Dundee United

Fans of both sides anticipate Monday's Dundee derby in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

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Dundee United's new signing Ruari Paton is relishing the chance to take on Premiership defences having been on a "rollercoaster" journey to reach Scotland's top flight.

The Irish striker failed to make the grade with Hibernian as a youngster, before spells at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park in Scotland's lower divisions.

The 24-year-old then signed for Port Vale last summer, but moves back north of the border with a loan switch to Tannadice.

"I was thinking about what a rollercoaster it's been from leaving Hibs and having to kind of basically work my way all the way through every level," Paton said.

"But when you're looking at it, it doesn't get bigger than this in Scotland.

"What I'm really looking forward to is going up against the teams in this league and saying 'let's have a go, let's see what this is about'. The supporters hopefully will see someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

"I know if every supporter that's watching can see that, I'm more than happy with that.

"But in terms of the league and the level, definitely ready to go and try to put my mark on it."

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Dundee United are close to signing Stockport County midfielder Lewis Fiorini on loan. (Sun), external

Fiorini, 22, is in advanced talks with United. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Dundee United are on the brink of signing Lewis Fiorini and Ruari Paton on loan deals from Stockport County and Port Vale, respectively. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Jim Goodwin says his Dundee United side are prepared to secure Scottish Cup progression by any means necessary when they face neighbours Dundee on Monday.

The Tangerines have impressed on their return to the top flight and sit third in the Scottish Premiership, 10 points ahead of Dundee in seventh.

League form has a tendency to fly out the window for cup games, but Goodwin is ready for a "dogfight" at Dens Park.

"I don't think anybody cares a great deal in these derby games about the overall performance," the Irish manager said.

"It's the end result that they want. We've got a way that we want to play and we want to be entertaining and we want to get the ball down.

"But very often in these games because of what's at stake and the nerves that are involved in it, sometimes it can be a real dogfight. But my boys have shown over the last few months that they're more than capable of that."

United are unbeaten in the two Dundee derbies so far this season. In the most recent meeting at the start of January, Sam Dalby's late goal earned Goodwin's side victory in the Scottish Premiership.

"The last game was a really entertaining game," Goodwin said. "A very dramatic finish in terms of us getting that late goal to take all three points on the night. But it was a great occasion to be involved in.

"The players, the atmosphere generated by both sets of fans, a full house, a real understanding from the players of what it means to the supporters.

"Every game against your close neighbours though, they're a bit like cup ties anyway because you've got to give your all."

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Meshack Ubochioma will spend the rest of the season on loan at Championship club Livingston after struggling to make an impact at Dundee United following his summer arrival.

The Nigerian winger joined from Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszeg on a two-year deal but has made just two appearances, scoring once, for the Tannadice side.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton believes Scottish Cup success is "there for the taking" this season as he looks to lift the trophy a second time.

United, currently best of the rest in the Premiership outwith the Old Firm, make the short trip to Dens Park on Monday night for a derby meeting where the prize is a place in the fifth round.

Middleton, who was part of the St Johnstone side that defeated Hibs in the final four years ago, said: "I think you'd be daft not to [believe you can go all the way]. I think everyone backs themselves in a cup competition. It's there for the taking.

"I've luckily done it in the past. I know how much it actually does mean and the excitement around it. It's always something that you look back on and it would be great to hopefully move forward in the competition again.

"There's obviously been a lot of ups and downs recently, but in the here and now I think we're really doing well as a team and as a club.

"I think everyone says at the minute we're all moving in the same direction and everyone's on the same page. Monday is another chance to take another step forward and keep progressing as a team."

United are unbeaten in two meetings with Dundee this season, drawing 2-2 on the opening day before Sam Dalby netted a late winner in the new year derby at Dens.

Middleton is calling for cool heads on Monday night, saying: "Cup games are an individual tie and it will be really tough.

"It will come with a lot of emotion and a lot of excitement around the whole place, but I think whoever handles that the best will come out on top."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Monday's Dundee derby has captured the imagination ever since the Scottish Cup fourth-round draw was made - and it arrives at a time when the city rivals are both on a bit of a high.

Dundee are 10 points and four places below third-top United in the Premiership after only two wins in eight outings.

But Tony Docherty's side have recovered from a poor spell and are not only unbeaten in three, but the latest two have been creditable draws with the top two sides - Rangers and Celtic.

After a 1-0 win away to St Mirren last time out, Jim Goodwin's visitors have only lost twice in seven and will be looking to repeat their 2-1 league win at Dens Park just over a fortnight ago.

Indeed, United have not lost on the other side of Tannadice Street in eight visits since August 2017.

Read Scottish Cup preview in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United are "quite close" to securing at least one new signing before Monday night's Scottish Cup derby at Dens Park, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The Irishman, who has yet to add to his squad in the January window, is targeting a forward but also looking to bolster midfield and defence.

"I think we're quite close with one definitely and possibly two. There's still a little bit of time before the game on Monday to try and get at least one of those over the line," Goodwin said.

"We're no different to any other team out there. We maybe don't have the resources and the funds available like some teams do to go out and pay fees for players. The recruitment up to now I think has been very good.

"We've been running with three senior strikers all season. Obviously Owen Stirton comes into that but still lacks that experience of playing regularly at Premiership level. I think we're still a little bit light at the top end of the pitch.

"We've had to go without [Louis] Moult for a considerable period of time which has left us only [Jort] van der Sande and [Sam] Dalby. We want to make sure we don't find ourselves in that situation going into the latter stages of the season. I also think midfield area and potentially a little bit of cover in the backline."

Goodwin admits United's impressive season so far - the Terrors sit third in the Premiership - makes the club "a much easier sell" to prospective signings, but says deals are still tricky to complete.

"It's not quite as easy or straightforward as people might think," he added. "We've identified good players who have other options. Sometimes the parent clubs are trying to get another deal done in order to free up that player.

"There's a lot of pieces that need to fall into place but I've got great support from the board. They backed me in the summer to bring in 13 new faces.

"They've backed me again this window to add a little bit more quality just to make sure that we keep that strength and depth in the squad and to try and maintain the position that we're in."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Dundee United's Scottish Cup derby with Dundee on Monday.

Here are the key points from the United manager:

• Goodwin is hopeful of adding at least one new signing before Monday night's game.

• Dundee will be a "big hurdle" but Goodwin set the target of a cup run at the start of the season and wants to make it further than the quarter-finals after his side reached that stage in the League Cup.

• While United want to play good football, Goodwin accepts the derby often becomes a "real dogfight" but insists his players are ready for the occasion.

• He adds: "They rose to the challenge the last time we played at Dens Park just recently and I would expect them to do the same on Monday."

• Tannadice players and staff are "well aware" of what's required when taking on Dundee and how much the game means to the fans.

• "Small margins" have been the difference in recent meetings and Goodwin expects the same again. He says Tony Docherty's side were "excellent" in the midweek draw with Celtic and "really unlucky not to get a historic win".

• He's determined to continue United's "feelgood factor" with a second successive derby win.

• On United's habit of late goals this season: "I don't put it down to good fortune or luck. That's testament to the group that they've got that never-say-die attitude. They keep going right to the last kick. We've tried to drill that home right from the beginning that this is our mentality as a team."

Jim Goodwin says talks with players who are out of contract this summer will remain on the back burner until the Dundee United navigated the January transfer window, but the manager is confident of keeping his players on loan, including striker Sam Dalby. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the halfway stage of the January transfer window, Dundee United perhaps face the dilemma of whether they stick or twist.

By 'stick', I mean do they stay with the squad that has served them so well so far this season - sitting third in the Premiership, well be beyond all the Tannadice club's pre-season expectations.

And they have achieved such lofty heights despite being shorn of several key players for periods of the campaign.

So one could argue that if it isn't broken, why fix it.

But, the 'twist' argument is a strong one too.

While the season may have a long way to run, one thing that is abundantly clear is that third place - and the financial, European and prestige trappings that come with it - is very much in their hands.

So do they push the boat out and bolster their squad with a few reinforcements in a bid to try and strengthen their bid to secure such riches?

Yes, manager Jim Goodwin has had to cut his cloth budget wise since he came into the club - and what a fine job he has done so far against that backdrop.

But will the United hierarchy be tempted to loosen the purse strings a little bit more as they chase what are now very-much-within-reach financial rewards?

I guess we will find out over the coming weeks as we countdown to the closure of this transfer window.

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Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Wrexham will decide whether to recall Sam Dalby from his successful loan spell at Dundee United in the coming days. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Ah, the life of a Dundee United supporter, there's never a dull moment!

Let's take a wee jaunt through our recent escapades of seven games in 20 days which started with a big point against runaway league leaders Celtic...

22 December 2024: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic

We hosted the league leaders at Tannadice and, in true festive spirit, gifted them... absolutely nothing! A defensive masterclass saw us hold Celtic to a goalless draw, much to their frustration. Our lads were as unyielding as a Scotsman refusing to pay for a round.

26 December 2024: St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee United

Boxing Day brought a trip to Perth, where we unwrapped a 2-1 victory against St Johnstone. The team showed more determination than a bairn trying to stay awake for Hogmanay. Goals from Middleton and Dalby ensured the Saints were left singing the blues.

29 December 2024: Dundee United 1-0 Aberdeen

Back at Tannadice, we edged out the anti-Goodwin brigade from Aberdeen with a 1-0 win. It wasn't the most glamorous affair, but as any Dundonian knows, sometimes a simple pie and beans hits the spot better than fancy fare. Our defence was tighter than a hipster's jeans, securing a clean sheet.

2nd January 2025: Dundee 1-2 Dundee United

Ah, the New Year derby. A time when families are divided, and so was the scoreline. We marched into Dens Park and claimed a 2-1 victory, proving that the city is still tangerine. The atmosphere was electric, and our winning goal sparked celebrations that probably registered on the Richter scale... I was upside down at one point!

5 January 2025: Dundee United 0-1 Hearts

Not all stories have happy endings and this was easily our worst performance of the run. It was a bit like trying to deep-fry a Mars bar that's just too big for the fryer. Frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful.

8 January 2025: Celtic 2-0 Dundee United

On the back of losing a game and the players running on empty, what you need is a trip to Parkhead. We were not embarassed, far from it and I doff thy cap to the fans who made if through on a freezing cold Wednesday night at £37 a ticket...

11 January 2025: St Mirren 0-1 Dundee United

The seventh game in 20 days took us back west as we travelled to Paisley and pocketed a 1-0 win against St Mirren. The late goal-scoring juggernaut that is Dundee United struck again, with Louis Moult rolling back the years with a terrific overhead kick effort to claim a fourth win this season over the Buddies... we must get to keep them now, no?

In summary, it's been a period of grit, determination, and a fair share of drama. With four wins, a draw, and two defeats, the players have shown they're made of stern stuff.

As we look ahead, let's keep the faith and remember... in football, as in life, it's not just about the destination but the glorious, unpredictable journey as the shed go marching on, on, on!

Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

The Sportscene panel react to Louis Moult's overhead kick winner against St Mirren. Available to UK users.

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Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Newman has joined Scottish Championship side Livingston on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the start of the campaign, but his loan move was cut short due to off-field issues for the League One club.

The shotstopper signed for United back in 2020 after coming through the academy at Sunderland and has made four first team appearances for the Tangerines.

Newman will be available for David Martindale's third-placed side when they host Airdrieonians on Tuesday night as they bid to make an immediate return to the top flight.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

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Jack Walton: Big moments and the penalty save secured another vital three points for United as they strengthened their hold on third place.

Louis Moult: An injection before the game to numb the pain in a shoulder issue was clearly worth it as his expertly taken goal made the difference in the 1-0 win at St Mirren.

The 32-year-old plays with such personality, quality and imagination in the final third.

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Louis Moult loves a bit of Spandau Ballet.

Well, supporters of the clubs he's played for do.

The veteran forward, who scored a sensational winner against St Mirren on Saturday, has long had his name sung to the band's hit, 'Gold', and the tangerine faithful are the latest to serenade the striker. And he's going to milk it.

His overhead kick in the 88th minute in Paisley not only sparked wild scenes of jubilation among the travelling support, but got the catchy tune ringing around the Smisa Stadium... and on the road back up to Dundee.

"It's an unbelievable feeling when you hear the fans sing it," the 32-year-old said.

"It's a song that has followed me my whole career, from Nuneaton, Wrexham, Motherwell – now the Dundee United faithful are ringing it out.

"I love it. I'm going to milk it. I do find myself in the shower humming along to it, sometimes.

"Those scenes at the end is what we are all about. Two years ago, this club was on the decline, and we are hopefully on that upwards trajectory now.

"We need to continue that. And when you see the players, manager, board, fans all together as one, it's hard not to be successful."

Speaking of success, Moult has a history with bicycle kicks, and was reminded of a cracker he scored for Wrexham ten years ago on social media a few days ago.

"It's funny how things like that happen. Maybe it was in my mind, subconsciously. So, when the ball drops, I thought 'set it up for a bicycle kick'.

"I can't believe I can still get my leg that high. And when I was on the ground I was saying, 'is it in? Is it not?' It was relief when it went in."

Moult may have been relieved, but he was not surprised that he was the man who made the difference - despite taking an injection in his shoulder pre-match.

"I actually turned around to the bench before I came on and said 'this just stinks of a Louis Moult 1-0 win," he added.

"You might think that sounds cocky, but I think that's just belief. I've always been a guy who'll believe in my ability to score goals."

Watch highlights of Dundee United's last-gasp win at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. (UK users only)