Dundee United

Image source, SNS

Ross Graham says Tannadice is "a really good place to be" after Dundee United extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

Jim Goodwin's side earned their first Premiership win since their return to the top flight with a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone on Saturday, and Graham praised the squad's morale.

"It's a really good place to be at the minute and the new boys have come and settled in really well," Graham said.

"We've got a good strong core of players and a lot of old experienced ones as well as bright and youthful young ones coming through.

"You always want to go on a wee unbeaten in periods in the season and we're happy that it's come in a good time at the start.

"But we keep needing to build momentum and I'm looking forward to next week's game."

Scott Allison, currently head of coaching at Nottingham Forest, is leaving to become academy director at Dundee United. (Football Insider), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland: "It gives the group a lot of confidence - the fact they can hold their own at this level and more.

"We had a great cup win against St Mirren last weekend and followed that up today with a good victory, another clean sheet.

"Defensively I thought we were excellent all day. First half was really scrappy and St Johnstone just shaded it with clear goalscoring opportunities. We were guilty of causing our own problems.

"We made a couple of changes at half-time and made a substitution just after we scored. That made a real difference and from that point on we had a lot more control. Over the piece we deserved the win.

"We were playing far too many balls backwards [in the first half]. We were in good areas. We know what Sidibeh and Kimpioka are like, how hard they work, and we didn't get to grips with it.

"Louis Moult was terrific when he came on and led the line well. Delighted with the first goal, a really well-worked goal. The second goal is fortuitous."

Dundee United picked up their first league win of the season as they punished 10-man St Johnstone at Tannadice.

After a terrible first half, Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson put United ahead in the 54th minute when he reacted quickest to a David Babunski rebound.

Soon after Adama Sidibeh's red card, United scored again. Josh Rae missed his punch from a throw-in and Jack Sanders accidentally nodded into his own goal.

What did you make of that United fans? Was that a deserved victory?

Does Jim Goodwin still need to strengthen in the remaining transfer window?

Let us know your thoughts., external

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Similar to last week's win over St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup - this was not the most glamorous win of Jim Goodwin's United career.

The first-half, in particular, was a hard watch. There was one solitary shot - a Trapanovski volley that flew over the bar.

Although some of the manager's additions have gelled quickly, there is a lack of creativity at the top end and they were effectively handed their two goals today.

Indeed, Goodwin still cut a frosty figure on the touchline when the first goal went in. He was a bit happier at the second.

By that point, they had a bit more confidence about them. Trapanovski had been hooked for Louis Moult, and they immediately showed more threat with two strikers on the pitch.

Image source, SNS

Kristijan Trapanovski. The winger produced the only real moment of quality in the game, arguably.

He's adapted to Scottish football very quickly, and his link with compatriot David Babunski is obvious to see.

He's created a few United goals now and shouldn't be underrated.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Graham, Gallagher, Stephenson, Babunski, Sibbald, Holt, Ferry, Trapanovski, Van der Sande.

Substitutes: Richards, Moult, Odada, Middleton, Fotheringham, Docherty, Thomson, Cleall-Harding, Ubochioma.

St Johnstone: Rae, Neilson, Sanders, Cameron, Wright, Essel, M Smith, Carey, Raymond, Kimpioka, Sidibeh.

Substitutes: Sinclair, MacPherson, Clark, C Smith, Sprangler, McPake, Kirk, Franczak, Keltjens.

Dundee United defender Vicko Sevelj returns from suspension but has had a tight hamstring and will be assessed. Ryan Strain is out long term with a hamstring problem.

St Johnstone could welcome back David Keltjens but Sam McClelland is out long-term with an Achilles injury and Uche Ikpeazu (knee) is still out.

Image source, SNS

Declan Gallagher believes Dundee United are in "a really good place" after recording back-to-back draws on their return to the Scottish Premiership.

With points picked up against rivals Dundee and Ross County, United reached the last eight of the League Cup with a win against St Mirren last Sunday, and defender Gallagher is hoping he and his team-mates can take that victory into the league.

"There’s a feel-good factor about the place just now so always excited for the next game," he said as he previewed Saturday's game against St Johnstone.

"We are six games unbeaten just now, we’re doing really well and we’ve progressed in the cup, so it’s a game we’re looking forward to.

"That’s two top-six teams we’ve played - in St Mirren and Dundee - and have held our own and, obviously, we won the game against St Mirren so we are in a really good place just now.

"I think first and foremost, as a new team coming in here, I think we have to always say that we are just looking to solidify ourselves in the league, I think that’s our first priority at the end of the day.

"But as you can see, there’s a lot of exciting players been brought to the club. The manager’s built a really good team here, and it’s one that’s exciting the fans just now.

"So hopefully we can continue to gel and continue to do well and progress, and we’ll just see where the league takes us."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says the final piece of transfer business he is looking to do in this window is the signing of a centre-forward to provide competition for Louis Moult and Jort van der Sande.

Goodwin also praised the talent of 17-year-old striker Owen Stirton, but says it is likely his development will continue either in the club's youth set-up or out on loan.

"We've only got two senior strikers in the building with Van der Sand and Moult," Goodwin said.

"Owen Stirton is a player we've got high hopes for, but we feel for Owen's development it's important he keeps playing under-18s games; there might be the possibility he goes out on loan.

"It's still an area we're looking to strengthen. Everywhere else, I'm very happy with right now."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been talking to the media before Saturday's Premiership clash with St Johnstone.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Says there's a "good feeling" among his players after last three games, particularly the League Cup win over St Mirren last time out.

• Expecting a tough game against St Johnstone - says they have "good technical players" and is wary of Adama Sidibeh and Benjamin Kimpioka up front.

• Goodwin says he is still looking to add a striker before the window closes, but he is "very pleased" with all other areas of his squad and the transfer business they have done to this point.

• Praised Kevin Holt's versatility after he shone in central midfield against St Mirren, and how it gives him options in terms of the make-up of his side.

• Team news: Ryan Strain remains out with long-term injury; Ross Docherty is "not quite up to speed" and Richard Odada is "a little bit behind the rest of the group". Vicko Sevelj has had a tight hamstring but it's not serious.

Image source, SNS

• Dundee United are winless in their last seven Scottish Premiership home games against St. Johnstone (D2 L5), losing their last three in a row.

• St. Johnstone have only won one of their last 13 away games against newly promoted opponents in the Scottish Premiership (D7 L5), a 1-0 win at Kilmarnock in May 2023. They drew both of their trips to Dundee United the last season in which the Tangerines were a promoted side (2020-21).

• Dundee United have drawn their opening two Scottish Premiership fixtures this season (2-2 v Dundee, 1-1 v Ross County) – the last team to draw their opening three matches of a top-flight campaign were rivals Dundee in 2014-15, who were also a newly promoted side (Ross County could also do so this weekend).

• St. Johnstone have won their last two Scottish Premiership away games and will be aiming to win three in a row on the road in the competition for the first time since December 2018 under Tommy Wright (6 in a row).

• This will be St. Johnstone manager Craig Levein’s first top-flight match against former club Dundee United since a 1-1 draw with Hearts in October 2004. Levein has lost just one of his last eight such meetings with the Tangerines (W6 D1 – all with Hearts), a 1-2 defeat in November 2003.

• All 12 Premiership sides provided a total of 15,101 minutes to Scottish players aged under 21 in the 2023-24 season.

• Those minutes average out to just 1,258 per club, which is the equivalent of only 14 full 90-minute matches.

• Six teams failed to reach a total above 700 minutes.

• Celtic and Rangers were the worst offenders in the division, with Celtic managing just 89 minutes all in, while Rangers' total was even lower at only 26.

Steve Clarke could call up former Dundee United midfielder Ryan Gauld, now in the MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps, for the Nations League games with Poland and Portugal. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell and Dundee United's League Cup quarter-final at Fir Park will take place on Friday, 20 September.

The match kicks off at 19:45 BST and will be live on Premier Sports.

Steve Kettlewell's side edged out 10-man Kilmarnock 1-0 in extra time in the last 16 on Sunday while Dundee United beat St Mirren by the same scoreline.

Image source, SNS

Clubs in Scotland are failing to bring through enough young players, a report, external by the Scottish FA has said.

The governing body says Scottish football is "significantly underachieving its potential" in youth development compared to countries of a similar size.

Using a range of data to compare leagues across Europe, it shows players under the age of 21 in Scotland are playing fewer minutes in the top-flight than countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Croatia.

Meanwhile, game time for young Scottish players in major European club competitions ranks below countries with smaller populations and fewer resources, such as Montenegro and North Macedonia.

It also stresses clubs are missing an opportunity to reduce wage costs and increase transfer revenue by developing their own players.

The report was commissioned by the SFA's professional game board at the end of 2023, and a working party comprised of SPFL and SFA representatives will now consider its findings.

Read the full story

Former striker Lee Miller, who turned out for Dundee United, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock among others, recounts his experiences of being on the move on transfer deadline day during his playing career.

Listen and subscribe to the Scottish football podcast on BBC Sounds

Dundee United are in discussions with attacking targets. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

I’ve often said on our podcast I’m not a fan of the League Cup group stage - though that has absolutely nothing to do with United’s tendency to struggle there!

This season’s campaign has been quite the rollercoaster. It kicked off with a disaster at Falkirk, leaving fans worried.

We managed to recover with wins against Stenhousemuir and Ayr United, the latter courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Brandon Forbes.

Then came the trip to Buckie, where we needed to win by six goals.

Spoiler: We didn’t.

Fans were fuming, and the long trip home didn’t help. But somehow, we scraped through as one of the best runners-up thanks to some favourable results elsewhere.

Fast forward to this weekend: St Mirren, fresh off a European exit, came to Tannadice. We all hoped for a European hangover, and our wish was granted.

Kevin Holt, playing in midfield, had us wondering if we’d accidentally signed Sergio Busquets.

Ross Graham’s header from a Will Ferry corner sealed a hard-fought victory against a strong St Mirren side. Now we’re off to Motherwell for the quarter-finals.

So, remind me - what was all that fuss after Buckie Thistle again?

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

We asked you for your thoughts after Dundee United's win against St Mirren secured their spot in the last eight of the League Cup.

Here's what you had to say:

Graham: Aside from getting into the hat, the clean sheet is up there with the most positive thing. Last few games we have struggled to stay ahead in games, but hought we defended well with an adjusted backline team by moving Holt into a midfield role. Just wish we would kill games off as we have an unbelievable attacking threat.

Stephen: So far this season United look to be building a squad and team that work together and for each other to get the job done, but they also have something about them. More easy on the eye.

We have pace and tricky players, but very importantly we have fight. Today was not a vintage performance but they got the job done against a decent side who finished top six last season.

Alistair: Looks like recruitment has been decent.

Fraser: Will Ferry was outstanding!

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Match-winner Ross Graham insists Dundee United won't "get too carried away" with after his header secured a League Cup quarter-final tie away to Motherwell.

Graham met Will Ferry's excellent set-piece to overcome St Mirren at Tannadice, ensuring United remain unbeaten in six competitive fixtures this season.

"It felt brilliant," the defender told BBC Scotland. "I think just getting in the hat for the next round, that was the main objective and we did that.

"We're not going to get too carried away with it. I think that was a good clean sheet as well and we'll kick on from that. It's been a relatively good start this season."

United drew their opening two Premiership fixtures against Dundee and Ross County as they bid to re-establish themselves as a top-flight club this term.

Graham believes with a quarter-final now secured, they are starting to show they can compete at this level.

"St Mirren are a good side," he added. "They've been in the top six over the last couple of seasons.

"We showed we can compete with them. Dundee a few weeks ago here, they're a top-six side as well and we more than matched them, so we're looking to stride forward."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United will travel to Motherwell for their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie next month.

Jim Goodwin's side defeated St Mirren 1-0 at Tannadice on Sunday, while Motherwell beat Kilmarnock by the same score after extra-time.

The tie will take place on the weekend of 21-22 September.

Read the draw in full here.