Shed Talk 17 | Dundee United V The Spartans by dundeeunitedfc

Shed Talk CONTENTS

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

JIM GOODWIN

Welcome to Tannadice and a warm welcome to our visitors.

Wednesday night was a difficult result to take, particularly with the way the game finished, but the reaction from the players has been exactly what I expected.

There has been honesty, determination and a real focus on putting things right. We are a young group and experiences like that are part of the learning process, but the attitude in training has been excellent and the focus is firmly on responding in the right way.

Today’s Scottish Cup tie against The Spartans presents a big opportunity for us. They are a side enjoying a strong season and we will not underestimate the challenge they bring, but the emphasis has been on our own performance levels.

We need to play with intensity, do the basics well and use the technical quality within the squad to create problems.

Progressing in the cup would give everyone a lift and help us build momentum during a busy period of fixtures.

Your support, as always, makes a huge difference and we are determined to give you a performance you can be proud of.

Enjoy the game.

WILL FERRY

It has been a difficult week for us following the result in midweek, but the focus since then has been on sticking together and showing the right character as a group.

We know we are a young squad and moments like that can be tough, but it is about learning quickly, staying positive and making sure we show the right mentality when we step onto the pitch again.

The reaction around the training ground has been good and everyone is determined to put things right.

The Scottish Cup gives us a big opportunity to build momentum. Getting into the habit of winning is important and a strong run in the competition would mean a lot to everyone at the club, especially the supporters.

Confidence comes from results and performances, so the aim is to be positive,

resilient and take control of the things we can influence.

We know Spartans will provide a tough challenge and they are a team we will not take lightly. The key for us is to focus on our own game, play with energy and make sure we are the side asking the questions.

With a busy period ahead, building rhythm and consistency is vital, and we are all determined to respond in the right way and give the fans a performance they can be proud of.

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 afternoon.

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.

Dario

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MENS FIRST TEAM

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.

7 FEBRUARY

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.

MENS FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Strain Taponovski SAPSFORD 1 Dolček Watters Sibbald Stirton

Sibbald Camarà Dolček Sapsford Traoanovski Watters Pappoe Stirton

Sibbald Camarà DOLČEK 1 Sapsford WATTERS 1 Stirton Thomson Fotheringham

Sibbald Camarà Ševelj SAPSFORD 1 WATTERS 1 Dolček Stirton Fotheringham

Sibbald Camarà Ševelj Sapsford Stirton Fotheringham Fatah

Sibbald Fatah Eskesen Dolček Sapsford Möller Trapanovski Camará Strain Naamo 1 Camará Ferry © Möller SAPSFORD 1 Trapanovski Naamo Stirton FATAH 1p Sibbald Sapsford Möller Fatah Naamo Camará Trapanovski Dolček

Camará Naamo Dolček Sapsford Fatah

Camará SIBBALD 1 Ferry Sapsford Watters Möller Fatah Dolček

Camará Ferry © SAPSFORD 1 Möller FATAH 1 Strain Dolček Watters Trapanovski Sibbald Ferry Möller Sapsford Fatah Trapanovski Dolček

Sibbald Ferry Sapsford Watters Fatah Moller Dolček Ševelj

Sibbald Ferry SAPSFORD 1 Watters Fatah Ševelj Dolček Moller

Sibbald Ferry Sapsford Watters Fatah Naamo Ceall-Harding Traponovski Möller Esselink

Sibbald Camará Ferry Sapsford Stirton Fatah Trapanovski Strain Eskesen Möller

Sibbald Ferry Sapsford Watters Fatah Trapanovski Strain MOLLER 1 CAMARÁ 1 Stirton

Sibbald Ferry Trapanovski Möller Fatah Farrugia Sapsford Camará Stirton

Sibbald Ferry Sapsford Möller Traponoski Farrugia WATTERS 1 Dolček

THE SPARTANS

MANAGER: JIM GOODWIN MANAGER: DOUGIE SAMUEL

ASHLEY MAYNARD BREWER (GK)

RYAN STRAIN

BERT ESSELINK

IURIE IOVU

VICKO ŠEVELJ

ROSS GRAHAM

KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

PANUTCHE CAMARÁ

ZAC SAPSFORD

JULIUS ESKESEN

WILL FERRY

CRAIG SIBBALD

AMAR FATAH

IVAN DOLČEK

NEIL FARRUGIA

LUCA STEPHENSON

DARIO NAAMO

KRISZTIAN KERESZTES

DAVE RICHARDS (GK)

MILLER THOMSON

LEWIS O’DONNELL

RUAIRIDH ADAMS (GK)

OWEN STIRTON

CHARLIE DEWAR

MAX WATTERS

SAM CLEALL-HARDING

SCOTT CONSTABLE

CALVIN BEATTIE

ISAAC PAPPOE

BLAIR CARSWELL

KIERAN WATSON

CALLUM BOOTH

SEAN WELSH

JORDAN TAPPING

BAILEY DALL

JAMIE DISHINGTON

MARC MCNULTY

MACKENZIE SCOTT

CAMMY RUSSELL

KENZI NAIR

STEVEN LAWLESS AYRTON SONKUR ARCHIE WYLIE BROGAN WALLS

DRYSDALE

GIVEN NDLOVU

PADDY MARTIN

HARVEY CHISHOLM

KEVIN WAUGH

JAMES CRAIGEN

MARK STOWE

BRADLEY WHYTE

PAUL WATSON