Shed Talk 10 | Dundee United vs St Mirren by dundeeunitedfc

DUNDEE UNITED vs St Mirren Saturday 30 November 2024 William Hill Premiership

AT TANNADICE PARK CalForth Construction Arena

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

THE GAFFER

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to Tannadice!

It was a positive performance at Ibrox last weekend buts far as we’re concerned, it’s just another point on the board. We felt that the game plan was good on the day - we played really well in the first half. In the second half, we rode our luck at times, there’s no doubt about that. We had to defend really well, putting our bodies on the line and Jack Walton made two or three really good saves to make sure that we came away from the game with something.

We aren’t getting carried away after it. We just

recognise the effort, commitment and hard work that went into ensuring that we get the result. We’d have been huge underdogs before the game so to come away with a really important point was very pleasing.

My message to the players has been for as good a run as we’ve been on, it can all change very quickly if you drop standards and if you take your eye off the ball.

I have to give credit to Stephen Robinson and to his players. They’ve really turned things around with three wins in their last four matches. Our record so far this season against St

Mirren has been good. We had a victory in the cup at Tannadice and then beat them in Paisley in the last league match so we’re hoping to continue that form.

I’m delighted with the group as a whole, and delighted with the staff. I think we’ve made great progress in a short period of time. But it’s just important that we make sure we maintain those high standards, don’t get carried away, and don’t start thinking too far ahead of ourselves either.

I hope you all enjoy the game!

- Jim Goodwin

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HISTORY

Owen Stirton’s first-ever goal for Dundee United is a moment that will live long in the memory.

Handed his Premiership debut in the 89th minute against Ross County, the 17-yearold Forfar-born forward wasted no time making an impact, heading home from close range with effectively his first touch. The goal added the finishing touch to a 3-0 win and earned Stirton a celebratory hug from manager Jim Goodwin.

Goodwin was full of praise for the Academy graduate, calling the goal a “Roy of the Rovers” moment:

“It was a really proud moment for the kid and his family. To score at that end, in front of the home supporters; it’s ‘Roy of the Rovers’ stuff. He’s still developing physically and technically, but there’s no better way to get your first Premiership goal – just stick your head on the ball two yards out.”

The goal also sparked a trip down memory lane. Stirton is the first DUFC Academy graduate to score on his Premiership debut in 34 years, joining an exclusive club.

ELITE COMPANY

The last United youth product to score on their league debut was Christian Dailly in 1990. At just 16, Dailly scored in a 3-1 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Remarkably, he had already netted twice in the League Cup before his league debut, scoring against Alloa and Partick Thistle. Over his United career, Dailly notched 21 goals in 177 appearances, excelling as both a forward and later as a defender.

Before Dailly, Ralph Milne and Andy Gray achieved the feat, both going on to have illustrious careers.

Stirton’s goal not only highlighted his potential but also served as a reminder of the talent emerging from United’s Academy.

Following in the footsteps of players like Dailly, Milne, and Gray sets an incredible precedent, and fans will be excited to see how Stirton develops in the years to come.

TODAY’S MASCOTS

NOAH THOMSON

AGE: 3

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LOUIS MOULT

CALLUM GLAISTER

AGE: 12

FAVOURITE PLAYER: LOUIS MOULT

LEAH FORBES

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: RYAN STRAIN

GINO SINGH

AGE: 10

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

RYAN MOLLOY

AGE: 6

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

AYDEN MOLLOY

AGE: 11

FAVOURITE PLAYER: CRAIG SIBBALD

FOCUS ON ST MIRREN

The Buddies visit Tannadice for the second time this season, having already travelled north for our Premier Sports League Cup meeting in mid-August. On that afternoon, we recorded a 1-0 victory. However, on this occasion, we’ll be meeting a side in fine form as they look to extend their fourmatch unbeaten run.

A draw with Ross County, along with wins over St. Johnstone, Hibernian, and, most recently, Aberdeen, means our guests are hitting form at the time of year when the fixtures come thick and fast. The turnaround in their fortunes has been remarkable, given their previous twelve fixtures yielded only a solitary victory.

After fifth and sixth-place finishes in the previous two seasons, Saints again sit in the top half of the table. However, their below-par away form, which has yielded just one league win from six matches on the road this term.

As well as the aforementioned cup match, United also returned from Paisley victorious in our other meeting this term when a solid display saw Emmanuel Adegboyega head a second-half winner. Saints do, however, have the upper hand in recent Tannadice league meetings, with United failing to win any of the last four encounters, stretching back to January 2021.

ONE TO WATCH

MARK O’HARA

THE GAFFER

STEPHEN ROBINSON

As a player, the Irishman began his career as a youth with Tottenham Hotspur, but his move to Bournemouth paved the way for a career that saw him capped at youth, B, and full international levels for Northern Ireland.

After almost 300 appearances for the Cherries, a short spell at Preston North End followed before he found a second home at Kenilworth Road, spending six years with Luton Town and featuring 211 times for The Hatters.

Turning 50 next month, and having managed at Oldham, Motherwell, and Morecambe previously, the affable Irishman brings a wealth of experience to the dugout.

His time in Paisley so far has seen him in charge of 122 matches, with a record of 41 victories, 26 draws, and 55 defeats.

An unsung midfielder who, on his day, is arguably as difficult an opponent as anyone in the top flight. Hard-working, comfortable in possession, but equally prepared to do the dirty work in midfield, the 28-yearold is again having an outstanding season in black and white.

Having broken into the senior ranks with Kilmarnock, the Barrhead-born former youth international made 88 appearances there before moving on to Dundee, where his form earned him a transfer to League One side Peterborough. After a bright start with The Posh, he fell out of favour and was loaned to both Lincoln City and Motherwell before moving to Fir Park on a permanent basis.

Further enhancing his reputation with a series of eyecatching displays, he joined Saints in 2022 and has taken his goalscoring to new levels, with 23 goals in just 87 matches for the club.

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JIMMY

HOWIESON

To say that Jimmy Howieson had an eventful and unorthodox career would be an understatement.

Born in Glasgow on 7 June 1900, he was an inside-forward who played in Scotland, Ireland, England, and the United States. His achievements included a Scottish Cup winner’s medal and one cap for Scotland.

Howieson’s early life saw him attending Rutherglen Elementary and John Street schools before briefly working as a marine engineer. An accident led him to enlist in the Royal Navy during WWI, where he began playing organised football while serving. In 1921, after purchasing his release from the Navy, he started his football journey with Rutherglen Glencairn, quickly moving to Airdrieonians. He contributed to their Scottish Cup campaign, although he missed the final when they lifted the trophy.

In 1924, he joined St. Johnstone, becoming a key league player, but also turned out for St. Mirren in cup competitions, a curious dual arrangement. His strong performances caught the attention of Dundee United, who signed him in 1925 for their debut First Division campaign.

Howieson made an immediate impact, scoring five goals in just 10 appearances. Notably, he netted Dundee United’s first-ever First Division goal in a 4-2 loss to Raith Rovers, which was also the first under the newly introduced offside law. His most memorable strike came in a 1-0 victory over Celtic, marking United’s first win against the Hoops. However, his time at Tannadice was short-lived, and he was transferred back to St. Mirren in October 1925.

On his return to Tannadice with St. Mirren in early 1926, Howieson scored the winner

in a 2-1 victory. However, that same season brought him immense joy as St. Mirren won the Scottish Cup for the first time. He scored the second goal in their 2-0 triumph over Celtic, a strike reminiscent of his earlier goal against the same opposition.

In March 1927, Howieson earned his only Scotland cap in a 2-0 victory over Ireland. Shortly after, St. Mirren transferred him to Hull City for £3,200. A year later, he moved to the United States, joining the New Bedford Whalers for the 1928–29 season. After stints in the American Soccer League and Eastern Professional Soccer League, he briefly played for the New York Giants before returning to Hull.

In 1930, he joined Dublin’s Shelbourne, winning a League of Ireland Championship medal. He later played for Clyde, Alloa, Glentoran, and Belfast Celtic before retiring.

Howieson settled back in Glasgow, co-owning the Railway Tavern with his brother. He passed away on 28 May 1971, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and well-travelled footballer whose contributions to the game spanned continents and eras.

DUNDEE UNITED 3

STEPHENSON 58’, DALBY 68’, STIRTON 90+’

ROSS COUNTY 0

3PM SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2024 | TANNADICE PARK | WILLIAM HILL PREMIERSHIP ATTENDANCE: 8,349

EARLY WARNING SIGNS

There were plenty scares as and Jordan White both had chances to break the deadlock.

TAKING A GRIP

A lively ten minutes saw Connor Randall deny a certain goal, blocking David Babunski’s chance after Sam Dalby danced past Ross Laidlaw and set up our number 10. Moments later, Babunski threaded a long ball to Will Ferry, whose cross zipped just wide with no takers.

Laidlaw then saved a long-range strike from Vicko Ševelj, while Babunski’s arrowed effort and Dalby’s swivel-andshot were both blocked. As the half wore on, interruptions by John Beaton’s whistle became frequent, with Akil Wright earning the first caution.

A SUCCESSFUL HUNT

Our well-merited opener came just three minutes before the hour.

It was an excellent move from United as Emmanuel Adegoyega was strong in a challenge before coming away with the ball and setting Luca Stephenson free. Spreading it to the opposite flank Stephenson then continued his charge into the area and Ferry’s delightful cross was on the money for him to bullet a diving header beyond Laidlaw.

DOUBLING DOWN

Our second came just over ten minutes later as Dalby continued his redhot form!

It was our Macedonian magician who carved the game open. With the ball coming over his shoulder,

he expertly hooked an early pass in behind the Staggies’ rear guard for Dalby to chase. Racing past the high line, the Englishman took a touch to steady himself before cooly poking home.

BOYHOOD HERO

Entering the fray in stoppage time, Owen Stirton hit the net just 70 seconds into his Premiership debut to notch his first United goal!

Ferry was involved again, driving to the byline, putting on the brakes and cutting it back for Ševelj to float in a cross that was helped on by a County man. Waiting to pounce on the six-yard line was Stirton to nod home in front of the Eddie Thompson faithful.

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RANGERS 1

CERNY 66’

DUNDEE UNITED 1

DALBY 36’

3PM SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2024 | IBROX STADIUM | WILLIAM HILL PREMIERSHIP

ATTENDANCE: 47,714

MATCHING THE BATTLE

It was a patient opening from the Terrors who began to build momentum after some early Rangers’ pressure.

Play down our left looked most likely to cause concern for the hosts. A fizzed Glenn Middleton cross just missed its targets before David Babunski sliced an effort over the bar following another surging counter from the men in white and tangerine.

Nedim Bajrami went close with a curling effort just before the half-hour mark but a super one-handed save from Walton kept it level.

RED HOT FORM

Sam Dalby netted his fifth goal in six games to send the away end into raptures less than ten minutes befpre the break.

It came as a quick freekick was switched out to the left and laid back for Vicko Ševelj to float a teasing ball into the area. Left unmarked in the box with some clever movement, our number nine glanced the ball beyond Jack Butland to give us the lead.

There was a late first-half scare as Robin Propper had the ball in the net before it was quickly ruled out for a blatant handball offence against Connor Barron in the build-up.

One should have become two as Dalby found himself in behind the backline before teeing up Fotheringham whose shot was blocked by the nearest defender.

PEGGED BACK

Cerny - who looked dangerous all afternoon - hit back with a slotted finish after the hour.

It was a common move as the Rangers winger played a neat one-two before finding space in behind the United defence to curl low into the far corner.

SUPER JACK WALTON

A stunning block from Walton was then needed to deny second-half substitute Danilo before Rangers almost found a winner in the 86th minute when Walton parried Ianis Hagi’s long-range strike. Danilo’s follow-up effort was blocked, and Walton produced another stunning close-range stop to deny Propper on the rebound. In added time, Walton pulled off another excellent save to thwart Igamane as we picked up another point on our travels.

UNITED 2024/25 | MENS

FIRST TEAM SQUAD

NOVEMBER

DUDA PRIZE DRAW

We’re excited to announce the details of our latest prize draw, in partnership with the Dundee United Development Association!

The Dundee United Development Association (DUDA) is a fundraising organisation dedicated to supporting Dundee United FC. Through activities like prize draws and lotteries, DUDA helps generate vital funds that contribute to the club’s development.

Draw ends 5pm Sunday 1 December!

CLICK HERE for full details!

PRIZES

First Place (2 Separate Winners) - 1x DUFC x Sparco official dugout seat.

Second Place (1 Winner)

- Four places in the MKM Lounge and four match tickets for Dundee vs Dundee United, Thursday 2 January 2025.

Third Place (1 Winner) - Signed 2024/25 Home Shirt.

FLASHBACK FOCUS

MARCH 2014

DUNDEE UTD 3-2 ST MIRREN | LEAGUE

UNITED 3

Brian Graham (79)

Stuart Armstrong (84)

Nadir Çiftçi (90)

ST MIRREN 2

Paul McGowan (20)

Steven Thompson (40)

United pulled off a sensational late comeback to snatch three points after trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining. In a game

that swung dramatically, Jackie McNamara’s men showed incredible determination to turn despair into delight at Tannadice.

After making three changes to the side that lost to St Johnstone midweek, United had hoped for a bright start. Instead, it was a first half to forget.

First-Half Setbacks

St Mirren opened the scoring on 20 minutes when Paul McGowan, unmarked from a freekick, sent a back-header past a stranded Radosław Cierzniak. Things went from bad to worse five minutes before the break as former United player Steven Thompson unknowingly scored his 14th of the season. Gavin Gunning’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the Buddies striker and into the net from close range.

Second-Half Resurgence United looked sharper after the restart, with Gary Mackay-Steven testing Marian Kello and Nadir

Çiftçi coming close after being released by the winger. The introductions of Ryan Dow, Stuart Armstrong, and later Brian Graham injected much-needed energy and proved decisive.

The Comeback

The Tangerines finally broke through in the 79th minute. Çiftçi’s clever pass found Dow, whose pinpoint cross was turned home by Graham. Six minutes later, a deflected Mackay-Steven cutback fell perfectly for Armstrong, who calmly finished from the edge of the box to level the scores.

With the Tannadice faithful roaring them on, United completed the turnaround in stoppage time. Dow’s thunderous effort was spilled by Kello, and Çiftçi was on hand to bundle the rebound home, sealing an unforgettable victory.

A display of character, resilience, and determination from United – a performance that will live long in the memory!

NOVEMBER

A scrappy encounter saw United edge Hamilton with goals of unusual variety. An early own goal from Hamilton’s Young set the tone, followed by a stunning 20-yard freekick from Alex Gibson that proved decisive. Despite conceding a late penalty, United held on for victory.

MIRREN 1-1 DUNDEE

A thrilling encounter at Love Street lived up to the hype of a secondtop battle. Hugh Golshan gave St Mirren the lead after sustained pressure, but United responded brilliantly. Kenny Cameron equalized, reacting quickly to head in after Andy Rolland’s effort cannoned

1985

DUNDEE UNITED 0-2

DUNDEE | FORFARSHIRE

CUP FINAL

Switched to Tannadice due to frost at Dens Park, Dundee capitalized on their opportunities, with Ross Jack heading in the opener and John Brown converting a penalty. Despite heavy pressure from United, Dundee’s Tom Carson produced an inspired performance to deny them.

1991

ST MIRREN 1-1 DUNDEE UNITED | LEAGUE

A resilient United side snatched a point as substitute Alex Cleland scored with his first touch, heading in after Mixu Paatelainen’s shot was parried. St Mirren, fresh off a win over Rangers, had taken the lead through Julian Broddle, but Cleland’s equalizer ensured a share of the spoils.

1993

DUNDEE UNITED 1-0 CELTIC | LEAGUE

Manager Ivan Golac’s tactical tweaks paid off as Paddy Connolly pounced on a defensive error to score the winner. Gordan Petric made his home debut, and a strong defensive display saw United claim a memorable victory over Celtic.

2003

DUNDEE UNITED 2-1 HEARTS | LEAGUE

Skipper Derek McInnes celebrated his first goal in tangerine, setting the stage for United’s first home win of the season. Alan Archibald added a second, giving United a 2-0 lead at halftime. Despite Scott Severin pulling one back for Hearts, United held firm to end a six-year winless run against the Edinburgh

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN

MANAGER: STEPHEN ROBINSON

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