FOCUS ON ST MIRREN
A superb 2-2 draw at Ibrox, followed by last weekend’s victory over Aberdeen, means that St Mirren arrive at Tannadice this afternoon knowing that a win could take them to within two points of a European spot with just two matches remaining. Such a scenario barely seemed plausible just a few weeks ago when it took a late winner over Ross County in the final pre-split round of fixtures to see them scrape into the top six.
With just three defeats from their previous 14 matches, Saints have overcome a horrendous start to the
campaign, which saw only two wins from their first ten Premiership matches and early exits from both the League Cup (courtesy of a Ross Graham header) and the Europa Conference League.
Whilst all four of our meetings this season have been tight affairs, we have emerged victorious on each occasion and are yet to concede a goal to our Paisley guests. Conversely, Saints have done more than most to assist our push for Europe, having taken nine points off Aberdeen while remaining unbeaten against Hibernian thus far.
Having cut his managerial teeth with Oldham Athletic, the seven-times capped Northern Ireland international went on to spend four years in charge of Motherwell, guiding the Steelmen to two domestic cup finals and a third-place finish.
A less successful period followed at Morecambe, but his return north in 2022 saw him take the reins at St Mirren, replacing Jim Goodwin in the Paisley dugout.
Since arriving at the SMiSA Stadium, Robinson has overseen a remarkable
transformation. Initially tasked with keeping the club in the Premiership, he quickly achieved that short-term aim. From there, the progress has been impressive: Saints hadn’t recorded a tophalf finish in the Scottish top flight since 1985, but under his leadership, they have now secured three in a row.
Rewarded with a contract extension last autumn, Robinson is currently signed on until the summer of 2027 - and interest in his services is expected this summer.
THE GAFFER STEPHEN ROBINSON
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His form earned him a regular spot in Berti Vogts’ Scotland squads, winning eight caps between 2002 and 2004— becoming the only United goalkeeper to represent Scotland.
In total, he played 138 times for the Tangerines, keeping 34 clean sheets— ranking him ninth in the Club’s all-time appearances list for goalkeepers.
His eight-year stint at Tannadice ended in July 2004 when, out of contract, he joined Norwich City. The Canaries had just been promoted to the Premier League. Gallacher initially looked set to be second-choice behind Robert Green, but an injury just days before the season opener saw City sign Darren Ward, pushing him down to third choice.
Signed by Nigel Worthington, Gallacher made just 36 starts over three-and-ahalf years at Norwich, unable to displace first-choice keeper Robert Green. Loan spells at Gillingham and Sheffield Wednesday provided valuable game time.
After nearly two years, he finally made his competitive debut during the 2006–07 season under Peter Grant, but following the arrivals of David Marshall and Matthew Gilks, he never played for the Canaries again.
In August 2007, Gallacher joined Dunfermline on loan and signed permanently after leaving Norwich that December. After a strong spell, he moved to St Mirren in 2009, where his early form earned him a Scotland call-up. He made 77 appearances over two seasons.
Gallacher returned to Dunfermline in June 2011, winning SPL Player of the Month after saving two penalties. A shoulder injury ended his season, and he was released when the club entered administration in March 2013. He later joined Ross County on a shortterm deal, keeping a clean sheet in his
sole appearance — a Highland derby win over Inverness.
In May 2013, Gallacher signed a one-year deal with Partick Thistle, also joining as a goalkeeping coach. He made his debut on 28 September 2013 in a 1–1 draw at St Johnstone, and later saved a crucial penalty from Barry Robson in a win over Aberdeen.
After an ankle injury to Scott Fox, Gallacher became a regular starter and signed a new one-year deal in May 2014. His 2014–15 season debut came on 16 August, where he saved a penalty from Gary Harkins after Fox’s red card against Dundee.
The following season, Gallacher became third-choice behind Tomas Cerny and Ryan Scully. After three years at Partick Thistle and 40 appearances, he rejected a new contract and left the club in June 2016.
In June 2016, Gallacher joined Hearts as a playercoach. Though he never made a competitive appearance, he remains with the club as their goalkeeping coach.
Ralph Milne and Maurice Malpas come in, with Iain Phillip, Ian Britton and John Reilly making way.
And the team certainly answered the manager’s call to arms—taking the lead in fine style on ten minutes. An interchange between Dave Narey and Richard Gough allowed Holt to send a fine ball to Davie Dodds. His knockdown was brilliantly lifted over Billy Thomson by Billy Kirkwood. Minutes later, Clark almost made a dream start, but his header was well held by Thomson.
Davie Dodds netted number two for United—
side-footing a Kirkwood cutback past Thomson in the 17th minute.
Within a minute, United grabbed a third—and it was Dodds once more, his touch being deflected into the net.
Clark was causing all sorts of problems in the Saints defence, twice going close with headers. Indeed, United could easily have doubled their lead by half-time.
Instead, it was St Mirren who scored just before the break. After Hamish McAlpine failed to cut out a Lex Richardson corner, Frank McDougall volleyed
in off the post with the last kick of the half—a pivotal point in the game’s direction as it became a match that truly fit the ‘game of two halves’ cliché.
Almost unbelievably, United’s second-half fadeout almost cost a point, with Doug Somner scoring Saints’ second a couple of minutes from time. But United held out for a much-needed victory, keeping them within touching distance of Celtic (five points ahead) and Aberdeen (four points in front but having played a game more).
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A LOOK THROUGH THE ARCHIVES!
Amazingly, almost half a century has passed since the Club was honoured with an invitation to participate in the Japan Cup—a landmark moment in the rise of Jim McLean’s up-and-coming side. Taking place just seven months before United secured the League Cup (the Club’s firstever major honour), the Kirin Cup offered another important step on the journey to becoming a genuine force in Scottish and European football.
The second Kirin Cup (then known as the Japan Cup) was held from 27 May to 4 June 1979. The international tournament featured a varied lineup: Japan, Tottenham Hotspur (England), Dundee United (Scotland), Indonesia, Fiorentina (Italy), San Lorenzo (Argentina), Burma, and a Japan League XI.
The eight teams were split into two groups of four, with the top two in each group advancing to the semi-finals. Tottenham Hotspur and Dundee United finished top of Groups A and B respectively.
Semi-Finals – 2 June 1979
Dundee United 2–2 Fiorentina (United won 4–2 on penalties after extra time)
Tottenham Hotspur 3–3 San Lorenzo (Spurs won 5–3 on penalties after extra time)
Final – 4 June 1979
Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 Dundee United
Goals from former St Johnstone defender Gordon Smith and Osvaldo Ardiles sealed the Kirin Cup for Spurs in Tokyo, ending a strong campaign for United on the international stage.
The two teams pictured ahead of the final in Tokyo. Dundee United players, left to right:
Back row: Paul Sturrock, Billy Kirkwood, Frank Kopel, John Holt, Derek Stark, Andy Graham (speaking with Spurs counterpart Milija Aleksic), Iain Phillip, Derek Addison, and Wattie Smith.
Front row: George Fleming, Graeme Payne.
1919
ARBROATH 2-0 DUNDEE HIBS | FRIENDLY
In the season following the end of World War One, Dundee Hibs played only friendlies, mostly against army sides. This clash at Gayfield was the third meeting with Arbroath that season, with the Red Lichties maintaining their unbeaten run. Despite a spirited showing and both goalkeepers being kept busy, it was Hibs stopper Bob Crumley who had the busier afternoon, beaten by goals from Smith and Herron.
10 MAY
1969
UNITED 0-2 ASTON VILLA | FRIENDLY (AS DALLAS TORNADO)
This was the second of two NASL fixtures in just 24 hours, played 800 miles apart. After a 2-2 draw in Atlanta, United (playing as Dallas Tornado) fell to Villa in a physical rematch with no offside rule in effect. Brian Tyler scored
both goals with headers, while a depleted United squad struggled under the intense schedule, leading manager Jerry Kerr to admit: “My team will never play any worse.”
1974
UNITED 4-2 MORTON | LEAGUE (DIVISION ONE)
man Alex Reid, on loan at Morton, pulled one back late, but MacLeod’s third secured the win to end the season on a high.
2003
LIVINGSTON 1-2 UNITED | LEAGUE (SPL)
Charlie Miller struck a last-minute winner to seal a crucial three points. United had taken an early lead through Jim McIntyre, and although Livingston equalised through David Bingham with 12 minutes to go, Miller tapped home the dramatic decider to end a winless run stretching back to March.
2008
RANGERS 3-1 UNITED | LEAGUE (SPL)
A controversial afternoon at Ibrox. Trailing to a Nacho Novo double, United were denied a clear penalty and had a legitimate Danny Swanson goal chalked off for alleged offside. Mark de Vries gave the visitors hope with a strong header, but as they pushed for an equaliser, Jean-Claude Darcheville sealed it for the hosts in the dying seconds. A bitter blow in the race for Europe.
2016
UNITED 3-3 PARTICK THISTLE | LEAGUE (PREMIERSHIP)
A chaotic home finale in a season already marked by relegation. Down 2-0 at the break, United battled back with goals from Liam Lindsay (OG), Edward Ofere and a stunning late solo effort from Justin Johnson—his only goal for the Club. A spirited response and a point salvaged in injury time.
