Previous News 1

20/07/06    United linked to players

Christian Kalvenes

After last night's 1-4 victory at Station Park again Forfar Athletic which saw Robb, Brewster, Miller and Samuel on the score sheet, United have given opportunities to two more players with the start of the season fast approaching. Christian Kalvenes, 29 and currently with Brann Bergen and Vance Sikov, who is 21 and spent last year was with Xanthi in Greece, will join up with the team as trialists to allow Brewster to make a judgement over the coming days.

17/07/06    Trialists fail to impress

Trialists Lindsay Wilson and Jeppe Hestehave will not be offered contracts with Dundee United after failing to impress on their recent tour of Denmark. Wilson is currently with PSV but is surplus to requirements and Hestehave was playing with FC Copenhagen but both do not feature in Brewster's plans. Brewster will be keen to make a couple of signings prior to the season start at the end of the month with United lacking in several areas such as the left back role vacated by Mulgrew and another goalkeeper to challenge Derek Stillie after the departure of Craig Samson. The list could go on but United aren't going to make that many signings!

13/07/06    McIntyre leaves

Jim McIntyre has agreed a severance package with United and now leaves the club. McIntyre joined in July of 2001 and made 142 first team starts, 21 substitute appearances and scored 42 times in the process.

United won their second friendly match last night against Herfolge with Robb and Brewster on the score sheet. As expected Lindsay Wilson started the game and was replaced by fellow trialist Jeppe Hestehave who had been with FC Copenhagen.

12/07/06    Wilson on trial

Lindsay Wilson will travel with United to Denmark on their pre-season tour in a bid to win a permanent move. He was on loan at Kilmarnock for much of last season and the 27 year old Australian has been told he can leave his current club PSV Eindhoven. United play their first match in Denmark tonight against Herfolge.

04/07/06    United miss out on Wallace

United have failed in their bid to bring Lee Wallace to Tannadice on a year long loan deal. Brewster is keen to sign a left sided player, but despite being out of the frame for much of last season Hearts say they want to keep hold of Wallace for this coming term.

28/06/06    Brebner leaves

As expected Grant Brebner has left Dundee United in similar circumstances which saw Derek McInnes leave earlier in the week. It is likely that Brebner will now leave Scotland to play in Australia after starting 65 times for United scoring 7 times in the process.

26/06/06    McInnes & Geddes leave

Derek McInnes has agreed a settlement with Dundee United and has now left the club. He was told at the end of the season that he was not part of Craig Brewster's plans along with several other high wage earners. Grant Brebner is thought to be closing in on a move to Australia whilst goalkeeping coach Bobby Geddes has left United and will be replaced by Scott Thomson. 

20/06/06    United complete signings

Craig Conway, Noel Hunt and Steven Robb all completed their moves to United today by being unveiled to the press. Conway has signed a three year deal after agreeing a pre contract deal in April and Hunt has also signed a three year deal with both players former clubs obtaining compensation fees. Steven Robb joined from Dundee on a two year deal after rejecting a wage cut. 

16/06/06    Robb moves to Tannadice

Steven Robb finalised his move to United today from rivals Dundee after refusing to accept a pay cut at the dark blues. The 24 year old left midfielder will be unveiled at Tannadice on Tuesday along with Noel Hunt and Craig Conway, with Hunt due to take a medical earlier that day.

15/06/06    United agree sponsorship deal

United have agreed a short sponsorship deal with Spanish company Ole International who deal with real estate. A one year deal has been signed and now United's strips will not only have a shirt sponsor in Anglian Home Improvements but also the name of the Spanish company on their shorts.

United are also on the trail of Steven Robb and Lee Wallace. Midfielder Robb is due to leave Dundee after rejecting a wage cut and Wallace maybe available from Hearts, although whether it would be only a loan deal or permanent move is unclear.

09/06/06    Hunt set to join United

A fee has now been agreed for Noel Hunt to join United from Dunfermline Athletic with the only obstacle now standing being a medical which he is due to take over the coming week. The 23 year old joined The Pars from Shamrock Rovers in 2003 for £100,000. Going in the opposite direction could be Jim McIntyre although the deals are said to be unrelated and United have dropped interest in David Proctor and Ian Black as they could not agree a deal with Inverness.

30/05/06    Hunt for striker intensifies

Craig Brewster's attempts to bring Noel Hunt to United have been stepped up with talks now taking place between the two clubs. Hunt is yet to agree a new contract with Dunfermline and Brewster is keen to pair him up with Lee Miller at United with the possibility of Jim McIntyre and David Fernandez heading in the opposite direction.

Brewster commented: "There is a bit still to do to get the deal done.

"Jim McIntyre has been mentioned because Dunfermline have been interested in him for a while."

"As far as I know, the chairman is speaking to John Yorkston to finalise things."

"We've spoken about David Fernandez as well, but how interested they are in him I really can't say for sure."

"Noel has developed as a player and, although he may not be a prolific scorer, he works very hard and creates a lot of chances."

"Most of Mark Burchill's goals for Dunfermline last season came when they were together and I can see the same happening when we get him alongside Lee."

29/05/06    Inverness reject approaches

Dundee United have made bids for Ian Black and David Proctor but both bids for the Inverness pairing have been rejected. Inverness had previously stated that any bids for their players from rival SPL clubs would be unwelcome.

27/05/06    Melbourne after Brebner

Grant Brebner maybe on his way to Australia for talks with Melbourne Victory if they can agree a deal with United. The midfielder was told at the end of the season that he wasn't in the club's plans and if United agree a severance package he could be on his way to discuss a deal next week.

12/05/06    Brewster after Proctor

Craig Brewster has added David Proctor to his list of candidates to join United over the summer after making an approach for the Inverness midfielder. He still has a year to run on his contract so United will have to meeting the Inverness asking price if they are to be successful in bringing the 22 year old to Tannadice.

In terms of United's current playing staff who are no longer part of Brewster's plans, Derek McInnes has been linked with St. Johnstone, Grant Brebner with Gretna and Jim McIntyre with Dunfermline possibly seeing Noel Hunt heading in the opposite direction.

09/05/06    United chase new keeper

United are said to be interested in two out of favour Old firm goalkeepers with a view to bringing in one for next season to challenge Derek Stillie. Both Allan McGregor and David Marshall are said to be on Craig Brewster's list although whether they would be only loan deals is another issue. McGregor spent this season on loan to Dunfermline Athletic whilst David Marshall was kept out at Celtic by Artur Boruc. Another name linked with United is Bob Malcolm who is out of favour at Rangers.

08/05/06    New shirt sponsor

United have announced that to accompany their new Hummel kits for the coming season will be a new shirt sponsorship deal with Anglian Home Improvements. The sponsor will be on the United shirts for the next two years with the option of a third year. The company will also sponsor Motherwell for the same time period.

07/05/06    SPL results

06/05/06    Motherwell        1-1        Dundee United

                    Hamilton (missed pen) 60     Samuel 86

                    Hamilton 60

United salvaged a late equaliser for a deserved draw to secure a 9th place finish in the SPL on goal difference to both Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic.

Motherwell could have taken an early lead when Jim Paterson's corner was punched clear by Samson to the feet of Alan McCormack at the edge of the box, but he fluffed his shot completely and the danger was cleared. United went close shortly after when Barry Robson crossed from the right and Jim McIntyre stabbed a left foot effort narrowly wide. Motherwell threatened again when Hamilton tried to catch Samson off his line with a snapshot from distance and then at the other end Hammell did well to head a dangerous Mulgrew cross clear in front of goal under pressure from McIntyre. United passed up another opportunity when Robson was played in on the right side of the box, but he dragged a left foot effort beyond Smith's far post. Motherwell threatened again when David Clarkson squared from the left for Corrigan, but his effort was blocked under pressure from Kenneth and McCracken. United came closest to breaking the deadlock when McIntyre crossed from the right and Lee Miller sent a header crashing off the crossbar shortly before half time.

Mulgrew had a chance a minute after the break, when Robson's free-kick was cleared to the feet of the left back but he fired over. Paterson was sent clear on the left by Jim Hamilton, after fine work from David Clarkson but the defender selfishly tried a shot which flew wide, with Hamilton and McBride waiting for the cross. Motherwell took the lead in the 60th minute when Mulgrew hauled down Paul Quinn in the box and referee Stuart Dougal awarded a penalty. Hamilton's spot kick was brilliantly pushed onto the post by Samson, before rolling back across the face of goal, but Paterson raced in to knock the loose ball square for Hamilton to stab home. United almost hit back immediately when Robson tried an ambitious 30-yard curling effort which almost dipped into Meldrum's top corner. Motherwell should have doubled their lead following great work from Clarkson, which saw him slip Paterson clear on the left of the box, but his shot was saved by the legs of Samson. Stuart Duff fed William Easton on the left but Miller was unable to reach the ball across goal, but United did draw level in the 87th minute when Robson's flick on sent Collin Samuel clear and he fired a right foot effort beyond Meldrum.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Kenneth, Gardiner, Mulgrew (Easton 72), Cameron, Duff, Robson, Fernandez (Samuel 64), Miller, McIntyre (Goodwillie 73).

Subs Not Used: McLean, Abbot, Robertson, Watson.

Motherwell

Smith (Meldrum 32), Kinniburgh (Donnelly 55), McLean, Quinn, Corrigan (McBride 34), McCormack, O'Donnell, Hammell, Paterson, Clarkson, Hamilton. 

Subs Not Used: Kerr, McGarry, Fitzpatrick, Reynolds.

Att: 5,269

Ref: S. Dougal

03/05/06    Samson to leave

Craig Samson has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season. He has made 7 starts for the first team this season but has failed to impress Brewster and will join the growing list of those departing Tannadice.

Stuart Abbot looks to have suffered a fractured metatarsal bone in his foot in the game against Dunfermline Athletic last night. Making only his 2nd start Abbot was taken off after only 34 minutes due to the injury.

Lee Miller has been called up for Scotland to play in the Kirin Cup which takes place on the 11th & 13th May against Bulgaria and Japan respectively.

02/05/06    Dundee United    0-1    Dunfermline Athletic

                                                              Daquin 78

It was a better performance but similar story for United as they probably deserved at least one point from this game if not the win and yet conceded a late goal to slip to 10th in the table.

United controlled much of the game in the first half with some surprise inclusions in their starting line-up. Samuel played despite injury concerns and Fernandez made his first appearance since being told he could leave the club. McGregor did well throughout the match to deny the home side and Samuel was first to experience his keeping skills when his header was kept out following Jim McIntyre's cross. Dunfermline got their first real chance of the game when Burchill made the most of a slack Kenneth pass back but Samson saved the striker's effort. Mulgrew's deflected shot clipped the top of the bar for United before Duff went close from the edge of the box which was off target. Abbot was replaced with 34 minutes gone after what appeared to be a serious foot injury.

United began the second half in the way which most of the first half followed but they just couldn't made their chances count. Cameron and Mulgrew both went close to hitting the target before Dunfermline recovered with a spell of possession without really making any goal scoring opportunities. Not for the first time this season United appeared to be denied a certain penalty when David Fernandez was pulled back when trying to convert Mulgrew's cross from close range. Instead of finding the net his effort went over the bar and all appeals were waved away. Dunfermline stole the points in the 79th minute when they made the post of a failure to clear the ball on United's part. Kenneth was caught on the ball and his attempted clearance only found Daquin who drilled the ball high into the net. It was another frustrating night for both the fans and players as they got no reward for their efforts and now the side look likely to struggle to stay away from second bottom place in the table with a difficult tie away to Motherwell and Falkirk being at home to Livingston on the final day.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Kenneth, Gardiner, Mulgrew, Abbot (Robertson 34), Cameron, Duff, Fernandez, Samuel (Miller 62), McIntyre.

Subs Not Used: McLean, McInnes, Easton, Watson, Goodwillie.

Dunfermline Athletic

McGregor, Labonte, Shields, S. Wilson, Ross, I. Campbell, Mason, Daquin (C. Wilson 80), Burchill, Hunt, Tarachulski (Muirhead 68). 

Subs Not Used: Halliwell, McCunnie, Phinn, A. Campbell, Simmons.

Att: 5,034

Ref: C. Thomson

30/04/06    SPL result

29/04/06    Dundee United    0-2    Falkirk

                                                              Gow 14

                                                              McBreen 39

                                                              Cregg 81

Only two more games to go before hopefully the misery ends after this terrible season. This was probably the worst United game i had ever seen which struggled to mount up even one notable effort on goal from a Tangerine perspective. This was a makeshift side with a mixture of youth, regulars and those who will be on their way out of Tannadice come the end of the season, but this still doesn't justify such a woeful display throughout the 90 minutes.

Falkirk started well and had a couple of early opportunities to take the lead. Gow's cross from the right found Jack Ross at the far post, but he could not direct his effort on target. McBreen then found himself clear on goal but his looping header never troubled Craig Samson. The opening goal came on 14 minutes when Paul Ritchie failed to clear a through ball by Kenny Milne, allowing Gow to net from close range. Falkirk almost added to their lead when O'Donnell's corner from the right was met by Milne, but the he headed over from close range. The away side kept pressing and could have went further ahead when Gow and Lima on the right combined to provide a cross which just eluded McBreen with the striker totally unmarked in front of goal. With 39 minutes gone Falkirk got their second goal when Gow's ball in from the right was missed by everyone allowing McBreen to finish from close range. Charlie Mulgrew's corner produced the closest that United had to an effort on goal when the ball ricocheted around in the box before being cleared by Howard.

United made two substitutions at the interval with Ritchie being replaced by Kenneth and McIntyre coming on for Robertson. Falkirk continued where they left off in the first half with Lima's corner testing Samson before Gow's cross was headed just wide by McBreen. United had a rare opportunity in front of goal in when Mulgrew's freekick from the edge of the area went just wide of target and shortly after he produced another good cross from a set piece forcing a clearance by Howard. O'Donnell and Cregg both lost the head stirring up unnecessary trouble with Goodwillie sparking a mass of players from both sides having a go at one another in the centre of the park. O'Donnell saw yellow for his antics with Cregg receiving a straight red card. Neil Scally almost put Falkirk 0-3 ahead near the end but his effort crashed off the top of the bar.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Archibald, Ritchie (Kenneth 45), Gardiner (Goodwillie 74), Mulgrew, Abbot, Duff, Kerr, Robertson (McIntyre 45), Samuel.

Subs Not Used: McLean, McInnes, Easton, Cameron.

Falkirk

Howard, Ross, Rodrigues, Dodds, Milne, Lima, Cregg, O'Donnell (Scally 85), Scobie, Gow (Craig 83), McBreen (Moutinho 87).

Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Lawrie, McPherson, Churchill.

Att: 5,798

Ref: C. MacKay

27/04/06    Brebner free to leave

Grant Brebner has been the latest name added to the list of players free to find another club at the end of the season. Craig Brewster explained that the midfielder is not in his future plans and feels the player needs a new challenge. Brebner joined United from Hibs in August 2004 and has so far made 65 first team starts scoring 7 times in the process.

Meanwhile United have announced that they have signed a three year deal with kit manufacturer Hummel. They will also revise the club's range of training gear and other clothing available from Dundee United Direct.

26/04/06    Abbot & McLean sign deals

Youngsters Stuart Abbot and Euan McLean have both signed new deals to keep them on at Tannadice. Abbot, 19, made his first appearance in the senior team at the weekend against Inverness whilst McLean, 17, has been on the bench on several occasions due to United's goalkeeping injury & performance troubles. Both players have signed new one year contracts.

23/04/06    SPL result

22/04/06    Inverness Caledonian Thistle    1-0    Dundee United

                    Dargo 90

United went down to an injury time winner for Inverness to taste defeat for the fourth straight time in a row. Both sides struggled to create in the blustery conditions but it was Inverness who made the most of another defensive gift from United.

United's first and maybe best effort came early in the game when Charlie Mulgrew went close with a free kick which went wide of target. At the other end the home side came into the game with Hart's shot well saved by Craig Samson and his following free kick almost ended up in the net from a serious of attempts which concluded with Dargo almost turning the ball in from close range.

Dargo was again in the action at the beginning of the second half when he directed Hart's corner towards goal only for Mulgrew to clear off the line. Mulgrew was again United's saviour when he produced a fine challenge to prevent Wilson from converting Dargo's pass. At the opposite end a rare United attack ended when Mulgrew's cross was met well by Robertson only for Dods to prevent the header from troubling Brown in goal. Inverness pressurised towards the end for the winning goal with Wilson going close on two occasions, firstly sending an effort from the edge of the box just wide before his vicious cross almost ended up in the net on it's own accord. Mulgrew tested Brown with a late free kick and United lost the game when Archibald conceded possession to Craig Dargo who needed no invitation to dispatch the ball into the net to win the points for Inverness.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Archibald, Ritchie, Gardiner, Mulgrew, Duff, Kerr, Brebner (Abbot 85), Robertson (Goodwillie 75), Samuel.

Subs Not Used: McLean, Kenneth, Callaghan, Easton, Cameron.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Brown, Tokely, Dods, Hastings, Golabek, Wilson, Hart, Keogh, McBain (Morgan 64), Dargo, Wyness (McAllister 81).

Subs Not Used: Fraser, McCaffrey, Bayne, Parratt, Sutherland.

Att: 

Ref: M. Tumilty

18/04/06    United sign Ayr's Conway

United have made a move to sign Craig Conway from Ayr United on a three year deal subject to a medical. If all goes well the 20 year old winger will join United on June 1st giving Ayr a compensation package which will be determined by an independent panel as both parties couldn't agree on a figure. 

United have also confirmed that they have given 10 young players professional contracts after promoting them from various youth centres throughout the country. Ryan McCord, Fraser Milligan, Sean Fleming, Scott Paterson, Neil McMechan, Philip McGrath, Keith Watson, Chris Jeffrey, Gordon Pope and Scott Mathieson have been lucky enough to progress. 

16/04/06    SPL result

15/04/06    Livingston    3-1    Dundee United

                    Morrow 7                     Robertson 18

                    Pinxten 48

                    Brittain (pen) 90

Another disastrous day for United as they succumbed to Livingston for the second time this season at Almondvale Stadium. Livingston needed a win to stay in the SPL and that's exactly what they achieved but just now anyone must fancy their chances against a fading United team. We can only hope that what will come next season will make up for the pain being suffered at the moment!

United were on the back foot from the off with Mackay testing Samson very early on and in only the 8th minute a defensive error was to prove costly for United. Following Healy's cross a mix up between Kenneth and Samson enabled Sam Morrow to take control of the loose ball and convert into the empty net exposing United's frailties in their back line for all to see. Morrow went close to a second for Livi shortly after forcing Samson to palm the ball round his post and at this stage the home side were well in control. With United's first meaningful attack they scored when in the 19th minute good build up play released Charlie Mulgrew who whipped in a great cross which David Robertson dispatched at the near post for his first senior goal. This seemed to settle United down and Duff almost gave the away side the lead when he attempted a lob from the edge of the penalty area which just failed to find the target. United now looked the more likely side to score and again good work from Mulgrew and a fine cross allowed Brebner to find Samuel, but the striker couldn't make his shot count.

United would have been looking to start the next period in a more solid fashion than the first but instead again gifted Livingston the lead in the 49th minute. Another defensive gaff between Samson and McCracken allowed Pinxten to roll the ball into the net after Hoolahan's cross wasn't dealt with. Hoolahan then provided a fine corner which Healy volleyed only for Samson to prevent another goal. Mulgrew is becoming renowned for his free kicks and he would have drawn United level with another finely struck set-piece were it not for the heroics of Roddy McKenzie. United were now throwing everything at Livingston to try and salvage something from the game but a series of fine stops was to prevent the The Tangerines with efforts from Ritchie, Robertson and Samuel all on target. Robson should have scored but failed to hit the target when provided by a cut back from Collin Samuel, and Livi were to compound United's misery in injury time when Brittain converted a penalty after Hislop had been fouled by Archibald in the box.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Archibald, Kenneth (Ritchie 59), Mulgrew, Duff, Kerr, Brebner, Robson, Robertson, Samuel.

Subs Not Used: McLean, Abbot, Gardiner, Easton, Cameron, Goodwillie.

Livingston

McKenzie, Pinxten, Strong, McNamee, Mackay, Brittain, Walker (Tierney 90), Healy, Hoolahan (Adams 76), Morrow, Whelan (Hislop 75).

Subs Not Used: Roy, Snodgrass, Miller, Dorrans.

Att: 2,298

Ref: B. Winter

15/04/06    McIntyre to leave

Jim McIntyre has been told by the club that he is free to leave United at the end of the season as he does not form part of Brewster's future plans. McIntyre has started 140 times for United in all competitions scoring 42 times. He joins the list of McInnes, Ritchie and Fernandez who have been told they can leave Tannadice in what appears to be a fairly large summer clear out after a dismal season.

Meanwhile Collin Samuel has been named in Leo Beenhakker's 24 man World Cup squad to travel to Germany in the summer. He joins six Scottish based players which includes former United favourite Jason Scotland.

10/04/06    United players told to leave

The start of the summer clear out has already begun with United making Derek McInnes, Paul Ritchie and David Fernandez aware that they have no future at Tannadice. It may come as no surprise that Derek McInnes is one with talk of him leaving United common place whereas Paul Ritchie has been dogged by injury. The third name is of some surprise as despite being the age of 32, David Fernandez is the club's second top goal scorer with 7 goals in all competitions and is renowned for his ability to create something from nothing.

09/04/06    SPL result

08/04/06    Falkirk    1-0    Dundee United

                    Ross 23

Another week, another defeat for United as they became the first side to taste defeat in the SPL at the Falkirk Stadium. Craig Brewster must be counting the days to the end of the season to try and re-build his struggling United side for the start of the next campaign.

United survived an early scare when Cregg's effort was saved from Craig Samson after the midfielder was put in on goal by a combination of Gow and McBreen. United themselves could have went ahead shortly after this when Samuel robbed Rodrigues only for Howard to save the striker's shot before Brebner put the rebound wide of target. Brebner and Samuel combined again when Samuel's cross was met by the ex Hibs midfielder, but once again the Falkirk keeper made a good save to keep the scores level. United then almost made the most of the resulting corner when Fernandez headed from the boot of Robson with Cregg on the goal line to clear. United were to rue these missed chances in the 24th minute when Cregg supplied Jack Ross with the ball at the edge of the box which he fired low into the net. United threatened to equalise but Howard was again equal to Samuel's low shot before the striker almost latched onto a mistake by Lescinel but Dodd managed to clear the danger. Falkirk had a great chance to go 2-0 ahead when Gow raced in on goal but as he tried to lob Samson he enabled the keeper to get a hand on the ball to parry over.

At the start of the second half United had another great chance to get back into the game when Robson was released by Grant Brebner but as he tried to cut the ball back Howard was there again to take control of the situation. Archibald volleyed just wide of goal from the edge of the area but Falkirk were now gaining more control of the match and Gow almost extended the home side's lead when he unleashed a power effort which flew narrowly wide of target. United continued to press for an equaliser but Fernandez couldn't test Howard from close range and then Duff's shot was again cleared from the line by Cregg and they must have known that it just wasn't going to be their day. Fernandez fired a fine effort on goal as the match drew to a close but once again Howard was not to be beaten. Falkirk have been waiting for this victory all season and have probably played far better and lost so you can't begrudge them the three points although it's typical that United were on the receiving end.

Dundee United

Samson, McCracken, Archibald, Kenneth, Mulgrew, Duff, Kerr, Brebner, Robson, Samuel, Fernandez (Goodwillie 86).

Subs Not Used: McLean, Abbot, Gardiner, Cameron, McInnes, Robertson.

Falkirk

Howard, Ross (Lawrie 88), Dodds, Lescinel, Milne, Rodrigues, Craig, Cregg, Thomson, McBreen, Gow (Moutinho 85).

Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Lima, Twaddle, O'Donnell, Latapy.

Att: 4,473

Ref: D. McDonald

05/04/06    SPL results

03/04/06    Stillie & Miller out for rest of season

It is likely that United keeper Derek Stillie will miss the remainder of the season due to a broken finger. He sustained the injury in United's game against Rangers yesterday after colliding with a post following a Prso header. He will probably be out for the next six weeks with Craig Samson due to start the game against Falkirk.

Following a scan, Lee Miller also misses out for the rest of the season after it was declared that he had broken his arm during the defeat to Rangers.

02/04/06    Dundee United    1-4    Rangers

                    Samuel 68                           Prso 30

                                                               Boyd 31

                                                               Boyd 54

                                                               Boyd 83

It was two defeats in a row for United against Rangers bringing to an abrupt end their good record at home and away against the Ibrox side over the last few seasons.

United made a promising start to the match but all it was all too familiar a story as they couldn't convert their possession into good goal scoring chances. Rangers meanwhile went close when Ferguson set up Buffel only for the Belgian to chip wide of goal and he then failed to punish Stillie for a poor clearance by sending his shot off target. Prso struck the post with a header before Rangers went ahead in the 31st minute of the game. Prso, who tormented McCracken throughout the match, made a run infield and was allowed space and time to fire a shot high into the top left hand corner of the net. United were stunned only a minute later when they conceded again with McCracken being dispossessed in a dangerous area allowing Lovenkrands to find Ferguson who in turn passed to Kris Boyd who made no mistake from close range to put a huge dent in the hopes of The Tangerines. After a fairly bright start United were thankful to go in at half time only 0-2 down with Rangers squandering another great chance just before the break with Boyd blasting over the bar.

United should have been given a lifeline early in the second half after again starting well. McInnes found space on the right wing to provide a great low cross which looked odds on to find the back of the net via a central Collin Samuel. Instead Rodriguez appeared to foul Samuel from behind taking the striker out before he could apply the strike which would have surely brought United back into the game. John Underhill waved away the appeals to the disbelief of the home fans and you just knew it wasn't going to be United's day. In the 55th minute the game was virtually killed off when poor defending allowed Prso to find Boyd at the second attempt from the left wing allowing the striker to find the net for the second time in the game. Boyd had another effort saved from Derek Stillie before good play from Mulgrew and Robson allowed Samuel the opportunity to strike at goal only for Waterreus to prevent his first effort and the post to deny the rebound. United did get a goal back in the 69th minute when a mix up between Hutton and Waterreus allowed Samuel to gather, turn and slot the ball into the empty net. Boyd hit the woodwork shortly after when he headed a Buffel cross towards goal before making the game totally safe in the 84th minute when he converted a Buffel corner after yet more poor defending. The remainder of the game was played out with Rangers teasing the dejected United team with a game of keep ball.

Dundee United

Stillie, McCracken, Kenneth, Mair, Mulgrew, Kerr, McInnes (Duff 72), Robson (Robertson 88), Samuel, Miller, Fernandez (Cameron 89).

Subs Not Used: Samson, Archibald, Gardiner, Goodwillie.

Rangers

Waterreus, Hutton, Smith, Rodriguez, Kyrgiakos, Ferguson (Gavin Rae 66), Hemdani, Buffel, Lovenkrands, Kris Boyd (Novo 88), Prso.

Subs Not Used: Klos, Ricksen, Andrews, Murray, N'Guessan.

Att: 11,213

Ref: J. Underhill

01/04/06    Scottish Cup & SPL results

26/03/06    SPL result

25/03/06    Dundee United    2-2    Kilmarnock

                    McCracken 46                     Naismith 12

                    McInnes 50                          Naismith 17

United survived the loss of two early goals despite initially starting the game well, to in the end provide a fine second half performance which could have seen them win the game.

United came out well after their win against Livingston two weeks ago and tested Combe early on with Miller's looping header a result of Robertson's cross. United could easily have went ahead shortly after when Robson's corner was helped into the path of Fernandez by Robertson but the Spaniard couldn't make his effort count. With virtually Kilmarnock's first attack they went ahead on 12 minutes when Johnston's corner was headed into the net by Naismith who was able to find space in the box. United went close to equalising second's later but the difference was that Miller couldn't convert Robson's corner with his head and at the other end they were to pay for not taking their chances. In the 18th minute a Johnston corner was this time cleared out with the box but Naismith hooked the ball back over his shoulder with what looked like a tame effort until it beat Stillie at the post for an embarrassing second Kilmarnock goal. United seemed to have now lost all the belief that they had began the match with and were fortunate not to suffer a further loss when Nish headed Invincible's cross wide of target. On the break United looked to claw one back but Fernandez missed the far post with his curling effort when Samuel was maybe better placed for the through pass.

When United looked to be well and truly out of the game in more ways than just the scoreline, they began the second half with a fighting spirit which brought them right back into contention. Within 2 minutes of the restart they had scored when good work between Fernandez and McInnes allowed the later to provide a dangerous cross into the area which David McCracken took full advantage of to head home. United equalised in the 51st minute in controversial fashion. Robson found McInnes and the midfielder's shot from the edge of the box was dummied by Fernandez seemingly standing in an offside position deceiving Combe and trickling into the net. Even the United fans were expecting the goal to be disallowed but were jubilant when the referee waved away the mass Kilmarnock protest. Things did equal themselves out though when United were denied a clear penalty after Nish handled Robson's corner in the box. The game flowed from end to end as both sides sensed that a victory was on the cards with Stillie making up slightly for his first half effort by turning Nish's deflected shot round the post, Samuel's effort edging past the far post and Nish failing to convert a Wales cross.

Dundee United

Stillie, McCracken, Kenneth, Mair, Mulgrew, Samuel, Robson, McInnes, Robertson (Duff 79), Miller, Fernandez.

Subs Not Used: Samson, Archibald, Duff, Cameron, Gardiner, Abbot, Goodwillie.

Kilmarnock

Combe, Wilson, Ford, Wright, Greer, Invincible, Fowler, Naismith, Johnston, Nish, Wales.

Subs Not Used: Smith, McDonald, Murray, Di Giacomo, Leven, Campbell, Bell.

Att: 5,830

Ref: I. Brines

22/03/06    SPL result

19/03/06    SPL & CIS Cup Final results

18/03/06    SPL results

12/03/06    SPL result

11/03/06    Dundee United    3-1    Livingston

                    Miller 68                              Morrow 17

                    Kerr 77

                    Miller 80

United finally got their first win under Craig Brewster at the 8th time of asking but didn't look like achieving it for most of the game. Once the equaliser went in though United looked a different side and could have scored more from their opportunities.

The first real chance of the game came for Sam Morrow on 10 minutes when he was put clear by Allan Walker, but the striker pulled his shot wide of the post. United replied with an attack which almost brought the opening goal. David Fernandez provided the cross and Lee Miller did well to power a header towards goal forcing Roddy McKenzie to concede the corner. United lost their way when Livingston went ahead in the 18th minute. Barry Robson was dispossessed and this time Morrow made no mistake and buried the ball low into the left hand corner of the net. The away side had further chances through Walker and Mackay but couldn't make them count. Livingston boss John Robertson was sent to the stand after kicking the ball away claiming the Sam Morrow had been fouled and United reacted to this with Robertson almost heading a Mark Kerr cross into the net, but McKenzie tipped it over once more.

Livingston continued the second half the way they played the first and if anything United seemed to be falling out the game more rather than trying to fight their way back into it. Livingston failed to make the most of the time and space they were given when Walker's cross was headed across goal from Dorrans only for Hoolahan to squander the chance to shoot. Former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan came on and he wasted another chance to extend their lead chipping weakly towards a grateful Stillie when clear of the defence. Livingston would regret this when out of nothing United found a way back into the game when Miller made the most of Kenneth's cross by turning and blasting the ball into the left corner of the net on 68 minutes. This visibly lifted United and from then on they started to play the way they can play. In the 78th minute they went ahead when David Fernandez provided a knock down for Mark Kerr who controlled the ball before lashing a shot high into the net from the edge of the area. The comeback was complete when Miller found space in the box to find the net from close range in the 81st minute. United could have added to their tally with Goodwillie looking hungry to progress from his first senior goal scored last week against Hibs but the game ended with the 3-1 scoreline.

Dundee United

Stillie, McCracken, Kenneth, Mair, Robson, Samuel (Goodwillie 87), Kerr, McInnes, Robertson, Miller, Fernandez.

Subs Not Used: Samson, Archibald, Duff, Gardiner, Abbot, Easton.

Livingston

McKenzie, McNamee, Dorado, Strong, Mackay, Brittain, Adams, Hoolahan (Whelan 58), Walker (Tierney 52), Dorrans (Vincze 66), Morrow.

Subs Not Used: Roy, Snodgrass, Miller, Hislop.

Att: 5,730

Ref: C. Thomson

08/03/06    Samuel linked with Leeds

Collin Samuel is apparently attracting the interest of Championship side Leeds United who are pushing for promotion into the Premiership. Despite his agent denying the claims, it is thought that Leeds manager Richard Cresswell is hoping to bring in Samuel before the Championship transfer window ends at the end of the month. Samuel is almost a certainty for the Trinidad and Tobago World Cup squad after impressing in their recent friendly against Iceland, setting up two goals in the process.

Meanwhile United have themselves been linked to summer moves for both Craig Dargo and Darren Dods. Both played under Craig Brewster at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and current manage Charlie Christie was unimpressed with the rumour claiming that United were trying to unsettle his players.

Lee Miller and Barry Robson have also been called up for the Scotland future international against Turkey on March 15th.

06/03/06    Mulgrew award and Thompson warning

Charlie Mulgrew gave some welcome news at Tannadice by receiving the February award for Young player of the month. He has been one of United's more consistent players since his arrival on loan from Celtic and although now sidelined through injury and being on the end of some poor results lately he had the good news of gaining the award today.

Chairman Eddie Thompson also warned today that some of United's highest earners would be axed given their lackluster performances. The news came when he announced the club's financial statistics for the year and despite improvements for the club off the park there clearly has to be some changes on the park to enable the club to achieve their target of a top six finish next season.

05/03/06    SPL result

04/03/06    Hibernian    3-1    Dundee United

                    Riordan 6                   Goodwillie 88

                    Archibald (o.g) 25

                    Killen 33

Hibernian proved that they have strength and depth in their squad by brushing United aside within the first half of this match despite the loss of key striker Garry O'Connor who was in the process of completing his move to Russia.

Hibs almost took the lead as early as the second minute with Killen making the most of O'Connor's departure with his starting place to just lob over the top of Samson's bar. However they didn't have to wait long for the opening goal when Kevin Thomson put through Riordan who made no mistake in slotting the ball low into the net in the 7th minute. United reacted well and could have equalised a few minutes later when Grant Brebner's dipping volley clipped the top of the bar and Mark Kerr had an even better chance to level the game after a Fernandez knock down, but he missed from close range. Hibs went 2-0 ahead in the 26th minute when Riordan skinned McCracken to provide a tempting cross for Dalglish only for Archibald to head the ball into his own net before him. The game was all but over after 33 minutes when Killen latched onto Riordan's ball to beat Kenneth and drill the ball across Samson into the net. Where United struggle in providing goals throughout their team Hibs excel with what seems like a conveyor belt system providing accomplished finishers.

Fernandez and Duff were replaced as the second half begun with Samuel and Robertson entering the fray and United started brightly with Robson testing Brown with a shot before David McCracken headed wide from a Robson free kick. Whilst United looked to grab a lifeline Hibs looked to increase their goal tally with Dalglish making Samson save well with a long range shot. Samuel should have got a goal back with around 15 minutes remaining when Robson found the Trinidadian internationalist at the back post, but he could only strike the ball straight at Simon Brown. At the other end Riordan and Whittaker had efforts before substitute Sproule forced Samson into a fine save and United finally got some consolation when David Goodwillie scored in the 89th minute to become the youngest SPL scorer at the age of 16. Samuel's cross struck the bar before Robertson found the post and Goodwillie tapped the ball in from close range after only being on the park for a couple of minutes.

Dundee United

Samson, Duff (Robertson 47), Kenneth, McCracken, Archibald, Mair, Kerr, Brebner, Robson, Fernandez (Samuel 45), Miller (Goodwillie 86).

Subs Not Used: Gibson, Gardiner, Abbot, McInnes.

Hibernian

Brown, Whittaker, Smith, Caldwell, Murphy, Stewart (Konde 56), Thomson, Glass, Riordan, Killen (Fletcher 75), Dalglish (Sproule 61).

Subs Not Used: Malkowski, Hogg, Konte, McCluskey.

Att: 16,266

Ref: B. Winter

01/03/06    International friendly result

27/02/06    Scottish Cup Semi Final draw

25/02/06    Dunfermline Athletic    1-1    Dundee United

                    Burchill 13                                     Kenneth 7

United are still awaiting their first win under Craig Brewster after another draw at East End Park. Despite taking an early lead United were pegged back shortly after and will probably feel quite fortunate to take a point back to Tannadice following the second half display from the home side.

United got off to a great start in the 8th minute when Barry Robson swung in a free kick which Garry Kenneth headed into the net for his first senior goal after replacing the suspended David McCracken. United pressed on and looked for a crucial second goal with Fernandez setting up Brebner for a drive at goal, but his shot was blocked by Shields. United's lead didn't last long and in the 14th minute an onrushing Derek Stillie appeared to misjudge the flight of the ball in the wind allowing Noel Hunt to cross for Mark Burchill to equalise. Dunfermline grew with confidence following their humiliating defeat to Celtic last Sunday and looked to take the lead with efforts from Darren Young on the volley forcing Stillie to save and Burchill testing the keeper before Archibald cleared the ball to safety.

In the second half Dunfermline looked the more likely team to win the game with United struggling to create chances. Young almost headed the home side ahead taking advantage of Muirhead's cross, however Brebner was on the line to clear. Muirhead was again at the heart of the action when he provided another dangerous cross this time for Greg Ross, but his headed effort went over the bar when it should have ended up in the net. Another headed effort went just wide of United's goal as the game closed in on the final 10 minutes with Daquin meeting Zambernardi's cross. United's only notable second half chance came with a couple of minutes left when substitute Collin Samuel provided Lee Miller with a cross, but the striker tried an acrobatic shot which flew well wide of goal.

Dundee United

Stillie, Duff, Kenneth, Archibald, Mair, Kerr, Robertson, Brebner, Robson, Fernandez (Samuel 75), Miller.

Subs Not Used: Samson, Abbot, Gardiner, Cameron, McInnes, Goodwillie.

Dunfermline Athletic

McGregor, Labonte, Shields, Tod, Zambernardi, C. Wilson (Daquin 72), Dar Young, Simmons (Ross 56), Muirhead, Burchill (Tarachulski 82), Hunt.

Subs Not Used: Halliwell, I. Campbell, A. Campbell, Donnelly.

Att: 4,694

Ref: J. Underhill

19/02/06    SPL result

18/02/06    Dundee United    2-4    Inverness Caledonian Thistle

                    Mulgrew 18                          Dods 30