Latest news with #BertEsselink
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
United must strive for Euro return
Defender Bert Esselink says Dundee United must aim to be back in Europe next season after showing they can compete in continental Goodwin's side led 4-2 on aggregate against a Rapid Vienna side who reached the quarter-finals last season, before ultimately going out of Conference League qualifying at Tannadice on Thursday on penalties. "We have to strive for that again," said Esselink, who joined United in the summer."I think as a team we are capable of good things. We showed we can be part of these competitions and that we can compete with these kinds of teams. "That's something we can be proud of and have to strive for again until the end of the season."
BBC News
08-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Esselink living the European dream
Bert Esselink is determined to help prolong Dundee United's European adventure after the memorable 2-2 draw at Rapid Goodwin's men showed admirable grit in the Austrian capital to twice come from behind with goals from Max Watters and Zac Sapsford and make it all to play for in next Thursday's second leg at Stockholm or FC Gyor await the winners of the tie in the Conference League play-off round."We are in it and let's stay in it the longest we can," said Dutch defender Esselink."I think for everyone in the team, it's something that you watch during Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights. You watch the games in Europe and that's something everyone wants to be a part of."Esselink, a summer arrival from Polish side Stal Mielec, was pleased with United's gritty display in Vienna but stressed there's still room for improvement."Ofcourse, it's a boost for us, especially in the second half to make the draw," he said."So yeah, that gives us confidence. We have to keep working, put up the same performance and maybe change a few parts of the game that we can do better."We need to have the confidence and the pride to proceed and go well on Thursday night."I think we can get a bit more pressure on them. But also the way we're marking crosses and where we conceded the goals."We have to do it better in our communication and our positioning. So that's things we have to work on and we have to do it fast."
BBC News
02-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Why are United fans 'very worried' before Premiership start?
We asked for your views on how Dundee United are shaping up for the new Premiership season, which gets under way against Falkirk on what some of you said: Steven: We need more quality in the final third. The defence looks solid and big Bert Esselink will be the pick of the bunch with the new signings, he's captain material. We have very little creativity in the the middle of the park. I like Zac Sapsford but he's not a number nine. Keep everyone fit and we are okay, but I worry if any of our big players get injured. Midfielder and another striker in the door and I'm happy. Top of the list is Ronan Hale, he'd be a terrific signing for us. Finally, sorry to judge so early but Ivan Dolcek is Very worried going on the performances so far. A real lack of pace and creativity which we lacked last season as well, only this time we don't have Sam Dalby. Long season ahead with a bottom-six finish nailed on already in my Hard to judge so early in the season against poor quality opposition, but the defence and goalkeeper seem to be well organised and calm. Not sure Panutche Camara or Isaac Pappoe have what's required. Dolcek has not impressed. Hardly seen Max Watters so will reserve judgement. Sapsford appears to work hard and took his goal well in the first leg or the Conference League. Owen Stirton, in his brief appearances seems to be the best striking option. A team that is going to struggle for goals this season which might translate into struggles for Such a weak pre-season, I'm finding it difficult in seeing anything but struggles. Lack of goals and a bench light on quality and game-changers will see us fighting Very tough start to the season for United. Two very poor performances against UNA Strassen albeit two wins. I expect a really difficult game against a well-organised Falkirk team on Sunday. Away to Rapid Vienna on Thursday night gives me the fear. AZ Alkmaar all over again It's going to be a struggle to make top six this season as we look a bit lightweight from middle to front. Long season ahead for us!
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Why I'm predicting bottom-six finish for Utd (but hope I'm wrong)
Where will you finish in the league and why?I have a sneaking suspicion United will finish in the bottom six this season. Yes, I know that may sound defeatist, and I truly hope I am wrong. But it looks from the outside that the top five will be all the big spenders, and then, if last season is anything to go by, there really isn't much between the rest of the Goodwin has been tasked with building a new team yet again and I suspect the law of averages will kick us in the pants at some point in that a few of players may not quite live up to our hopes and expectations.I'm going to say we'll finish seventh, but please feel free to prove me wrong lads, and by that, I do mean finish higher up the table not is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?Bert Esselink. The big, strong colossus from the Netherlands has been a standout at the back so far, albeit I'm referring to pre-season games and one Conference League match. But from the small sample size of evidence of this season's new recruits, he does look to be a class do you want from your manager this season?A great question, and tricky to answer. Most fans will say they want progress year upon year, but Goodwin managing the team to fourth place last season was probably above and beyond where he would have thought the team would finish. If he was to consolidate the team's place in the top half, I don't think any fans would be and this is a big one, we need to do better in cup competitions. A little trip to Hampden, and not to play Queen's Park, would not go will be the breakout star in your squad?I hope, and believe it can be, Owen Stirton. Owen is highly rated at United, and I'm sure by other clubs, and after a successful loan spell at Montrose last year he has come back to Tannadice in great shape and has developed physically over the last few months a goalscoring striker and also has that little selfish streak about him when it comes to 'getting a shot way' being his main focus. I like that in my strikers, and if he gets a chance in the team, I can only see him being a is your one major concern?Creativity. We have brought in a couple of wingers this summer, so perhaps that is how we hope to craft chances and goals for our strikers. But from what I have seen so far we have a very hard-working midfield that lacks someone who will put their foot on the ball, split open a defence with a pass, and change the game in the blink of an that I have typed that out and it's not just in my head, I would imagine most teams in the SPFL also have that McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Esselink scores as United held by Arbroath
Dundee United were held 1-1 by Championship new-boys Arbroath in David Gold's Goodwin started with a strong XI and Bert Esselink - one of five new signings in the team - headed the Premiership side in front after three minutes from debutant Dario Naamo's teasing had further chances, before making 10 changes just after the hour, and a young team would concede with 11 minutes to play when Scott Stewart levelled.
