Dundee United Football Club, The CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park, Dundee, DD3 7JW 01382833166
Option 1 - Ticketing
Option 2 - Commercial
Option 3 - Retail
ADDRESS BOOK
Chairman
MARK OGREN Vice-Chairman
SCOTT OGREN Director
JIMMY FYFFE
Chief Executive
LUIGI CAPUANO
Chief Operations Officer
JOE RICE
Finance Director
JAMES ROBERTSON
Manager
JIM GOODWIN
Assistant Manager
LEE SHARP
First-Team Coach
DAVID BOWMAN
Head of Goalkeeping
PAUL MATHERS
Head of Football Operations
BILLY MORRIS
Head of Player Care
NIALL NICOLSON
Head of Medical
TOMMY SCANLON
First Team Physiotherapist
KEVIN MILNE
First Team Analyst
AIDAN CROLL
First Team Sports Scientist
EWAN ANDERSON
Strength and Conditioning
Coach
ALLAN GARTSHORE Club Doctors
DR DAVID NICOLL
DR STEPHEN GALBRAITH
Kit Manager
ANDREW BRYAN
Head of Commercial
MARK CUNNINGHAM
Ticket Office Manager
MOIRA HUGHES
Head of Retail
STUART BOOTLAND
Commercial Sales Manager
DECLAN PRIDDING
Catering & Bar Operations
Manager
JOHN RICHARDSON
Head of Stadium and Facility Operations
JONATHAN ROBERTS
Head Groundsman
JAMIE HARLE
Head of Media
MARK MCCREERY
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
ARRAN HEATH
Digital Content Lead
YANNIS MARR
Club Photographer
RICHARD WISEMAN
SHED TALK
Design and Editors:
ARRAN HEATH & PETER RUNDO
Contributors
MIKE WATSON
RYAN HALDANE
LEE SMITH
LYALL MACDONALD
Printed copies of Shed Talk are available via Curtis Sport.
JIM GOODWIN
Good evening and welcome back to Tannadice.
Last weekend’s win over Falkirk was a huge result for us and an important step in getting back to winning ways after a difficult run. Falkirk had been in excellent form, so to come from behind and show the character we did was extremely pleasing.
The players responded exactly as I hoped they would and now the challenge is to build on that and find consistency in our results.
Tonight’s match brings another big test and a significant opportunity for the club. We have prepared thoroughly and with the same respect we would show any Premiership opponent.
Spartans are enjoying a strong season and arrive full of confidence, so it is vital that our standards, tempo and professionalism
are right from the first whistle. As always, the responsibility is on us to impose ourselves on the game and show our quality.
One area we have focused on is our defensive solidity. Last season’s success was built on strong foundations and we know we must rediscover that consistency at the back.
Clean sheets are crucial if we are to put together the run of results needed, and that has been a clear message to the players this week.
Finally, I want to thank you, our supporters, for your continued backing. Your passion and commitment never go unnoticed, and we are determined to reward that support with the performance and result we all want tonight.
VICKO ŠEVELJ
Last weekend’s win over Falkirk was a really important result for us and one we badly needed.
It was a difficult game and we had to show patience and character right until the final whistle, but getting the three points was what mattered most. Now the focus is on building from that and trying to put together a run of wins, starting with tonight’s match.
For us as players, the approach does not change. We prepare for every opponent in the same professional way and give them full respect. Spartans are having a strong season in their league and will arrive full of belief, so we know this will be a tough challenge.
At the same time, we believe in our own quality and know that if we perform to our level, we can get the result we want and progress in the competition.
A good cup run is something we all want to be part of. It is a big opportunity for the club and for the supporters, and we are determined to do everything we can to keep moving forward in the tournament.
Momentum is very important in football, and winning games brings confidence, so tonight is another chance for us to continue in the right direction.
Personally, it has been frustrating to miss games recently because every player wants to be out on the pitch helping the team.
I have worked hard to get back fit and I am really pleased to be available again.
Now I just want to contribute, help the team wherever I can and play my part in what we hope will be a strong end to the season.
LOCAL SUPPLIER OF KEGS,
Welcome to THE SPARTANS
We welcome The Spartans to Tannadice for the very first time as both clubs eye up a place in the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup. The sides have met only once previously, with United being humbled in the League Cup at Ainslie Park on the opening day of the 2023/24 campaign. Promoted to League Two in 2023 by winning the Lowland League and then defeating both Brechin City and Albion Rovers in the playoffs, The Spartans have finished third and fifth in their two seasons in senior football. Currently sitting six points clear at the top
of League Two, they are hot favourites for the title.
Whilst the first teams have only met our guests once, a very youthful United B side visited Ainslie Park earlier this season in the group stages of the KDM Trophy, where a spirited performance by young goalkeeper Lewis Haldane and his defence restricted their experienced opponents to a 1–0 victory.
Appointed manager in 2012, Samuel has taken the club from the East of Scotland League, through the Lowland League and to the verge of promotion to the third tier of Scottish football.
Unsurprisingly, 61-year-old Samuel is the longest-serving manager in the Scottish League and was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to football and the community of north Edinburgh.
The affable native of Leith is also the CEO of the Community Football Academy and, having led the club to three Lowland League titles, as well as being the mastermind behind the biggest result in the club’s history (our aforementioned League Cup defeat), he is rightly viewed as a club legend.
THE SPARTANS SQUAD
PADDY MARTIN -
Goalkeeper Paddy Martin joined the club in the summer from Bonnyrigg Rose.
A former St Johnstone and Hibernian youth, the 26-year-old has also represented Falkirk and Stenhousemuir.
JAMES CRAIGEN - In his third season at the club, brings a wealth of experience to the midfield. The 34-year-old previously featured in the Premiership for Patrick Thistle and has also represented Raith, Falkirk and Dunfermline amongst others.
Former United striker MARC MCNULTY scored eight times in his 54 appearances whilst at Tannadice. The much travelled 33-year-old has hit the net eight times this campaign.
JAMIE DISHINGTON is in his second spell at the club and has amassed 81 goals in Spartans colours. The 29-year-old forward however has only hit the net three times this season.
SEAN WELSH is another vastly experienced midfielder. After making his debut in 2010 for Stenhousemuir, he has racked up almost 400 matches at Stirling Albion, Partick, Falkirk, ICT and Queens Park.
Versatile defender PAUL WATSON signed for United in 2018 and made 52 appearances, scoring five times in his two seasons at Tannadice.
Club captain KEVIN WAUGH came through the youth set up at Hibs before joining Berwick Rangers. The 27-year-old defender has made almost 100 appearances since arriving in 2021.
AYRTON SONKUR has made over 100 appearances for The Spartans since joining in 2023. Bringing a physical presence to the backline, the 27-year-old was a Livingston and QoS youth before representing Annan, Stranraer and Albion Rovers.
JORDAN TAPPING returned to the club in the summer after a year’s sabbatical in Australia. The 29-yearold central defender has previously turned out for East Stirling, Brechin, Edinburgh City and Stenhousemuir.
One To WATCH
In red-hot form with six goals in his last six matches, Mark Stowe has emerged as Spartans’ biggest attacking threat this season.
Formerly with Falkirk as a youth, he signed for Camelon after being released by the Bairns but made a name for himself when he joined Linlithgow Rose in 2021.
A staggering return of 83 goals across two seasons quickly caught the attention of senior clubs and earned him a move to Championship side Arbroath on a two-year deal.
Although he found regular starts difficult to come by, he still featured 41 times for the Lichties, gaining valuable experience at SPFL level before making the switch to the Spartans in August 2024. After scoring just four times last season, Stowe has been on fire this time around, rediscovering his clinical edge with 18 goals from 34 appearances.
Comfortable operating from wide areas or through the middle, his direct running, sharp movement and eye for goal make him a constant danger and someone United’s defence will need to keep a close watch on this evening.
TREK ARCTIC
FOR THE DUCT
Four Dundee United supporters have successfully completed their Arctic Trek in Finland, raising vital funds for the Dundee United Community Trust.
Travelling to Rovaniemi, the group ventured into the Arctic Circle and faced challenging winter conditions during a demanding three-day expedition.
Howard Elgie, James McKeown, Ged Hepburn and Matt Watson took on the remarkable challenge in support of the club’s charitable arm, highlighting the strong sense of community that continues to define Dundee United.
Many supporters recognised Matt from his role in the Dundee
United Club Shop, adding a familiar connection for fans following the journey.
The trek was backed by main sponsor Driver Hire, whose support covered specialist equipment, ensuring that all funds raised will go directly towards the Community Trust’s programmes focused on education, health, inclusion and wellbeing.
Jamie Kirk, Chief Executive of the Dundee United Community Trust, praised the group’s commitment and resilience, with the success of the Arctic Trek standing as another example of the United family coming together to make a meaningful difference.oblem, Saints are hoping to welcome him back this afternoon for what will be a massive
PLAYED FOR
MARC MCNULTY
Having joined the Royals in 2018, a succession of managerial changes saw him loaned out on several occasions, including previous spells with Hibernian, Sunderland and Dundee United.
His return to Tannadice came at a time when he was seeking stability and regular football. Despite maintaining high professional standards, opportunities at Reading had become limited, and the move back to United provided a familiar environment in which to rebuild confidence and sharpness.
Already well known to supporters and teammates alike, he quickly settled back into the squad.
The forward’s earlier spell at the club meant that relationships with players and staff were already established, allowing him to integrate smoothly despite changes within the dressing room.
His experience at Premiership level, combined with an eye for goal developed throughout his career, added depth and quality to United’s attacking options during the campaign.
Although chances came his way, goals initially proved
elusive following his return, something partly attributed to a disrupted preseason and the need to regain match fitness.
Nevertheless, his work rate and movement continued to create opportunities, both for himself and for teammates around him, while his presence provided a focal point in attack.
The arrival of additional creative players offered further encouragement, with increased width and service expected to strengthen the team’s forward play.
As the season progressed, the prospect of key teammates returning from injury also promised to enhance the attacking balance, providing more support in the final third.
United’s strong home form throughout the period provided a platform for optimism, and there was a clear belief within the squad that cup competitions offered an opportunity to create memorable moments for supporters.
Having come close to major success previously, the ambition was to go one step further and deliver performances worthy of the backing from the stands.
Throughout his time back at Tannadice, McNulty’s professionalism and experience proved valuable assets within a squad balancing youth and experience.
His willingness to adapt and contribute reflected the demands of modern football, where resilience and adaptability are often as important as natural ability.
A meeting with former club Hibernian added extra intrigue to one of United’s cup fixtures during his second spell at Tannadice.
Despite the familiarity of the opposition, the focus remained firmly on helping United achieve success, particularly in knockout competitions where momentum and confidence can quickly build.
While his return represented another chapter in a career that has taken him across Scotland and England, it also highlighted the strong connection between player and club.
Familiar surroundings, passionate support and a shared desire for progress ensured that his second spell in Tangerine remained a significant part of his journey.
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1948 - Partick Th 4-3 United| Scottish Cup (1st Round)
United gave the impression of a struggling B Division side for no more than a quarter of an hour.
In that period, they positively wilted under a terrific Thistle offensive line which produced two goals through Sharp and Walker. As a contest, it looked all over.
Then the Dundee lads hit back. Skilfully marshalled by skipper Gibby McKenzie, they found their feet and hustled and harried Thistle to such purpose that, on occasion, sheer panic entered the ranks of the hosts.
The porridge-like pitch proved too much for the gallant Taysiders.
After drawing level twice thanks to strikes by George Grant and, subsequently, Emilio Pacione on 53 minutes, United continued to press.
With Jimmy Dickson having levelled matters with 15 minutes left, the home defence was in dire straits towards the end of the first 90 minutes. A United goal at this point would not have been out of place.
Pity such a grand effort by the Leaguers should be nullified by such an unsatisfactory goal, as they were really worth a draw.
In the 19th minute of the extra half-hour, left-winger Jimmy Walker scrambled the Golden Goal winner in a desperate Thistle onslaught.
1993 - Aberdeen 2-0
United | Scottish Cup (4th Round)
Because the BBC were covering the tie live, this tie of the round was delayed 24 hours, but the cameras failed to capture us in our usual Pittodrie mood as we tumbled out of the cup.
Before the game, we were endeavouring to extend our remarkable Pittodrie record to five straight wins. Aberdeen were definitely the form team at that time and they certainly lived up to that reputation in the initial stages.
The Dons opened with an attacking flourish, but by midway through the first half, the Tannadice defence, superbly marshalled by veteran Dave Narey, had quelled the situation. Jess, though, continued to pose problems and he was to prove Aberdeen’s matchwinner.
Undoubtedly our best chance of the match came when Scott Crabbe sent Christian Dailly clear, but Snelders rushed from goal to foil Christian by diving at his feet.
With a little under a quarter of an hour left, Aberdeen got the vital opener.
Wright’s cross was headed back across goal by Shearer and Eoin Jess ran in to head the ball into the empty net.
Five minutes from the end, Man of the Match Jess put the tie beyond our reach with a goal of remarkable similarity to the first, only this time the youngster drilled home a Mixu Paatelainen assist.
1995 - Clyde 1-5 United | Scottish Cup (3rd Round Replay)
This tie at Broadwood ended in an emphatic, if slightly flattering, victory for the holders, with close to three thousand Arabs travelling to Cumbernauld for United’s first visit to the ground.
Billy McKinlay headed in a Jim McInally cross after 11 minutes, but Clyde
levelled shortly after when Ian Angus converted from the penalty spot following a challenge by Maurice Malpas.
United regained the lead on 36 minutes as Gordan Petric’s header struck the bar and David Craig nodded home, before David Hannah claimed a third on the stroke of halftime to put the visitors firmly in control.
Early in the second half, a neat one-two between Dave Bowman and Dragutin Ristic allowed Bo to fire home a first-time effort and effectively settle the tie.
Clyde threatened sporadically, but Kelham O’Hanlon produced several important saves, while substitute Jerren Nixon had the final say with a fine solo effort, racing through before calmly finishing past Les Fridge.
