Question and Answer Session - Whitehall Theatre, Monday 24 February 2014

The Club held a highly successful Question and Answer evening on Monday 24 February at the Whitehall Theatre. The event was attended by several hundred loyal supporters and they were treated to an entertaining evening. As it was a season ticket holders’ event, no video cameras captured the event.

The night began with Paul Reid as our host and a 15 minute show of his wide range of football impersonations. This led into Hall of Famers Dave Bowman and John Reilly being interviewed by Joe Rice about their experiences as United players. John gave a heartfelt insight into his time at Dundee United and beyond and spoke of his pride at being inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame. ‘Psycho’ played along as his disciplinary record was continually called into question! 

Next up was football freestyler Paul Donnelly who amazed the crowd with his skills and the round of applause as he finished suggested his section went down well with the audience.

After a short interval it was on to the main part of the show and Stephen Thompson, Jackie McNamara, Steve Campbell, Jim Spence and Tom Duthie took to the stage to warm applause. Before the session, the Chairman broke the news exclusively to the crowd of the Manager’s 

contract extension.

Questions were taken from the floor and via twitter and included various topics including the Club’s finances, contract situations, the youth set up and the first team.

The debate frequently ventured into the national game and there was even time for the Chairman to text a question to ask why the Manager continues to tinker with the team!

The evening finished around 9.40pm to robust applause from the crowd and the positive feedback received at the event and since gives us belief that this is an event which we will look to include in next season’s Season Ticket package.

Youth at United - Managing the change from young stars to first team regulars (Exclusive)

The performance of the former youth players in the team has rightly had the media talking and speculating this season but always in the background is a requirement to manage younger players differently from senior professionals.

Gauld in action in the rain of Dingwall.

Jackie McNamara knows this better than anyone. As a player who made his debut at an early age and played consecutively for over 20 years the rigours of professional football are well known to him.

Jackie has taken the steps of ensuring that two of our young first team stars do not succumb to the fatigue of performing in the Scottish Premiership every week by sending John Souttar and Ryan Gauld away on a short break in the sun. 

This will see both players miss the weekend trip to Dingwall but the Manager explained this is about protecting the players for the whole season.

The Manager said, “I think this is down to managing the players and making sure they are progressing at peak levels. We have asked a lot of them and this is the first Christmas period they have not had time off due to their progression to the first team squad. In the summer both were away with Scotland and played right through.  Every international break they have been involved so this is the right decision that will ensure they are ready for the second half of the season and give them a rest.

“I am conscious that we have asked a lot of both players recently and this was why I left Ryan out of the last game. I see both them in training every day and the spark has been missing a little.

“This is an opportunity for them to relax and take stock of what’s happened in their lives in the last six months! It has been a massive ask for both of them and whilst I would love to keep playing them week in week out, I have to look after them and this is for the best.

“The learning curve they have been on is huge and it is incredible that they have handled it so well. Through my own playing experience of being a young player coming through, I know the demands, the pressure and the expectation that is placed on you. Add in the transfer speculation over them and it will take an effect because they are only human so a few days away in the sun will help immensely.

 

Souttar enjoying the sunshine of September.

“There are others who have not had a break – Stu Armstrong is another who has been constantly on the go for the best part of a year and it is my job to manage the squad in the best manner possible.

“This break will benefit the players and the Club as the season progresses and that is the most important aspect”

Chairman Stephen Thompson is fully behind the move and reiterated that this is about the well being of the players and managing their careers.

He said, “Dundee United are a family Club and we take the well being of all our staff seriously and we are being proactive here in ensuring the two young players are not over exposed to the stresses of professional  football. It is our aim and desire to produce first team players from our academy but that development must be encouraged alongside the wellbeing of players.

“We care about our staff and the two lads and their parents will be reassured that Dundee United act in the best interests of the players individually as well as the Club. I am sure they will come back recharged and ready for the remainder of the season”

Watch Jackie's Interview on ArabZONE 

John Rankin speaks to ArabZONE after the draw.

listen to ‘John Rankin speaks to ArabZONE after the draw. ’ on Audioboo

Steve Campbell after the Forfarshire Cup defeat.

listen to ‘Steve Campbell after the Forfarshire Cup defeat. ’ on Audioboo

Manager Jackie McNamara speaks to ArabZone after the Cottbus game

listen to ‘Manager Jackie McNamara speaks to ArabZone after the Cottbus game’ on Audioboo

Hard work in the Sun (Part 2).

YOUTH PLAYER JORDAN ALLAN REPORTS FROM ANTALYA (Part 1).

Friday 5th January was a date that I had been waiting on since Christmas. We had to meet at Glasgow Airport for the 9.40am and as I was staying at home rather than in the digs in Dundee, it meant I got an extra half an hour in my bed. The lads coming from Dundee were up at 5am. Top marks to Stadium Manager Albert Dawson for bringing the guys through in plenty of time so early in the morning.

When I arrived at the airport I met a few of the lads, Mark and Cammy and we immediately set about trying to organise who was sitting where on the plane – no one wants to be anyplace near Dave Bowman!

After clearing security we set off in search of some food and Mark, Scotty, Sparky, Cammy, Brad, Jamie and I headed into the nearest restaurant. Turns out I wasn’t as awake as I thought because I ended up with egg yolk everywhere! At the prices they charge in Airport restaurants this did not go down well with me!

Already though the banter was in full flow and the lads were all really excited about heading off to Turkey, especially Craig Reynolds our Physio who genuinely thought he was getting to sit with the Pilot on the plane.

In typical ‘lad’ fashion, we were not finished breakfast by the time the final call for boarding was shouted out and the lads had to rush the final spoonful’s of breakfast whilst Steve Campbell and Dave Bowman done their best to make sure there were no ‘home alone’ moments!

The flight was smooth and with Dave Bowman sleeping most of the way we could all relax. On arrival in Antalya the captain and flight crew told us everything they possibly could about Turkey except from the current temperature. I had spent the last few days telling my pals back home about the unbelievable tan I would come back with – why I wondered were they not discussing the weather conditions? More on those temperatures later.

                                                         Some of the lads relaxing after a hard day's training.


After collecting our luggage and again making sure no one had wandered off, we set off for the Hotel. The journey took us past the mass blocks of Hotels along the Antalya seaside. These included Chelsea owner Roman Ibrahmovic’s Mandan Palace. What a place.

As we arrived at the hotel and with everyone tired from travelling, it was now that Bow decided to let me know that he felt all I do was ask questions all the time – although he put it slightly more direct. I only wanted to know what time we were meeting for Dinner.

Meeting pre dinner is important and it looks better if we arrive in the dining room as a team group. Some of us were finished very quickly and others (who I cannot name because they are in charge) stayed for another course.

The next morning the routine was set. We awake at 7.30am and we meet in the lobby at 8am so we can again enter the dining room as a team group. After breakfast we have to head back up and await the opening of room 1417 – this is where the kit from the previous day is washed and prepared for the day. The lads form a group around the door and when one of the coaches opens the room, it’s best not to get in the way of the lads searching for their training kit!
                               

                                                  The reception area where the guys mingle before meal time.


We have to be on the bus for 9.15am and we set off to the ‘World of Wonders’ Football Centre – when we arrive we have to do the same chores every morning. Water bottles readied, cones and goalposts set out and balls checked and pumped up as required. Only after this can we set about training in the warm conditions. I should mention at this point about the temperature that the Pilot neglected to talk about. During the day it is lovely, its warm and the sun kisses your face as you train. By 3 or 4 in the afternoon it is windier than St Andrews and quite cold! This is probably a blessing for both Stevie and Bow who as Strawberry Blonds (gingers) cannot spend too long in the sun.


We train until around midday and then we head back to the hotel and grab a light lunch before heading back out for an afternoon training session around 2pm.


2 sessions a day in these conditions really help us focus on our training so it is really enjoyable. At night we really appreciate our relaxation time as the sessions are proving tough.


When we arrive back from training around 4.30pm each day we get our dirty washing to room 1417 as quickly as possible because apart from Dinner which is served at 6.30pm we are allowed the rest of the evening to enjoy social time - as long as we remain on the complex.

 

                                                    Ryan Ferguson, Scott Fraser and Darren Petrie relaxing.

Evenings are spent playing ping pong or pool or checking out our social media profiles.

I will finish just now by mentioning that we attended a match between Genk and Fenerbahce the other night. The atmosphere was so different to what we see back home but more about that at a later time.

Speak soon.

Jordan Allan.

Hard Work in the Sun

One thing you can never predict in Scotland is the weather. At this time of year it is understandable that clubs will look for better conditions in which to train and so whilst the first team enjoy a 'winter break' courtesy of the SPL, the Under 20 squad, under the tutelage of Steve Campbell and his assistant Dave Bowman, have headed off to Turkey in sight of sunshine and good surfaces.

The Scottish FA in partnership with the Leonardo da Vinci Fund has once more provided the possibility. The EU funded programme offers participating clubs a two week training programme in another EU country. Dundee United have been accepted in previous years meeting the strict criteria required to qualify for the fund. Youth Supremo Steve Campbell was delighted that the trip was once more approved  as he believes the advantages are massive for the continued development of our young stars.

Top class facilities are available for both work and relaxation.



During their stay the players benefit from experiencing different cultures as well as daily training at the top class facilities in a favourable climate with two sessions a day and access to state of the art gym, swimming and health spa facilities.


On the pitch the lads will take part in games against several teams from other countries and experience officiating and referees from different cultures. Off the pitch the interaction with fellow footballers from other countries, local people and Hotel staff give the players valuable education of local language skills.

Jumpers and Coats still on for the warm up!

 



The Coaches also benefit from the trip. They are able to observe their charges at close quarters for two weeks, including how they bond with each other away from the park and can also control what the guys are eating, when they are resting, when they are active as well as have the opportunity to discuss coaching methods with coaches from other cultures.

Steve Campbell and Physio Craig Reynolds discuss whether to have pudding or not!

 



This coming Saturday the youths will play their first game and we will bring more updates as the camp continues.

 

The Sun shines brightly on the guys as they play on lovely surfaces.