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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
SEASON 2023/24
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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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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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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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