Shed Talk 05 | Dundee United v Aberdeen by dundeeunitedfc

Shed Talk CONTENTS

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

Tonight we return to William Hill Premiership action here at Tannadice as we welcome Aberdeen on Matchday Five. It’s another big night under the lights and a chance for us to build on the positives we’ve shown so far this season.

It’s a game that we’re all really excited for and looking forward to. We know it’s going to be a difficult game. All fixtures last season between the two teams were very competitive and close encounters. We’re going into the game in high spirits. We were disappointed with the result at Easter Road, but analysing the overall performance, it was a really good performance on the day. We need to try and capitalise on that and garner some momentum.

We’ve spoken about that as a group. We can take a lot of belief from the performances against Hibs and Hearts. Given the significant investment both those teams have

had, we’ve been in front in both games and feel that we certainly didn’t deserve to lose the Hearts game and should have won the game against Hibs at Easter Road. Even going back to the games against Rapid Vienna, where we weren’t beaten in 90 minutes and took penalties, and now they’re five points clear in the Austrian Bundesliga.

We’ve played really well and probably don’t have the results to go with the performances, but I’m confident that if we maintain consistency in possession and out of possession, the results will follow.

Enjoy the game!

LAIYA GODFREY

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LUCA STEPHENSON

HARRISON LEWIS

AGE: 12

FAVOURITE PLAYER: ROSS GRAHAM

MARCUS BROCKIE

AGE: 11

FAVOURITE PLAYER: YEVHENII KUCHURENKO

REUBEN BELLI

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: WILL FERRY

GRACIE CLAIRE JACK

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LUCA STEPHENSON

LUCAS BUCHANAN

AGE: 9

FAVOURITE PLAYER: CRAIG SIBBALD

AMAR FATAH

We’re treating tonight like any other important match. The goal is simple - play our football, and take all three points.

As for Aberdeen coming to Tannadice on Tuesday, they should be worried. We’re in good form, and they’re facing a strong Dundee United side on our home ground.

I’ve missed the home atmosphere. We’ve had a few away games recently, so I’m really looking forward to being back at Tannadice, playing in front of our fans again.

Last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Hibs was a bit frustrating in terms of the result. We definitely deserved more from the game.

But in terms of performance, it gave us a lot of confidence. Personally, I feel like I’m improving with every match.

Against Hibs, I felt a lot more freedom—drifting wide, coming central, linking up with Zach. It really suited my game. Overall, the team played really well, and not getting the win felt a bit unjust. But we’re taking that hunger into the next one, and hopefully, we’ll come away with the result we want.

I’ve got a lot of confidence this season. Honestly, I think we’re a bit underrated as a team - and that works in our favour. We step onto the pitch and surprise people with just how good we really are.

The chemistry within the group is strong, and even the new guys who’ve come in have clicked quickly. It’s a great environment. There’s definitely more to come from this squad. I feel like we’re just getting started. We’ve built good relationships both on and off the pitch, and it shows in the way we play. The potential here is huge.

MND Scotland LEARN

Bringing together people affected by MND and researchers

Thanks to Dundee United FC, MND Scotland will be in the Hegarty Suite on Saturday 04 October to host the Lived Experience and Researcher Network (LEARN) event.You can find out more here https://mndscotland.org.uk/events /learn-dundee/

Wednesday 22 October ‘25 www.mndscotland.org.uk

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. People living with MND in Scotland

MND Scotland is the only charity in Scotland funding essential MND research and directly supporting people affected by MND. For more information about MND Scotland and the LEARN events you can scan the QR code or visit:

Off the pitch, I’m settling in really well. Dundee is a nice city—great atmosphere, good people, and the fans have been amazing. It feels like a great place to be right now.

Based on what I’ve seen and experienced so far, I am confident that I can make progress here. I get to express myself the way I want to, and this club gives me the platform to do that.

For me, Dundee United is the best team to be at in this league, and I’m genuinely happy to be here.

LOCAL SUPPLIER OF KEGS, BOTTLED BEERS/LAGERS, SPIRITS, WINES AND SOFT DRINKS SHORT NOTICE DELIVERY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Welcome to ABERDEEN

With no fewer than thirteen summer signings, assembled at considerable expense, Aberdeen’s Premiership form thus far has been a massive disappointment to those of a red-and-white persuasion.

Defeats to Hearts, Celtic and Falkirk were followed by a 0-0 stalemate at home to Livingston, leaving the Dons rock bottom and goalless after their opening four league fixtures. A Europa League defeat to

SUMMER OVERHAUL

ADIL AOUCHICHE A PSG academy graduate who became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in the Coupe de France in 2020. After spells at St Étienne and Lorient, he signed a five-year deal

FCSB meant demotion to the Conference League, and with a demanding European schedule now in the mix, our visitors need to start racking up domestic points sooner rather than later.

Despite ending Aberdeen’s eleven-year trophy drought by lifting the Scottish Cup in May, the 47-year-old Swede already finds himself under scrutiny this term.

After making his name in his homeland by leading minnows Jönköpings

Södra back to the Swedish top flight for the first time

in 46 years, the former IF Hagapojkarna central defender took charge of Elfsborg in 2018. There he finished runner-up in both the 2020 and 2023 Allsvenskan seasons, developing young, attacking squads that caught the eye abroad. His success led to Aberdeen securing him on a threeyear deal last summer.

with Sunderland in 2023 and spent last season on loan at Portsmouth.

STUART ARMSTRONG

Arrived at Tannadice as a 17-year-old, making 150 appearances and scoring

22 goals. Now 33, he joined Aberdeen on a two-year deal after leaving Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month.

KENAN BILALOVIC Signed on a five-year contract for

£500,000, the 20-yearold Swedish youth international winger previously played for IFK Värnamo.

MITCHEL FRAME Scotland

U19 left-back who arrived from Celtic for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal.

EMMANUEL GYAMFI A 21-year-old German left-back recruited from Schalke 04 on a four-year deal. Quick and attackminded.

ALFIE DORRINGTON Spurs central defender returning for a second season on loan, having featured 16 times last term.

JESPER KARLSSON Swedish international winger with five goals from 14 caps, reunited with Thelin after their time at Elfsborg. Cost Bologna €11m in 2023.

KJARTAN MAR

KJARTANSSON A versatile 19-year-old Icelandic youth international midfielder signed from Stjarnan on a four-year deal.

MARKO LAZETIC A Serbian forward who made his senior debut for Red Star Belgrade at 16. Signed by AC Milan for €4m before joining Aberdeen on a long-term contract.

NICOLAS MILANOVIC The 23-year-old Australian winger joined from Western Sydney, where he had been sold for a clubrecord fee. Recently made his senior international debut.

NICK SUMAN A 25-yearold Australian goalkeeper signed after leaving Cove Rangers in the summer.

KUSINI YENGI A striker who scored nine times in Portsmouth’s League One title-winning campaign of 2023/24. The 26-yearold, with six goals in ten international caps, opened his Aberdeen account in the League Cup win at Morton.

ONE TO WATCH

KEVIN NISBET

Aberdeen shelled out a six-figure fee to Millwall on deadline day for the 28-year-old striker, handing him a three-year deal. They will be hoping he can reproduce the form shown on loan last season, when he scored 14 times.

Released by Hibernian as a 15-yearold, Nisbet joined Partick Thistle and worked his way through loan spells at East Stirling, Ayr and Dumbarton before breaking into the first team. His career took off at Raith Rovers, where he scored 34 goals in 2018/19, before netting 23 times for Dunfermline the following season.

That earned him a move back to Hibs, where three years and 39 goals brought Scotland caps and a £2m move to Millwall. After just five goals in his first season in London, he returned north on loan and lifted his first career silverware at Hampden in May.

With seven goals against United already in his career – including a brace at Pittodrie last term – he will be relishing the chance to open his account for the season today.

Jamie BUCHAN

Given his family pedigree, Jamie Buchan seemed destined to become a professional footballer – he was the fourth member of his family to play senior football. His grandfather, Martin, turned out for both Aberdeen and Dundee United in the 1940s, while his father Martin and uncle George both played for Aberdeen and Manchester United. His dad went on to become a legend at Old Trafford, earning a testimonial against Aberdeen in recognition of a decade of service.

Although born in Manchester, Jamie’s career began at Pittodrie, following in the family tradition. After a short loan spell at Stonehaven, he was handed his debut by Roy Aitken on 2 March 1996 in a 3–0 victory over Kilmarnock. Coming on as an 18-year-old substitute, he continued the Buchan legacy.

In total, the Scottish Under-21 international started 47 first-team games for Aberdeen, scoring three goals, before being released in the summer of 2000.

Signed for United by Paul

Sturrock, he featured twice under “Luggy” before the manager’s shock resignation. Nevertheless, he went on to enjoy a strong first season under Alex Smith, making 41 appearances in the side’s memorable escape from relegation.

A defensive midfielder by trade, his only goal for the Club was a stunning strike against Motherwell – the decisive goal in a vital 1–0 victory at Tannadice during that survival battle.

The following season, however, opportunities were limited. He made just seven appearances, the last coming in a 6–1 defeat to Rangers, which brought his tally in tangerine to 48 matches.

Released in June 2002, he joined Partick Thistle for a season before red tape left him out of the game for a spell. He returned with Peterhead in 2004, before moving to Montrose in January 2008 and later joining Highland League side Cove Rangers in 2009. That proved to be the final stop in his senior career, which concluded with his retirement in 2012.

Business United members enjoyed a relaxed evening in the stylish Zephyr Sports Bar at the Fairmont St Andrews, taking part in another exclusive networking event designed to bring our business community closer to the heart of Dundee United.

The evening began with a Q&A session featuring Club Captain Ross Graham, Vice-Captain Will Ferry, and defender Bert Esselink, who spoke about their experiences within the squad and the importance of leadership and teamship on and off the pitch. A second session followed with Manager Jim Goodwin, who offered his insights into leading a group, building a winning culture, and driving standards across the club.

Away from the stage, members also had the chance to test their skills on Zephyr’s state-of-the-art golf simulator, adding

a fun and informal twist to the night’s networking opportunities.

Events like this are a key part of our Business United package, providing members with unrivalled access to the club, meaningful connections, and unique experiences in outstanding venues

Speaking after the event, Dundee United Manager, Jim Goodwin said: “It’s always a pleasure to be part of Business United events. They’re a great way of bringing the business community together to network, share ideas, and enjoy being part of the club. I think it’s really important that our members feel connected not just to Dundee United but to one another, and I hope nights like this show the value of that. From my perspective, it’s brilliant to see so many people involved with a club that, in my opinion, is very much on the up.”

Business United memberships for the 2025/26 season are still open. If you’re looking to expand your network, raise your profile, or align your business with Dundee United, there has never been a better time to become a member!

We would like to thank Fairmont St Andrews for hosting our members in the excellent surroundings of the Zephyr Sports Bar, providing the perfect setting for a relaxed and memorable Business United evening.

You can also contact our Commercial Team directly for more information:

E: commercial@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk

T: 01382833166

First-Team SQUAD

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. Find out more about errea.com

Where better to start than at the beginning – the cover below represents the first known issue for a clash with the Dons.

It was for a third-round Scottish Cup tie at Tannadice in 1952 and, like most issues of the era, consisted of just eight pages. Of those, only one and two-thirds pages were editorial, with the remaining content made up of the all-important half-time scoreboard and the team lists, set out in the classic two-three-five formation.

Described as “A Grand Draw”, the editor reflected on the numerous wartime encounters between the clubs, with only eight league meetings having taken place before the war. One particular clash was highlighted – a 5-1 cup success for United, when Bobby Ancell

lined up for the Dons and Albert Juliessen wore tangerine. Coincidentally, both men later became teammates at Dens Park and, more curiously still, both featured for Berwick Rangers against Dundee at the same time United and Aberdeen were meeting

across the road!

Back at Tannadice in 1952, the prospects were painted optimistically, with suggestions that home advantage under Willie McFadyen might offset the gulf between A Division Aberdeen and B Division United. And so it proved. In a whirlwind start, underdog United stormed ahead on seven minutes through Aberdeen-born George Cruickshank, only for Harry Yorston to level on the half-hour mark. When Archie Baird put the visitors ahead just after the hour, it seemed game over. But United, true to form, hit back through ace marksman Peter McKay. In a grandstand finish, Aberdeen had to defend desperately to hang on for a replay in front of a record Tannadice crowd of 26,407.

Remarkably, a third programme was produced before the end of the season. Less than two months later, the sides met again in a two-legged semi-final of the Dewar Shield – a competition between the winners of the Aberdeenshire and Forfarshire Cups.

This issue closely mirrored the Scottish Cup version, though only 10,000 turned out at Pittodrie for the first leg. Aberdeen cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win, with Yorston again at the heart of things – slotting home a penalty after being brought down, then doubling his tally with a thunderous strike. Jack Hather rounded off the scoring with a speculative effort.

No programme was

Just four days later, a second programme appeared for the immediate rematch.

“The Battle is Resumed” was the Dons’ programme editor’s headline. Like United’s issue, the Aberdeen edition also stretched to eight pages, though with just two devoted to adverts. Alongside the editorial were features including Quiz Quintette, league tables, Today’s Smile cartoons, team lines, and recent results.

Despite the afternoon kick-off – there were no floodlights back then – a

produced for the return leg at Tannadice two weeks later, and few gave United any hope of overturning the deficit. But with just 3,500 in attendance, United stunned the visitors. Peter McKay scored in the first minute, though Yorston equalised midway through the half to seemingly end any comeback. Yet two quickfire goals from Dunsmore and Jimmy Irving completely changed the game, before Grant pounced on slack defending to make it 4-1 on the night and level the tie. Aberdeen steadied themselves, however, and forced a third match.

With Tannadice chosen as the venue, United’s dream was ended in spectacular fashion – Aberdeen romped to a 7-3 victory.

crowd of 27,000 turned up to see a reversal of fortunes. Yorston struck in the first minute as Aberdeen took control, and Ian Rodger added a second before the break. Only the heroics of United keeper Bob Wyllie kept the score down, though Yorston did grab his second after the restart. With the game seemingly sewn up, United fought back with late drama. Andy Dunsmore lashed home a 25-yarder before George Grant converted a penalty after Frank Quinn was tripped. But it wasn’t quite enough, and the Dons held on.

Three programmes in one season for five encounters was a remarkable flurry, especially as it would be another eight years before a league clash between the sides was marked by a programme. Today, if you’re fortunate enough to own any of those three issues, they are together worth in the region of a couple of hundred pounds.

Dundee United are thrilled to welcome the news that Ivan Dolcek has been named the William Hill Premiership Player of the Month for August.

The Croatian has wasted no time in announcing his arrival to Scotland’s top flight, as he currently sits top of the scoring charts despite playing a game fewer than the majority of his peers.

With the Terrors still reeling from the concession of a penalty just moments earlier, Dolcek arrowed a jaw-dropping, 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to restore parity.

Dolcek opened his account in trademark fashion at The Falkirk Stadium on Matchday One, weaving his way through a duo of despairing challenges to enter the area and finish powerfully at the near post.

Seven days later, the 25-year-old bagged a spectacular brace when Heart of Midlothian pitched up in the city of Discovery.

Then, as the interval loomed large, our number 19 latched on to a sumptuous through ball from Panutche Camará and lashed low beyond Zander Clark before leaping into a jubilant Eddie Thompson Stand. His brace against the Jambos saw him receive critical acclaim with his inclusion in the SPFL Team of the Week as Star Man.

A man with a penchant for the spectacular, the winger arguably saved the best for last as United made the short trip up Tannadice Street to clash with their city rivals, Dundee.

With 77 minutes on the

clock and the atmosphere reaching boiling point, Dolcek stepped forward once more to ensure the bragging rights returned to their rightful tangerine place by thundering a vicious half-volley into the back of the dark blue net. A glorious two-goal cushion - job done.

The healthy travelling contingent burst into delirium, as their new continental hero charged towards them to share another unforgettable moment of celebration.

His fourth strike of August also brought another inclusion in the coveted SPFL Team of the Week.

NOTHING

SHORT OF SENSATIONAL

“Ivan has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival”, said United boss Jim Goodwin.

He continued: “We brought him to Tannadice as we believed he was capable of producing moments of magic, and he’s already demonstrated his capability to do so in fewer than two months.

“Not only has he given us a real creative spark which continuously excites the supporters, Ivan has also had a colossal

impact on the team’s wider performances with relentless pressing out of possession and terrific link-up play with his teammates.

“I couldn’t be any happier with his contributions so far, and I’m looking forward to watching him realise his full potential in the Scottish Premiership throughout the remainder of the season.”goals as possible.

IT’S A REWARD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK

Dolcek himself added:

“I’m absolutely delighted to accept this awardit’s a reward for all the hard work from myself and all my teammates throughout this month.

“Everything has gone perfectly since I arrivedthe tempo in the games, our attacking intent as a team and the great atmospheres our fans create make this an amazing place to play football.

“My goal against Hearts

was probably the best, but my favourite was the goal against Dundee because of what it meant to our supporters! I saw the emotion on their faces and that made me realise what this club means to them.”

He concluded: “I’m excited for the rest of the season, and I hope I can continue to score as many goals as possible.

23 SEPTEMBER

1916 – Broxburn 1-2 Dundee Hibs | Eastern League

A true game of two halves. After trailing to a T. Chalmers goal – netting the rebound after an O’Brien effort struck the bar –United looked second best and defeat seemed inevitable. But the game turned on its head after the break thanks to James McGuire. His first, a beauty from 20 yards, drew the sides level before he bundled home the winner from a scrimmage, completing a remarkable comeback.

1950 – St Johnstone 2-2 United | League (B Division)

Peter McKay was controversially denied the goal that should have sealed victory. Saints went ahead through Paddy Buckley after 23 minutes, but McKay equalised almost immediately. George Grant then put United ahead from the penalty spot on 35 minutes. Even with Ian Smart reduced to a passenger by

injury, United looked set for the points. McKay appeared to have added a third, only for the referee to inexplicably blow his whistle just before the striker scored. That decision proved costly, as Ian Brydon grabbed a last-minute equaliser for the Saints.

1959 – United 2-1 Dumbarton | League (Division Two)

Jim Irvine was the matchwinner, taking his tally to an impressive eight goals in nine games since signing from junior side Whitburn. Jerry Kerr’s men had to come from behind after Jimmy Anderson gave the Sons the lead on 61 minutes. Jimmy Reid quickly levelled before Irvine’s low drive slipped under goalkeeper Robertson for the winner. Interestingly, only four of United’s promotionclinching side later that season featured in this early campaign clash.

1975 – Keflavík 0-2

United

| UEFA Cup (1st Round, 1st Leg)

Dave Narey was the European hero in Iceland with a brilliant double. At IBK’s Keflavíkurvöllur Stadium, United earned their first away win in

Europe since the famous triumph over Barcelona nine years earlier. In a freezing wind, Narey struck after just four minutes, lashing home Andy Gray’s pass from 10 yards. Two minutes before halftime, he volleyed in a Frank Kopel throw-in that had been flicked on by Paul Hegarty, securing a comfortable first-leg victory.

1981 – United 5-0

Hamilton | League Cup (Quarter-Final, 2nd Leg)

With a 4-0 first-leg advantage, United’s place in the semi-final was never in doubt – but they still handed Accies another heavy defeat. Graeme Payne opened the scoring with a 25yard thunderbolt, before Davie Dodds powered home a header. Paul Sturrock added a third with a neat finish after a one-two with Payne, John Reilly got the goal his workrate deserved, and Billy Kirkwood capped the night with a spectacular 25-yarder. The 9-0 aggregate win was emphatic.

2003 – United 3-1

Morton | League Cup (2nd Round)

Jim McIntyre struck twice to see off the ‘Ton. Andy

McLaren opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a header from a corner, before McIntyre nodded in a superb cross to double the lead. Morton pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but McIntyre sealed the tie with a cheeky chipped penalty after Collin Samuel was brought down.

2017 – United 2-1 Morton | League (Championship)

United ended a run of three league defeats with a much-needed win. James Keatings smashed home a half-volley from the edge of the area on 65 minutes after good link-up play involving Paul McMullan. Morton levelled when Ricky Lamie headed across goal for Bob McHugh to tap in. But with seven minutes left, Scott McDonald rose highest to head in Mark Durnan’s cross, securing a deserved

MENS FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Ševelj Strain Taponovski SAPSFORD 1 Dolček Watters Sibbald Stirton

Sibbald Camarà Dolček Sapsford Traoanovski Watters Pappoe Stirton

Sibbald Camarà DOLČEK 1 Sapsford WATTERS 1 Stirton Thomson Fotheringham

Sibbald Camarà Ševelj SAPSFORD 1 WATTERS 1 Dolček Stirton Fotheringham

Sibbald Camarà Ševelj Sapsford Stirton Fotheringham Fatah

Naamo Eskesen

Naamo Sibbald Eskesen

MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN

YEVHENII KUCHERENKO (GK)

RYAN STRAIN

BERT ESSELINK

IURIE IOVU

VICKO ŠEVELJ

ROSS GRAHAM

KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

PANUTCHE CAMARÁ

ZAC SAPSFORD

WILL FERRY

CRAIG SIBBALD

AMAR FATAH IVAN DOLČEK

KERESZTES

DAVE RICHARDS (GK)

RICHARD ODADA

MILLER THOMSON

LEWIS O’DONNELL

RUAIRIDH ADAMS (GK)

OWEN STIRTON

CHARLIE DEWAR

MAX WATTERS

SAM CLEALL-HARDING

SCOTT CONSTABLE

CALVIN BEATTIE ISAAC

MANAGER: JIMMY THELIN

DIMITAR MITOV

NICKY DEVLIN

MITCHEL FRAME

GRAEME SHINNIE

MATS KNOESTER

SIVERT HELTNE NILSEN

ADIL AOUCHICHE

DANTE POLVARA

KUSINI YENGI

LEIGHTON CLARKSON

NICOLAS MILANOVIC

NICK SUMAN

KENAN BILALOVIC

KEVIN NISBET

STUART ARMSTRONG

JESPER KARLSSON

ANTE PALAVERSA

ESTER SOKLER

GAVIN MOLLOY

JACK MILNE

RYAN DUNCAN

KRISTERS TOBERS

ALFIE DORRINGTON

MARKO LAZETIC

ALEXANDER JENSEN

KJARTAN MAR KJARTANSSON

PETER AMBROSE

ALFIE BAVIDGE

DYLAN LOBBAN

RODRIGO VITOLS

EMMANUEL GYAMFI

TOPI KESKINEN