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The Courier
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Who would you pick for your greatest Dundee United team of all time?
Who were the best-ever players to play for Dundee United? Lifelong Arab and former club historian Tom Cairns watched his first United game in September 1961 during the era of Doug Smith and Dennis Gillespie. Jerry Kerr turned United into a top-flight European team in the 1960s. Legends were established. The Tangerines dismantled Barcelona and Juventus in the Fairs Cup in 1966, before Jim McLean took over in the 1970s and guided the club to unimaginable success. New names were added to Tannadice folklore. Paul Hegarty, David Narey, Ralph Milne and Paul Sturrock became gods. Guido van de Kamp, Gordan Petric, Andy McLaren, Christian Dailly and Craig Brewster became latter day-greats when United won the Scottish Cup in 1994. Craig Conway became a hero in 2010 when the trophy returned to Tannadice. They are among the all-time greats but how many others have you forgotten? We asked Tom to pick his all-time United XI in a 4-4-2 formation, along with five substitutes, and highlight some of the players who didn't make the cut. Is this United's greatest team? MacKay played for United from 1962 to 1972. Tom said: 'He was confident, brave and a great shot-stopper. 'For many years he shared the goalkeeping duties with Sandy Davie.' Gough was part of the league-winning side in 1983. 'He was athletic, excellent in the air and very dependable,' said Tom. 'Gough combined well with Ralph Milne and played for United from 1980-1986.' Dundonian Jimmy Briggs was a hard-tackling left-back and former captain of the team who played for the Tangerines from 1955 to 1970. Tom said: 'At times he played up front and scored over 30 goals – mostly penalties. 'He was even an emergency goalkeeper on occasion.' Paul Hegarty won the League Cup in 1979 and 1980 and the league in 1983. He served United over 700 times and scored 82 goals. Tom said: 'He was commanding in aerial duels and scored his fair share of goals. 'Hegarty was a Scotland international and United's greatest captain.' David Narey made his United debut on November 21 1973 at home to Falkirk in a 2-1 win and spent 22 glorious and trophy-laden years at Tannadice. Tom said: 'He was elegant, skilful and always there when needed. 'Narey was a class act and famously scored against Brazil for Scotland.' Kirkwood won double League Cups and the 1983 league championship. 'He was hard-working, hard-tackling and could score a goal,' said Tom. 'Billy was one of those players you didn't appreciate until he wasn't there.' Jim McInally signed from Coventry City in 1986 and was part of the side that got to the 1987 Uefa Cup final and won a 1994 Scottish Cup medal. 'Another hard-working and committed player who took no prisoners,' said Tom. 'Jim wouldn't cuddle up to opposition players at the end of a game if things hadn't gone well for United – he ran off the park and straight up the tunnel. 'He was there to win and he did.' The prodigiously talented Ralph Milne is the club's record European goalscorer. He made 286 appearances and scored 75 goals. 'A hugely talented and exciting player,' said Tom. 'Electric pace and could take the ball past the best of defenders. 'He was also a great goalscorer.' Eamonn Bannon signed for United in October 1979 from Chelsea. 'He was signed just two months before the first League Cup win,' said Tom. 'Bannon was the final piece in the jigsaw of success. 'He was exciting when running at the opposition.' Dossing signed from Danish club Viborg in 1964. He became a cult hero. Tom said: 'He was one of several Scandinavians who changed the club's fortunes. 'Quite simply, he scored goals – lots of goals.' Paul Sturrock signed for United in July 1974 and his career coincided with the most successful period in the club's history. 'Another exciting player who ran at defenders continuously,' said Tom. 'Scored and made many goals for United during the Jim McLean era including five in one game against Morton in the league in November 1984.' Hamish the Goalie took over from MacKay and kept goal for 14 years. He was immortalised in song by singer Michael Marra for his 1983 testimonial. 'An absolute character, who, for a short time, took United's penalties,' said Tom. Petric signed from Partizan Belgrade in November 1993. 'He was a classy central defender,' said Tom. 'Unflappable under pressure and a key player in our 1994 Scottish Cup win.' Rolland was a full-back who played for United from 1967 to 1978. Tom said: 'Thrilling runs brought goals from this legend at Tannadice. 'He was a hard tackling and committed player.' Gillespie played inside-forward and signed for United in 1959. Tom said: 'He was the first United player to win international honours whilst at United, after being chosen to play for the Scottish League against Ireland. 'Totally reliable and helped establish the club in the First Division.' Olofsson was signed by Tommy McLean in 1996. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in January 2012. Tom said: 'He was an exciting goalscorer over three years at Tannadice.' Who were the players who didn't make Tom's bench, though? Tom's long-list included centre-back Doug Smith, left-back Maurice Malpas, winger Orjan Persson and strikers Andy Gray, Kevin Gallacher and Davie Dodds. Was there ever a doubt who the manager would be? Tom explained: 'Given the success United had with Jim McLean at the helm, there should only be one choice. 'He is my choice for the outstanding talent he nurtured and such tactical knowledge. 'But for Jerry Kerr to miss out seems a shame. 'He contributed a wonderful amount to establish United in the top league.' Tom said pulling together his greatest side was a difficult task. So what do you make of Tom's XI? What would your team be? Let us know.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Live Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd: Amad Diallo returns for Europa League semi-final
5:28PM Preview: Another seat of the pants ride? Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the Europa League semi-final first leg between Athletic Club and Manchester United from San Mamés in Bilbao whither Ruben Amorim's team will hope to return in 20 days time for the final. To do that the Premier League's 14th-placd club will need to knock out La Liga's fourth-placed club who, like Manchester United, are the holders of their main domestic cup. United needed a ridiculous seven-minute turnaround in extra-time from 4-2 down against Lyon to win 5-2 in stoppage time and that seat-of-the-pants-style late spree has been a hallmark of their progress, scoring a winner in the 88th minute against Viktoria Plzen, the second minute of stoppage time against Rangers, in the 87th and first minute of stoppage time against Athletic's deadly rivals Real Sociedad and in the 88th minute of the away leg in Lyon. By contrast Bilbao's progress had been relatively serene until they had to fight back to beat Roma in the Round of 16 4-3 and they then went on to knock out Rangers 2-0 after a goalless draw at Ibrox. The Williams' brothers ought to be back to lead the line for a club that has beaten United in three of their four previous competitive matches, lastly under Marcelo Bielsa in 2012. But Oihan Sancet, an attacking midfielder enjoying has best season with 18 goals which has earned him a call-up to the national side was injured in last week's 1-0 victory over Las Palmas and will sit this one out. Both Iñaki, 30, and the much-coveted Nico, 22, have five goals apiece in this competition and will dovetail behind Gorka Guruzeta who is a key player for Ernesto Valverde's side. Athletic have won both of their semi-finals in this competition before, defeating Molenbeek in 1976-77 and United in 2011-12. Manchester United have lost two and won two, stretching back to the Fairs Cup defeat by Ferencvaros in 1965 followed by a victory over Celta Vigo in 2017, elimination at the hands of Sevilla in a pandemic, one-leg scramble and victory over Roma in 2021. Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to full training but it would be a shock to see them even on the bench. Toby Collyer, Ayden Heaven and Altay Bayindir are still unavailable this week while Messrs Dalot, Zirkzee and Martínez are on the long-term casualty list.
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Athletic Bilbao v Rangers: Key stats
Athletic Club have only hosted Rangers once before, beating them 2-0 in the Fairs Cup in April 1969. The only other time Athletic have hosted a Scottish club was in two games against Dunfermline in 1965, also in the Fairs Cup, winning 1-0 and then 2-1 in a deciding won 3-2 away at Real Betis in their last European game in Spain, having gone 13 away games without winning there beforehand between 1962 and 2018 (D3 L10).On the last five occasions Athletic Club have drawn the first leg of a major European tie, they have been eliminated each time. The last time a draw in the first leg was followed up with Athletic getting through to the next round was in the 1976-77 Uefa Cup semi-final against RWD scored in each of their first nine Europa League matches this season, netting 19 goals. However, they have failed to score in their last two, having 27 shots without finding the Club are the only team with a 100% win ratio on home soil in the Europa League this season, winning all five games. They have never won six home games in a major European season before, winning five in 1976-77 under Koldo Aguirre and five in 2011-12 under Marcelo Lyon (13) have scored more away Europa League goals than Rangers (11) this season, while only Lazio (four) have won more games than the Gers (three). Rangers have never previously won four away matches in a major European captain James Tavernier has played 62 major European matches for the Gers, level with John Greig, with only Allan McGregor playing more times (78). He has also made the most appearances of any Englishman in the Europa League (58) and only Andreas Ulmer for RB Salzburg (61) and Matheus for Braga (58) have more for a single club than his 56 for De Marcos could make a record breaking 58th major European appearance for Athletic Club in this match, overtaking former team-mate Markel Susaeta who is level with him on 57 games currently.
Telegraph
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Newcastle's 100,000-plus ‘Party on the Moor' event will include bus parade
Newcastle United's Carabao Cup celebration party will be attended by more than 100,000 people with thousands more lining the streets for an open top bus parade through the city centre. The club have been stunned by the level of interest in people wishing to attend the 'Party on the Moor' event and after days of talks with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police, a short parade, starting at St James' Park, should be confirmed in the next 24 hours. Having won their first major trophy since the Fairs Cup success of 1969, the whole city will be able to join in the celebrations as they pay tribute to manager Eddie Howe and his players. There had been some criticism of the decision to make the centrepiece of the trophy winning celebrations a ticket only event on the Town Moor, which is a short drive from St James' Park, as it would deprive many - especially those with young children - of a chance to see their heroes. But tens thousands of people have still registered to attend the event which will start with a full replay of their victory over Liverpool at Wembley in the afternoon. With players and staff then appearing on stage, the event will also include live music and DJs although local artist Sam Fender - who had been asked to perform last week - will not, as things stand, be taking part. A light show from shirt sponsors Sela is also thought to be in the pipeline with full details of the line up and schedule to be confirmed in the next few days. However, as revealed by Telegraph Sport last week, the intention was to always include a parade through the city to mark Newcastle's first domestic trophy success since 1955 for those who do not wish to be at an event lasting hours. And the city council insisted on Monday that they would not block a parade as long as the proper safety measures are put in place. City council leader Karen Kilgour, a lifelong Newcastle fan, said: 'Newcastle United's cup win was an outstanding achievement, and the joy of that success has been felt right across the city since that historic day at Wembley, an occasion I was honoured to experience in person. Eddie Howe and his team have written themselves into Newcastle folklore, and it's right that people want to honour them. As early as Tuesday, I'd put the wheels in motion to confer Eddie with the city's highest honour by nominating him for Honorary Freedom of the City. I know what this means to Newcastle. 'Like all supporters, at the council we're keen to celebrate this historic occasion and we've been working closely with the club, the emergency services, the Freemen and other partners to support their plans in any way we can. Our teams have guided and advised in any way they've been able, we haven't blocked the holding of a parade, and we've been doing our utmost to facilitate the plans the club have presented. 'The anticipated crowds for Saturday's celebration, to mark the end of a 70-year wait for domestic silverware, are expected to make it among the biggest events ever held in the city. The safety of those attending and the local communities and businesses affected by this must be the priority of all partners involved. The widespread impact needs to be thoroughly assessed to ensure it can go ahead safely, but it is wrong to suggest we have said 'no' to a parade through our beloved city. 'Our teams will continue to liaise with the club and other partners to make this the best celebration it can possibly be to recognise the magnitude of the club's success and, just as importantly, what it means to our city and our residents. 'We're all keen to see a spectacular event, that is free and accessible to everybody who wishes to be part of this moment in history, and we look forward to working with partners to see further details announced as soon as they can be. As a lifelong fan I remember the parades through the city centre when we didn't even lift a trophy. They were special memories and I want children and families in this city to have that same experience on an even bigger and better scale.'
BBC News
18-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Newcastle's cup win and Saudi Arabia - how do fans feel?
Seventy years. That is how long Newcastle United waited to win a domestic their fans have made up for the seven-decade drought with the way they have celebrated their Carabao Cup final victory over have been tears, relief, pride - and, most of all, for some - and it does not appear to be a view shared widely among Newcastle fans - there is that relates to the club's £305m takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) three years and five months ago. The PIF is Saudi's sovereign wealth Sport explores these conflicting emotions. The case against 'sportswashing project' One of the voices raising concerns is the Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing (NUFCFAS) group."Newcastle United's victory will also be seen as a victory for the human rights-abusing regime and their sportswashing project," the group said in a statement."We know that it should be a great day for the city of Newcastle, and many will feel that way, but for us it is unfortunately tainted by the ownership of the club."Silence on human rights is complicity in the crimes of the regime which owns our club. This is what sportswashing is all about."In addition to the financial backing from their owners, Newcastle won in a shirt sponsored by PIF-owned sports company Sela. Their sleeve sponsor was Noon - a PIF-backed handed out 32,000 scarves to fans at Wembley, bearing the club's badge, the phrase 'Howay the lads' and the Sela was also behind the beaming of giant images of star players onto London's Millbank Tower on the eve of the sort of promotional campaigns are no different to what any sponsor might do to raise their profile. But critics point to Saudi Arabia facing years of criticism over subjects such as:human rights violationsthe repression of womenthe criminalisation of homosexualitythe restriction of free speechthe continued use of the death penaltythe 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggithe imprisonment of activists for online dissentthe country's involvement in the bloody conflict in YemenWhile campaigners acknowledge there have been important reforms in recent years, for example over women's rights, they also point out there has been continued takeover of Newcastle was approved in October 2021 after the Premier League received "legally binding assurances" the Saudi state would not control the have previously denied accusations of sportswashing, insisting the takeover was "not the Saudi state, it's PIF". They said the deal was about growing Hird, one of the founders of NUFCFAS, said he could "feel little joy" about Newcastle's cup win."I was born a Toon fan. I remember my dad crying his eyes out after he came back from the Fairs Cup win in 1969. I still have the scrapbook of the cup run he made me," said Hird."I and many other Newcastle fans were fans long before the Saudi state took over the club and we'll still be fans long after they've been forced out, and we will have stayed true to our values and working-class traditions of solidarity." 'We have no control over who owns our club' - fans react BBC Sport asked fans who follow our Newcastle United club page what they thought of the criticism from received many replies from different is a selection:Paul: "We have no control over who owns our club. The Saudi regime is deplorable, as are many owners of clubs throughout the league, and the fact they own most of NUFC doesn't change my opinion on them. So sportwashing, for all the Saudis spend on it, has at best a minimal benefit to them as a PR exercise."Tom: "It does taint the victory and the club, but that's not the fault of the players or fans and they should be allowed to celebrate. I've never seen so much news content about Saudi Arabia's terrible human rights record, so they are sportwashing but, at the same time, they have brought more negative attention on themselves."Luke: "Sportswashing is real. As a lifelong Newcastle fan, who has lived in Saudi Arabia, it's clear to me why countries with questionable human rights invest in sports teams. Reflected joy, glory, and of course sometimes turning a profit. It's our club regardless of who owns it. I don't want my team owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, but I can still celebrate what it means for this city and the fans to have such a historic win. But yes, it does taint it a bit for me."David: "As a lifelong Newcastle fan, I'm celebrating the end of our wait for a trophy like a fan of any other team would. I wouldn't have chosen our current owners, but it is out of my control and I don't see why I should feel guilty or shamed by it. Saudi money has kept the flat horse racing industry afloat for over 40 years, but nobody seems bothered by that."Jess: "Football has got so expensive that only oil states, billionaires or massive corporations can afford to own or sponsor clubs - so expecting ethical brands to be involved is unrealistic. People are quick to slam Newcastle for being backed by oil money, but ignore that most clubs are plastered with betting sponsors that exploit vulnerable fans. If we're going to talk about ethics in football, we need to be consistent. Otherwise it just sounds like selective outrage."Sty: "What a load of rubbish. Newcastle have had the same investment as many other clubs and nobody asks where that money has come from, do they?"Katie: "This is being questioned just because someone else is winning. We aren't the only team with questionable ownership. There are other teams owned by Chinese consortiums and other countries with questionable human rights laws. Allow a team that has waited over half a century for success to enjoy it before you start this nonsense!" 'We don't care, we're having a party' Newcastle were relegation contenders when Eddie Howe was appointed as Steve Bruce's successor as manager in November 2021, taking over a side in 19th, winless and five points from came 13 days after the completion of the takeover, which brought an end to Mike Ashley's tumultuous 14-year spell as team have been on an upward trajectory since, with Howe leading Newcastle to survival in his first campaign, before ending the club's 20-year absence from the Champions League in his first full season and now delivering a trophy in his are one of the league's biggest spenders in this time. However their ability to spend heavily has been restricted by the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in the past three transfer windows, with Alexander Isak (£60m), Sandro Tonali (£55m) and Anthony Gordon (£40m, rising to £45m) among the club's biggest Athletic correspondent and Newcastle supporter Chris Waugh told BBC Radio 5 Live the spending power of the owners was only a "contributing factor" in the club's success."We can debate the morals [associated with the ownership], but actually for Newcastle supporters and how they follow the team, I think it has to be seen as one of the great stories," said Waugh."Has money contributed to their success? Yes, Newcastle have spent money over the past few years but not in the same ballpark in a relative sense as the biggest clubs - they haven't been able to because of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules."Asked to respond to criticism offered by other supporters - which included the morality of the club's owners, accusations of buying success and even the stature of the League Cup - Felicity Throw of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust said: "It's our job as rival football fans to downplay achievements."Liverpool fans were disappointed to lose. They would have loved to win the League Cup. "We don't care, frankly. We are having a party. There are very strict spending laws in place. We are going to have a good day, regardless."
