign ranks as the best by any Tannadice side.

So, we thought it would be interesting to look back on other seasons when we’ve got off on a sound footing.

SET THE TARGET EARLY Unsurprisingly, under the Dundee Hibs mantle, nothing stood out, but those were formative and turbulent times.

Not until the name change to Dundee United, and under the crucial influence of Jimmy Brownlie, did an opening salvo to

any season offer hopes of success.

Only appointed in 1923, Brownlie’s impact was both immediate and enduring as his drive, determination and inspiration saw the club through the most turbulent times in its history.

Within two years of taking over, he delivered the first promotion as United finished Second Division Champions.

And it followed, what was to be the best start by any Tannadice side – 10 games unbeaten (six wins and four draws) – easily the best before the Second World War. Another promotion campaign three years later started with just one defeat in the opening 13 league games, but United fell short of their promotion goal, finishing a frustrating sixth.

The following season, three defeats in the opening 17 outings brought just the reversals and was the foundation for the second-tier title again being annexed.

Thereafter, the only other season in which promotion was gained was in 1930-31, but this time thanks to a strong finish rather than an imposing start.

POST-WAR Too often in the late forties and early fifties - although promotion was always the aim - it never materialised as a genuine prospect – until of course, Jerry Kerr came on the scene.

Our best efforts under Willie McFadyen were in the early fifties twice finishing fourth, but the best start was in the season 1949-50 when winning the first six games and going unbeaten in the opening eight games, but failed to maintain that momentum, finishing 7th out of 19.

Under Reggie Smith, season 1955-56 began impressively – nine games undefeated, but it didn’t hansel anything better than eighth spot come the end of the season.

Even Jerry Kerr’s promotion side in 1959-60 didn’t hit the ground running, losing two of the first three games before five straight wins steadied the ship. That was the only season during the Kerr era that was spent outside the top division, therefore consolidation was the name of the game as the club established themselves in the top flight.

without defeat but six of these were in a League Cup section which commendably comprised Celtic, Clyde and Hearts, but even then, Kerr’s side didn’t qualify from the group stage.

Hardly surprisingly, the legendary Jim McLean can claim the best record in the top division, but strangely, it wasn’t the 1982-83 Champion season!

The undefeated opening run of 11 games in 1986/87, the previous best, was two better than the title-winning term, though it must be pointed out that in both those campaigns, the side lost only once in the first 17 league games.

So, Jim Goodwin now holds the honour of overseeing the best-ever start to a season with a run of 16, comprising 12 wins and four draws

In fact, the best start under Jerry was in a slat full campaign, the side going nine games

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• Commercial / Industrial Electrical Contractors Carmichael & Baxter Industrial Services Ltd Trading as Industrial Services 6 Eden Valley Business Park, Cupar, Fife KY15 4RB Telephone: 01334 838793

27 JANUARY 1912 - DUNDEE HIBS 5-1 DUNDEE WANDERERS | CONSOLATION CUP (2ND ROUND) Pat Reilly’s troops cruised past Wanderers and the winning margin could easily have been greater! But for Reilly in the visitors’ goals, Hibs would have been more than three in front at the interval. They didn’t quite maintain that attacking momentum, but still managed a couple more.

1926 - HEARTS 1-1 DUNDEE UTD | SCOTTISH CUP (1ST ROUND REPLAY) Having held the Jam Tarts to a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, Jimmy Brownlie’s side looked like pulling off a shock in the Tynecastle Wednesday afternoon replay. John White’s 25th-minute opener was only negated by Hearts Micky Cok eight minutes from time up. Extra-time failed to produce a winner, so they had to do it all again the following Monday, only this time Hearts were emphatic 6-0 winners!

1971 - DUNDEE UNITED 5-1 CLYDEBANK | SCOTTISH CUP (3RD ROUND REPLAY)

1968 - DUNDEE UTD 3-1 ST MIRREN | SCOTTISH CUP (1ST ROUND)

Having held United to a goalless draw on the previous Saturday, the Bankies again proved doughty fighters in the reply on a glue-pot of a pitch at rain-swept Tannadice. Alan Gordon headed the only goal of the first half, the Bankies hit back two minutes after the re-start when Alan Munro levelled.

Second Division Saints arrived at Tannadice with one foot virtually back in the top flight and having beaten United in their two previous Scottish Cup meetings – both in the sixties – the Buddies must have been eyeing a hat-trick. Although Andy Rolland gave United the lead on 17 minutes, Peter Kane equalised on the half-hour mark.

However, the Paisley side’s hopes we blown out of the water as Ian Mitchell struck two minutes into the second half with Ian Scott adding a third five minutes later.

However, United then took the game by the scruff of the neck and regained the lead within three minutes through Alex Reid.

A scoring explosion of three goals in 10 minutes - Davie Wilson added a third b before a Jim Henry quick-fire double made it five as United earned a lucrative home tie against holders Aberdeen in round four.corner. This settled the side and after several more chances were created, Paul Sturrock fired in a 25-yarder which left Money helpless.

1998 - DUNDEE UTD 1-2 CELTIC | LEAGUE (PREMIER DIVISION) Kjell Olofsson celebrates scoring, but it wasn’t enough, Not so much daylight robbery, more like nighttime theft as Celtic took three points from a game which looked to belong to the lads in Tangerine. In what was one of the best performances of the season, Kjell Olofsson put us in front when he neatly chipped the ball past Gould after Lars Zetterlund had played his fellow countryman through. Although we dominated the entire second half, Celtic somehow salvaged victory when all seemed lost. Simon Donnelly levelled after 78 minutes, and Craig Burley nicked the winner three minutes from time.

2007 - DUNDEE UTD 0-0 DUNFERMLINE | LEAGUE (SPL) A hard-working performance from United failed to yield more than a point after a goalless stalemate with Dunfermline. Although the Tangerines had by far the better of the chances, a combination of good defending and poor finishing meant the Pars’ second visit of the season was again goalless.

season 2023/24

fixtures and results DATE

OPPOSITION

COMP

RES

ATT

STARTING XI Walton

Freeman

Denham

Holt

McMann

Grimshaw

Docherty ©

Cudjoe

Walton

Freeman

Denham

Holt

McMann

Docherty ©

Sibbald 1

Cudjoe

July 15

The Spartans (A) Viaplay Cup

VC

L 0-1

1,701

18

Partick Thistle (H) Viaplay Cup

VC

L 1-2

3,147

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 ©

Meekiso

4

Arbroath (A)

cc

W 4-0

5,558

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald 1

Docherty ©

Cudjoe

12

Dunfermline Athletic (H)

cc

D 1-1

8,892

Walton

Freeman

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Grimshaw

Middlet

26

Ayr United (A)

cc

W 0-3

3,103

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt 2

McMann

Docherty ©

Glass

Middlet

August

September 2 9

Airdrieonians (H)

cc

W 2-0

8,008

Walton

Freeman

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Grimshaw

Glass

Middlet

Dunfermline Athletic (H)

SPFL TT

W 3-0

2,408

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Graham

McMann

Tillson

Glass 1

Fotherin

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

Meekiso

30

Queen’s Park (H)

cc

W 4-1

7,256

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

MCMANN 1

Docherty ©

Sibbald

Fotherin

October 07

Raith Rovers (A)

cc

D 1-1

6,808

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Docherty ©

Sibbald

Middlet

14

Peterhead (A)

SPFL TT

W 2-0

1,352

Walton

Freeman

Graham

Holt

McMann

Middleton 1

Tillson

Docher

21

Partick Thistle (A)

cc

W 5-0

5,120

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt 3(1p)

McMann 1

Middleton

Sibbald 1

Docher

27

Arbroath (H)

cc

W 6-0

8,489

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Middleton

Sibbald

Docher

31

Airdrieonians (A)

cc

W 0-2

2,402

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Middleton

Sibbald

Docher

November 4

Inverness CT (H)

cc

D 1-1

7,602

Walton

Freeman

Gallagher

Holt 1

McMann

Sibbald

Tillson

Fotherin

11

Dunfermline Ath (A)

cc

W 1-2

7,237

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Tillson

Sibbald

Fotheri

17

Falkirk (A)

SPFL TT

L 4-2

2,891

Walton

Grimshaw

Graham

Holt

McMann

Glass

Sibbald

Cudjoe

25

Queen of the South (A)

SC

2-2 (4-3)

1,603

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Docherty ©

Fotheri

09

Ayr United (H)

cc

W 1-0

7,000

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Docherty ©

Fotheri

16

Raith Rovers (H)

cc

L 0-1

10,334

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Tillson

Fotherin

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

Fotherin

02

Arbroath (A)

cc

W 0-3

5,276

Walton

Grimshaw

Gallagher

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Tillson

Fotherin

06

Greenock Morton (H)

cc

L 2-3

7,706

Walton

Grimshaw

Graham

Holt

McMann

Sibbald

Tillson

Fotheri

13

Inverness CT (A)

cc

W 0-1

2,662

Walton

Grimshaw

Graham

Holt

McMann

Greive

Tillson

Fotherin

27

Dunfermline Athletic (H)

cc

03

Ayr United (A)

cc

17

Raith Rovers (A)

cc

24

Queen’s Park (H)

cc

27

Airdrieonians (H)

cc

02

Partick Thistle (A)

cc

09

Arbroath (H)

cc

05

Greenock Morton (A) (rearanged)

cc

16

Dunfermline Ath (A)

cc

23

Inverness CT (H)

cc

30

Raith Rovers (H)

cc

06

Queen’s Park (A)

cc

13

Greenock Morton (A)

20

Ayr United (H)

cc

27

Airdrieonians (A)

cc

Partick Thistle (H)

cc

December

January

February

March

April cc

May 03

KEY: GOAL 1 BOOKED

SENT OFF

FIRST SUB SECOND SUB THIRD SUB FOURTH SUB FIFTH SUB

SUBSTITUTES

e

Meekison

Middleton

Watt

Newman

Graham

Chalmers

Sibbald

Glass

Duffy

Mochrie

MacLeod

Thomson

e

Fotheringham

Glass

Watt

Newman

Graham

Grimshaw

Moult

Chalmers

Middleton

Meekison

Mochrie

MacLeod

e

Meekison

Watt

Moult 1

Newman

Denham

Chalmers

Sibbald

Fotheringham

Glass

Freeman

MacLeod

Cudjoe

on

Fotheringham 1 Cudjoe

Watt

Newman

Denham

Niskanen

Grimshaw

Middleton

Glass

Duffy

MacLeod

Thomson

e1

Middleton 1

Watt

Moult 1

Newman

Denham

Graham

Meekison

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

MacLeod

Thomson

ton

Watt ©

Cudjoe 1

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Chalmers

Meekison

Fotheringham

Glass

Duffy

MacLeod

ton

Watt

Cudjoe

Moult 1

Newman

Denham

Graham

Meekison

Fotheringham

Duffy

Mochrie

MacLeod

Stirton

ton

Watt ©

Cudjoe 1

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Meekison

Fotheringham 1 Duffy

MacLeod

Mwangi

Constable

ngham

Watt ©

Middleton

Moult 1

Adams

Holt

Denham

Freeman

Duffy

Cudjoe

Mwangi

Constable

Stirton

e

Watt ©

Middleton

Moult 1

Newman

Denham

Graham

Sibbald

Meekison

Fotheringham

Freeman

Mochrie

Stirton

on

Glass

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Tillson

Fotheringham

Freeman

Mochrie 1

Watt

Stirton

ngham 1 Glass

Middleton

Watt 2

Newman

Denham

Graham

Meekison

Freeman

Mochrie

Moore

Bertie

Stirton

ton

Glass

Fotheringham

Watt

Newman

Denham

Graham

Moult 1

Tillson

Freeman

Mochrie

Moore

Stirton

rty ©

Mochrie

Watt 1

Moult

Adams

Denham

Grimshaw

Sibbald

Fotheringham

Glass

Duffy

Moore

Stirton

rty ©

Fotheringham

Watt

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Tillson

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie

Cudjoe

Moore

rty © 1

Fotheringham 1 Watt 1

Moult 2

Newman

Denham

Graham

Tillson

Glass

Freeman

Mochrie

Cudjoe 1

Moore

rty ©

Fotheringham 2 Glass

Watt

Newman

Denham

Graham

Moult

Tillson

Freeman

Mochrie

Cudjoe

Stirton

ngham

Watt ©

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Glass

Duffy

Mochrie

Cudjoe

Moore

Stirton

ingham 1 Watt ©

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie 1

Cudjoe

Stirton

e1

Middleton

Watt 1 ©

Adams

Denham

Moult

Tillson

Freeman

Duffy

Domeracki

Carnwath

Stirton

ingham 2Glass

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Tlilson

Freeman

Mochrie

Cudjoe

Carnwath

Stirton

ingham 1 Mochrie

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Tillson

Glass

Freeman

Cudjoe

Watt

Stirton

ngham

Mochrie

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Freeman

Duffy

Cudjoe

Watt

Stirton

e

Watt ©

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Fotheringham

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie

Stirton

ngham

Watt © 3

Middleton

Moult

Newman

Denham

Graham

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie

Cudjoe

Stirton

ngham

Watt ©

Mochrie

Middleton 1

Moult 2

Newman

Denham

Graham

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie

MacLeod

Cudjoe

ingham 1 Watt ©

Middleton

Moult 1

Newman

Denham

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

Mochrie

MacLeod

Cudjoe

Petrie

ngham

Middleton

Watt © 1

Newman

Denham

Meekison

Glass

Freeman

Duffy

MacLeod

Cudjoe

Petrie

Mochrie

book your place now!

DUNDEE UNITED

DUNFERMLINE ATH.

MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN 1 4 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 31 32 33 35

MANAGER: JAMES MCPAKE

Jack WALTON Kevin HOLT 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 Kieran FREEMAN Ross DOCHERTY Flynn DUFFY Chris MOCHRIE Rory MACLEOD Mathew CUDJOE Declan GALLAGHER Tony WATT Scott McMANN Craig MOORE

I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 26 27 29 30 31 44

Deniz MEHMET Aaron COMRIE Josh EDWARDS Kyle BENEDICTUS Chris HAMILTON Ewan OTOO Kane RITCHIE-HOSLER Joe CHALMERS Craig WIGHTON Matty TODD Lewis MCCANN Rhys BREEN Alex JAKUBIAK Sam FISHER Ben SUMMERS Owen MOFFAT Paul ALLAN Miller FENTON Harry SHARP Michael O’HALLORN TAYLOR SUTHERLAND Saam YOUNG Liam HOGGAN Ewan MCLEOD Jake SUTHERLAND Max LITTLE

Match Officials: Referee: Graham Grainger AR1: Steven Traynor AR2: Calum Haswell

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