Shed Talk 03 | Dundee United v Heart of Midlothian by dundeeunitedfc

Shed

CLUB HONOURS

Scottish Premier Division Champions 1983

Scottish Cup Winners 1994 and 2010

Scottish League Cup Winners 1979-80 and 1980-81

UEFA Cup Runners-up: 1986–87

JIM GOODWIN

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to Tannadice!

We’re obviously delighted with the outcome at the end of the evening in Vienna. We knew how difficult a tie it was going to be. Away from home domestically is hard enough, but away from home in Europe is even harder with all of the travelling involved and the logistics of it all.

When we went behind for the second time, it’s easy for that game to get away from you and become three or four, but testament to the boys – lots of leaders, big characters. Those types of things are nonnegotiables for me. We can accept mistakes, but we’ll never accept a player throwing in the towel.

Max Watters has come in late and is still building fitness, but he’s got goals in his last couple of games. Zac Sapsford has really caught the supporters’

eye with his work ethic and clever play – and he’s adding goals and assists too.

I loved the atmosphere all night – the Rapid Vienna fans were terrific, but our own supporters were outstanding. Even in the warm-up, the players came in with a real buzz and were desperate to put on a performance for those who have spent a fortune to follow us.

We don’t want to get carried away – it’s only half-time in the tie – and we’ve got a huge game today against Hearts. They’ll be fresher than us, but we won’t be using fatigue as an excuse. We want to build on our start and keep this unbeaten run going.

Enjoy the game!

AYDEN BAXTER

AGE: 8

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

LOGAN SMITH

AGE: 12

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

EMILY-MAE YOUNG

AGE: 9

FAVOURITE PLAYER: VICKO SEVELJ

BERT ESSELINK

Thursday night was a battle – a hard 90 minutes plus the added time. We worked really well together and kept the lines as close as we could. Against a side of that quality, in that kind of atmosphere, you have to be organised, disciplined and ready to fight for every ball, and I think we did that.

For me personally, it was a tough day. There was a lot of talking, a lot of blocking lines, and trying to stay as focused as possible for the full game, because that’s the main job you have to do as a defender. There were a lot of blocks, a lot of good moments during the game, and that’s something I want to keep building on.

A performance and result like that gives us a real boost – especially coming back in the second half to draw. We go into next week with a result to build from, but also with the knowledge that we can put teams under pressure in the best way possible. We showed that again on Thursday,

and there’s still room to improve.

I know Tannadice will be rocking for both Hearts today and Vienna next week. The fans will support us all the way, and I can’t wait to play both games.

These European nights are special. They’re the kind of games you watch on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights, and everyone wants to be part of them. Now we’re in it, we want to stay in it as long as we can. It’s a great experience and the atmosphere in every game is fantastic.

We just have to stay focused for the whole game, keep working, and make small improvements, like applying more pressure, marking crosses better, and improving our communication. If we do that, and keep the pride and confidence we’ve shown, then we can make Thursday night one to remember.

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Focus On HEARTS

Last season’s seventh-place finish was Hearts’ lowest since returning to the Premiership in 2020/21. Despite the disappointment, the Tynecastle faithful remained resolute in their support, with an average attendance of 18,536 – the club’s highest since the early 1960s.

It was a turbulent campaign in which both Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley lost their jobs, while an early exit from the UEFA Conference League followed quickly after Europa League elimination.

The summer, however, brought fresh optimism with the arrival of significant investment from Tony Bloom, owner

and chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion. Bloom’s track record in football investment is remarkable – most recently guiding Union Saint-Gilloise to an historic Belgian league title in 2024/25. The 55-yearold has already outlined a ten-year plan to return Hearts to the pinnacle of Scottish football, and the feel-good factor has carried into this season.

The Jambos arrive at Tannadice defending a perfect start – five wins from five.

Last season’s meetings produced three 1–0 away wins, with Ross Graham and Sam Dalby the matchwinners in our trips to Gorgie, either side of a January Hearts victory courtesy of the nowdeparted James Penrice.

THE MANAGER

Derek McInnes

After the uncertainty of last season, Hearts turned to one of the safest pairs of hands in Scottish management, appointing former United midfielder Derek McInnes. Born in Paisley, the 54-year-old has lifted silverware at each of his three previous Scottish clubs and will fancy his chances of ending Hearts’ 13-year wait for a major trophy.

McInnes’ playing career spanned over 500 appearances for Morton, Rangers, Stockport, Toulouse, West Bromwich Albion, United, Millwall,

and St Johnstone. Twice capped for Scotland, he began his managerial career at St Johnstone in 2007, leading them to the First Division title within 18 months.

A short spell at Bristol City was followed by eight years at Aberdeen, where he won the League Cup in 2013/14 and reached three further domestic finals. At Kilmarnock, he guided the club to the 2022/23 Championship title, reeling in Arbroath after taking over in January.

Things at Tynecastle have started strongly under his leadership, with 16 goals scored in the League Cup and a 2–0 Premiership opening-night win over Aberdeen.

SUMMER STRENGTHENING

Like many Premiership sides, Hearts have undergone a summer rebuild, bringing in eight new signings:

Christian Borchgrevink – Norwegian right wing-back signed from Vålerenga, capped at U21 level with 121 appearances for the Oslo club.

Stuart Findlay – Tall, dependable defender who scored in the Premiership opener. Worked with McInnes during a loan spell at Kilmarnock last season.

Sabah Kerjota – Albanian forward signed from Italian lower-league side US Sambenedettese, with a strong recent goal record.

Alexandros Kyziridis – Greek winger who scored 16 goals in Slovakia last season. Already has two goals and an assist in his first three games for Hearts.

Elton Kabangu – The Belgian wide man returns permanently after eight goals in 18 matches on loan from Union SaintGilloise last season.

Claudio Braga – Portuguese striker signed from Aalesunds in Norway. Brings high-energy performances and has already scored three this term.

Oisín McEntee – Versatile Irish midfielder/ defender, previously with Walsall, who had a loan spell at Morton in 2021/22.

Tómas Bent Magnússon – Icelandic midfielder signed from Valur, offering power and box-to-box running.

Thomas TRAYNOR

• Born: September 27th, 1943 (Bonnybridge)

• Died: January 1st, 1993 (Melbourne, Australia)

• Position: Left Winger

• Signed: April 24th, 1970

• First Manager: Jerry Kerr

• Career Totals: 176 appearances, 23 goals

• Also Played For: Falkirk, Greenock Morton, Heart of Midlothian

“Football Was My Life” — Tommy Traynor’s Story in His Own Words

“In my youth, I played for St Mungo’s, Denny Boys Club and Dunipace Juniors,” Tommy once recalled, reflecting on the early days of a career that would take him across Scotland and beyond. “I joined Hearts in August 1962 as a teenager and made my debut towards the end of that season.”

He spent almost eight years at Tynecastle, experiencing near glory with runners-up finishes in the League in 1965 and the Scottish Cup in 1968. “Jerry Kerr tried to sign me in ’69, but it didn’t happen then,” Tommy remembered. “I eventually arrived at Tannadice in April 1970 in a swap deal that took Wilson Wood to Hearts.”

His first United appearance

came in a friendly against Newcastle United, followed three days later by his competitive debut against Clyde. “For the next five seasons, I was in the side most weeks,” he said. His first goal came on the European stage — in a Fairs Cup tie against Sparta Prague.

After Jim McLean took charge, Tommy was briefly listed for transfer in December 1972, but he stayed — and his impact proved vital. “I’ll never forget scoring that equaliser at East End Park in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals,” he said of United’s run to their first ever final in 1974. He scored three goals in the competition that year, though Celtic denied him a winners’ medal at Hampden.

In October 1974, he made headlines with his only

professional hat-trick — against his former club Hearts — in a 5-0 victory. “I liked to help the younger lads coming through,” Tommy said, though the emergence of Paul Sturrock and Graeme Payne would eventually see him replaced in the starting XI.

In December 1975, Tommy went part-time, joining Morton in a swap deal for Alec Reid, with the Greenock club also receiving £10,000. A year later he moved to Falkirk, before retiring in 1978 to begin a coaching career at Cowdenbeath. Later, he emigrated to Australia.

Tragically, after returning to Tannadice for a visit in late 1992, Tommy suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after returning to Australia. He was just 49.

SPORT PLAYS GREEN.

We have always believed in taking great care of the planet we live on. That’s why we continue to invest in eco-friendly technologies and machinery that have a low environmental impact. We follow the rules of circular economy rules, eliminating waste and making use of recycled materials. Likewise, the clothing we make adheres to this philosophy, thanks to our Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certification that places extremely strict limits on harmful chemicals used in textile products. By 2030, we also aim to reduce our carbon footprint by 30% per unit sold and increase the use of sustainable materials by 20%. These are important steps, and there are many more to come. Because you can never love the environment too much.

UNITED 0 HEARTS 1

This is one of the hardest ever issues to obtain for what was a run-of-the-mill end-of-season fixture at which there was little at stake. Certainly, there was nothing noteworthy about the game, with a Stewart Fraser own goal after 75 minutes earning the Jambos both points.

Late in a goalless first half, Wattie Carlyle was brought down by Roy

Barry, sparking chaos. Neilly Mochan’s penalty hit Gordon Marshall’s foot, bounced onto the bar, and a frantic scramble followed as Mochan, Carlyle, and then John Cumming all lunged at the ball.He barely connected and sclaffed the ball freakishly into Marshall’s grateful arms!

Incidentally, the crowd noted on the programme was somewhat inflated, as only 3,795 were at the game – about a third of the normal that season.

So why, on the rare occasions this programme has come up for sale, has it attracted bids well into three figures? The reason is that a Tayside derby at Muirton Park that afternoon attracted 28,000, who watched Dundee win the league – and that programme is also much sought-after and of high value!

UNITED 5 HEARTS 6

The club’s programme had taken a step forward in 1967-68 and was now A5 in size, consisting of 12 pages. Normally, the front cover featured an action picture, but for this visit of Hearts it focused on skipper Doug Smith as he celebrated four years in which he had featured in every competitive game.

As it transpired, this Scottish Cup tie was spectacular numerically, as Hearts edged a thriller by the ridiculous odd of eleven goals to ten!

UNITED 4 HEARTS 2

Season 1968-69 saw the programme reduced to eight pages, but without any loss of content due to advertisements being greatly reduced in number.

was moving with the times. Unfortunately, after taking a two-goal interval lead courtesy of an Ian Mitchell header and a rocket shot from debutant Alex Stuart, Hearts hit back with an Ernie Winchester double and Dave Clunie, who bagged a late winner.

UNITED 5 HEARTS 0

Jerry Kerr’s side’s winning run continued to keep them top of the league and, though the programmes that season were printed in the opposition’s colours, the printers must have run out of maroon ink after Arbroath’s visit earlier in the season!

UNITED 2 HEARTS 3

Two years later, the switch to tangerine – inspired by United’s stints as Dallas Tornadoes – was reflected in the programme as the colour was incorporated for the first time.

More pages and greater pictorial coverage marked the way in which the club

By the mid-seventies, the programme was a much weightier production, with coverage of the reserves being one of the main additions.

This visit of Hearts in October 1974 proved to be our biggest ever win over the Gorgie men. Doug Houston scored after a minute, with Tommy Traynor adding a second just before half-time. ‘Spike’ scored again seven minutes after the restart and completed his hattrick three minutes from time. The other scorer was Andy Gray.

UNITED 3 HEARTS 1

Despite its funereal look, this cover endured through the late seventies. It was designed by Davie Small, one of the club’s scouts who, along with Doug Cowie, was instrumental in bringing many talented young players to Tannadice.

If the cover had changed, the content had not – but new programme-style articles, of the type we are familiar with today, were introduced after this early-season issue.

On the pitch, United were rubbing shoulders with the elite, only trailing leaders Celtic by a point after a 3-1 win over newly promoted Hearts. Indeed, all United’s goals came in the first half – Billy Kirkwood (12), Frank Kopel (40), and Billy Kirkwood again (44).

Early in the second half, a youngster pulled one back for the Jambos, netting after a fine solo run. His name was Eamonn Bannon… whatever happened to him!

JOUSTING WITH GIANTS

Dundee United fought back twice from a goal behind to stun Austrian giants SK Rapid Wien at the Allianz Stadion, with goals from Max Watters and Zac Sapsford securing a 2-2 draw ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round return leg in the city of Discovery.

Watch our Story of the Match feature below to re-live an unforgettable European evening in Vienna!

10 AUGUST

1929 – United 3-3 Clyde | League (Division One)

Jacky Kay’s goal rescued a point.

“Must Do Better” was the Courier headline on the Monday after Jimmy Brownlie’s side shared six goals with Clyde on the opening day of the club’s

third season in the top flight. Some 14,000 saw the unfurling of the Second Division flag after finishing the previous season as champions. However, the

1935 – United 2-2 St Bernard’s | League (Division Two)

attacking combination of St Bernard’s. From the outset, doubts were cast over United’s defensive capabilities, and it was no surprise when Donald Murray ran through the home defence to open the Edinburgh side’s account.

An unfortunate incident six minutes later saw Dave Corbett forced to withdraw due to a serious facial injury, causing him to lose consciousness at one point. United played the remainder of the first half a man short, and the Saints were unlucky not to increase their lead as they continued to heap pressure on United, but sound defending kept them in the game. Good fortune handed United an equaliser seven minutes before the break thanks to Jacky Brown, who applied the finishing touch to an assist from the returning Duncan Hutchison, capping off a general-like display from the former Hull City man.

Still a man down after the restart, United conceded a second after 51 minutes through John Russell. Despite clearly groggy, Corbett courageously returned, and United responded with Dave Skelligan converting a penalty to equalise. It might have been two points had Arthur Milne not been about to pull the trigger when the referee blew the final whistle.

1946 – United 3-0

Dunfermline | League (B Division)

Martin Buchan, who scored our opener, was signed from Aberdeen. He was the father of the Martin Buchan who played for Aberdeen and Manchester United, who in turn was the father of Jamie Buchan, a United player at the start of the millennium.

For the second season running, our opening fixture was against Dunfermline, and Willie McFadyen’s men gained ample revenge for the 7-0 drubbing at East End Park a year earlier. Whereas, due to post-war conditions, there had been no promotion or relegation the previous season, this marked a return to the serious stuff – and United ran out comfortable winners. Martin Buchan opened the scoring after 19 minutes, and two second-half Peter McKay penalties completed a well-deserved win.

1957 – United 1-4 Clyde | League Cup (Sectional Tie)

Wilson Humphries scored in the first minute.

Valiant United couldn’t hold classy Clyde despite Wilson Humphries giving them the lead inside 45 seconds. Keogh levelled, and that’s how it stood at the interval, but two goals early in the second half saw him complete his hat-trick, with George Herd adding a fourth. It must be pointed out that the Bully Wee were a First Division outfit and went on to win the Scottish Cup that season, with former United favourite Johnny Coyle scoring the only goal of the final against Hibs. All credit to United for holding them for 45 minutes

1963 – United 1-1 Aberdeen | League Cup (Sectional Tie)

Scorer Ian Mitchell followed the ball into the net, leaving keeper John Ogston and defender Ally Shewan wondering how that happened.

A League Cup sectional tie with the Dons heralded the new season and finished with honours even. Bobby Cummings chipped United keeper Sandy Davie for the opener after 15 minutes, and United’s undistinguished first half saw them still trailing at the break. With Jerry Kerr’s half-time rollicking in their ears, United almost immediately levelled when Mitchell prodded in a Wattie Carlyle cross. Finishing in a stalemate did neither club’s cup hopes any good, and it was Hibs who went on to win the group.

1968 – Dunfermline 3-2 United | League Cup (Sectional Tie)

Dennis Gillespie’s opener proved to be the last goal of a fantastic career in which he scored 115 goals.

Utilising what was then an unusual 4-3-3 formation, Kerr’s team made a great start with Gillespie letting fly from 25 yards to put United ahead after 25 minutes. A winning start to the season at a difficult venue looked even more likely when Kenny Cameron netted his first competitive goal for the club four minutes into the second period. However, this only spurred the Fifers into retaliation, and they stormed back through Ian Lister within 30 seconds, before a Pat Gardner double drowned Tannadice hopes.

Ironically, that was the first of three straight defeats, but three wins in the remaining ties saw United only fail to qualify on goal average.

1974 – United 3-1 Ayr

United | League Cup (Sectional Tie)

Andy Gray’s double was the foundation of an opening-day success.

Torrential rain heralded the new season, but United’s bright start soon made the fans forget about the depressing elements. Andy Gray prodded home the first after six minutes, then added a second with a header after 17 minutes. Things looked less gloomy for Ayr when Doug Mitchell

pulled one back with a volley six minutes later. Tommy Traynor was on the spot to tuck home a third on 29 minutes following a mistake by Ally McLean in the visitors’ goal. That ended the scoring in a match totally dominated by United in front of 3,254 drenched fans.

1993 – Hamilton 0-1

United | League Cup (2nd Round)

Paddy Connolly finally killed off the Accies.

Douglas Park, the scene of an ignominious League Cup exit four years previously, provided another tense tie as Accies gave little away and made United fight to the bitter end before finally edging through thanks to an extra-time strike. Additional time might have been unnecessary had Christian Dailly not failed from the spot after

53 minutes. The decisive moment came 12 minutes into extra time when a Dailly shot rebounded off Accies keeper Allan Ferguson, and Paddy Connolly stabbed the loose ball into the roof of the net.

1996 – United 1-1 Motherwell | League (Premier Division)

Gary McSwegan scored on his Premier Division debut for the club.

A great start to United’s new campaign on their return to the Premier Division wasn’t capitalised upon. With the Motherwell defence caught napping, Gary McSwegan sent a diving header past Scott Howie from Ray McKinnon’s free-kick after five minutes. More chances fell United’s way, but they failed to take them, and the visitors finally came to life –Mitchell van der Gaag hooking home a McMillan cross from ten yards to level. Something which had looked beyond the visitors, so in the end United had to make do with a point on their return to the top flight.

2014 – Aberdeen

0-3 United | League (Premiership)

Ryan Dow’s opener set the

ball rolling towards a New Firm success.

United stormed to the top of the league on the opening weekend of the 2014/15 season with a stunning 3-0 away win at Pittodrie. Having failed to record a single victory against the Dons the previous season, it was always going to be a tough opening fixture for the Tangerines. Jackie’s first team selection of the season had a familiar look from middle to front, with the manager sticking by players used extensively last season. However, at the back there were three debutants – Jarek Fojut, Callum Morris, and Conor Townsend. Former United man David Goodwillie started up front for the Dons.

United broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when an error by Dons defender Ash Taylor allowed Ryan Dow to nip in and slot the ball past Langfield. The lead was

doubled just before the break when great play by Nadir Çiftçi culminated in an exquisite pass to release Gary MackaySteven, who showed great composure to roll the ball under Langfield and into the net. The icing on the cake came in the 90th minute when substitute Mario Bilate pulled the Dons defence out of position before laying the ball off to Chris Erskine, who expertly finished from ten yards.

2024 – Ross County 1-1 United | League (Premiership)

David Babunski was on target at Dingwall – the first of three goals he scored in the Premiership.

A crazy start and finish to a game in which honours were shared. Miller Thomson squandered a sitter in the first minute, with Ronan Hale rescuing the Staggies with a lastminute leveller. In between, David Babunski broke the deadlock moments into the second half, after Jack Walton saved Eamonn Brophy’s first-half penalty for the hosts.

MENS FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Ševelj Strain Taponovski SAPSFORD 1 Dolček Watters Sibbald Stirton Ferry © Sibbald Camarà Dolček Sapsford Traoanovski Watters Pappoe Stirton Pappoe Sibbald Camarà DOLČEK 1 Sapsford WATTERS 1 Stirton Thomson Fotheringham Pappoe Sibbald Camarà Ševelj

Pappoe

MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN

YEVHENII KUCHERENKO (GK)

RYAN STRAIN

BERT ESSELINK

IURIE IOVU

VICKO ŠEVELJ

ROSS GRAHAM

KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

PANUTCHE CAMARÁ

ZAC SAPSFORD

DAVE RICHARDS (GK)

RICHARD ODADA MILLER THOMSON

LEWIS O’DONNELL

RUAIRIDH ADAMS (GK)

OWEN STIRTON

CHARLIE DEWAR

MAX WATTERS

SAM CLEALL-HARDING

SCOTT

MANAGER: DEREK MCINNES

KINGSLEY

HALKETT

MCCART BENI BANINGIME ELTON KABANGU CALEM NIEUWENHOF

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND

CLÁUDIO BRAGA

CHRISTIAN BORCHGREVINK

CAMERON DEVLIN

MICHAEL STEINWENDER

BLAIR SPITTAL

ALAN FORREST

MILNE

STUART FINDLAY

WILSON

MAGNUSSON SANDER KARTUM

CLARK SABAH KERJOTA RYAN FULTON

OISIN MCENTEE

ADAM FORRESTER

MUSA DRAMMEH

FINLAY POLLOCK

KENNETH VARGAS

ALEXANDROS KYZIRIDIS