retired_destiny1124

27.7.02
Dundee United (5) St.Mirren (3)
Dundee United- C.Miller 22 M.Keith 29 Butra 61 T.Venetis 69 M.Kerr 86
St.Mirren- J.Quitongo 18 C.Wreh 32,45
MOM- Mark Kerr, Dundee United

"Not exactly the start I was hoping for, but I can't argue with the results," sighed Faramir. "Myhre wasn't as sharp as he was in the friendlies."

"It wasn't all his fault though. With Danny (Griffin) out- Jim (Lauchlan) didn't have the pace to match up with (Christoper) Wreh."

"True, I should have paid more attention to that matchup and given Jim a bit more help there- still he adjusted nicely in the second half. Mark (Kerr) really showed that he is more comfortable in leading the offense when needed."

"His passing was superb. Butra amazes me. You bring him in off the bench and he seems to electrify our offense almost every time."

"Good thing he did too- because this was just a match where we needed to outscore them to get the win."

***

3.8.02
Hibs (3) Dundee United (3)
Hibs- Luna 33 S.Sverrison 45 L.Andrews 45
Dundee United- M.Keith 10 T.Venetis 42 S.McDonald 84
MOM- Tassos Venetis, Dundee United

"It was a rousing match, but we have to play some better defense. Thomas (Myhre) didn't play that well today, and it did cost us a win, but if we had given him some help at the end of the first half- then they don't get those two goals."

Gond nodded, "Even with our defenensive failings in the first half, we made some good adjustments. They really responded to the formation swith and racheted up the pressure on Hibs after that."

"It did turn out well- I have to admit I was relieved when Scott (McDonald) finally equalized. We had plenty of chances that Colgan managed to get a piece of that could have gone in."

"McDonald really looks good and he really seems to enjoy the offense."

"The bad news is that Charlie (Miller) is gone for the next month. His balky knee is acting up again and physio says we need to sit him at least that long to let it heal up some."

"At least we should have enough depth to not worry too much."

Hibs Draw Against Dundee United
by Sammy Gohl
Hibs wound up with a 3-3 draw against Dundee United when the visitors scored a lucky goal in the late stages of the second half. Up until that point they were well on track for a win as they had taken advantage of the pourous addition to Dundee United- keeper Thomas Myhre- in the first half in rattling off three goals. Nick Colgan seemed set to claim the win with good work in net, but McDonald's header looped in to allow the visitors an undeserved split of the points.

retired_destiny1124

8.8.02
USV Eschen/Mauren (0) Dundee United (3) UEFA Cup Qualifying Round Leg 1
Eschen/Mauren- None
Dundee United- A.Barsom 7 T.Venetis 15 T.West 47
MOM- Abgar Barsom, Dundee United

"Well, we know a bit more about them now," offered Gond.

"Yes, they have a lot of heart- but our advantage in pace and technical skill showed up nicely. It was a solid performance to start off in Europe."

"They had a very difficult time coping with Abgar (Barsom) and Tassos (Venetis)," commented Gond.

"Their lack of pace doomed them in most ways against us. It wasn't often that we weren't first to a loose ball and we continually pressured them throughout. We hold good cards going to the 2nd leg."

***

11.8.02
Dundee United (3) Rangers (1)
Dundee United- J.McCunnie 53 T.Venetis 74,77
Rangers- M.Mols 72
MOM- Jamie McCunnie, Dundee United

"*That's* why I want to hang on to Jamie McCunnie!" smiled Faramir.

"I thought we might be in trouble when Jamie Buchan went down, instead Jamie steps up and keys our win AND earns MOM honours," said Gond admiringly.

"You would have thought that 'Gers would have figured out a way to keep an eye on Tassos (Venetis) by now- after all the damage he did to them last season. But they let him loose again and he earned us the win, he really had a great match and also deserved MOM honours."

"Not only that, but Thomas Myhre started proving why you brought him here- he was superb when they were trying to rally- even with the goal he gave up to Mols."

"The entire defense stepped up its play- if we hadn't, we wouldn't have won this one."

retired_destiny1124

17.8.02
Aberdeen (2) Dundee United (3)
Aberdeen- H.Zerouali 7 B.Thornley 17
Dundee United- R.Youssef 54 M.Nicholls 74 A.Barsom 84
MOM- Mark Kerr, Dundee United

Faramir and Gond were both slumped back in their chairs, obviously tired.

"That was a great win," sighed Gond.

"Quite a comeback- to be down 2-0 early and then into the second half and we still managed to rally. This club has a lot of heart."

"True, but we need better keeping," grinned Gond. "Thomas (Myhre) redeemed himself at the end with those two fantastic saves when they were rallying, but those first two..."

Faramir nodded, "Yes, he should have had both of them- neither was difficult. Still, a win is a win- and this one gave everyone watching on the telly a good show of what Dundee United football is like."

***

"So he is finally sold?" asked Gond.

"Yes. I tried hard to sell him to one of the English clubs, but Livingston won out on the best contract offer. Still, once he makes 10 appearances for them we will receive another 400K that we wouldn't have otherwise."

Livingston Buys Carson
Livingston today announced the transfer purchase of promising young Northern Ireland forward Stephen Carson from Dundee United. The 21 year old Carson was seeking a better chance to earn a first team place and was happy to move. The reported purchase price was 1 Million, with an additional fee clause.

***

22.8.02
Dundee United (2) USV Eschen/Mauren (0) UEFA Cup Qualifying Round 2nd Leg (Dundee United advances on 5-0 aggregate)
Dundee United- T.Venetis 32 A.Boyce 86
Eschen/Mauren- None
MOM- David Hannah, Dundee United

"Another solid performance and a very nice result- of course this was a very favorable matchup for our first European match," smiled Faramir.

"Still, it is all about getting the job done- and everyone played well today. Boyce was so happy to get that goal and the fans loved it when he retrieved it from the net."

"It was a good moment for him- he earned it by working hard for you on the reserves."

***

"We got *how* much for him?" asked Gond incredulously.

"Millwall finally made a top end bid of 3.2 Million. I couldn't turn that down," answered Faramir.

"I don't believe it. Well, it certainly will help the bottom line."

"Also, it will open up more playing time for Partridge and McCracken- which was a nice bonus to it."

Lauchlan Lands at Millwall
Dundee United today announced the transfer sale of defender Jim Lauchlan to Millwall for a reported price of over 3 Million. Lauchlan, a 25 yr old DLC was happy to make the move as he was promised first team duty at the English side- something he hadn't been able to garner at Dundee United.

retired_destiny1124

25.8.02
Motherwell (0) Dundee United (2)
Motherwell- None
Dundee United- M.Keith 13 D.Griffin 64
MOM- Tassos Venetis, Dundee United

"Splendid match for us. A wonderful exhibition for the telly viewers as well," cheerily commented Gond.

"Don't get too excited, we played well, but we also could have played better."

"My, you are grumpy for having won an important match," taunted Gond lightly.

Faramir was forced to smile, "Well, certainly Thomas Myhre was a bright spot- he showed tonight why I wanted him for the number 1 keeper. He was exceptional when he had to be. Tassos (Venetis) was also great, he really put pressure on Motherwell every time he had the ball. The one player they had who could stay with him was Stephen Pearson, and they sold him off to Reading for 2.8 Million."

***

Faramir handed the faxed sheet over to Barry Gond, "Here is the draw for the first round of UEFA."

"Parma? Hmm, I suppose it could have been worse- but it also might have been easier."

"I think we got our 'easy' draw with Eschen/Mauren- probably shouldn't expect any other nice draws the rest of the way."

***

"Do you really think he is worth adding? After all, you were planning on opening up more playing time for McCracken and Partridge."

"The way it stands Barry is that I think I will be forced to allow Jim Paterson to move at some point in time. He is very unhappy that I blocked the Chelsea transfer. With that in mind, I think he is a good addition and if Jim does move- then Taribo (West) can move over to leftback."

Moore Coming to Dundee United
Dundee United today announced the transfer purchase of 28 yr old DC Darren Moore from WBA. Moore was excited to move up in competition and is hoping to work his way into the backline mix- something certainly possible given the recent sale of Jim Lauchlan.

retired_destiny1124

7.9.02
Dundee United (0) Celtic (1)
Dundee United- None
Celtic- A.Shearer 25
MOM- Robert Douglas, Celtic

"Douglas certainly deserved the MOM honours- he was fantastic today," sighed Gond.

"We had plenty of good opportunities against him, but if he didn't save them- we missed the net with them. Still, it was a solid performance against them- they aren't as good as last season- without Larsson that is."

"Good enough today though."

Celtic Tops Dundee United
by Sammy Gohl
Once again, Celtic put the Dundee United club under wraps as they again defeated them and took over the top spot in the SPL. Steady veteran Alan Shearer scored the match winning goal in the first half when his strong header sailed past Thomas Myhre. With the lead, Celtic put the clamps on the Dundee United offense- limiting their chances as they rolled to the impressive 1-0 win.

***

12.9.02
Parma (3) Dundee United (1) UEFA Cup 1st round Leg 1
Parma- J.Micoud 4,78 M.Ambrosini 45
Dundee United- C.Miller 35
MOM- Johan Micoud, Parma

"Allow me to revise my opinion, this was a beastly draw for a 1st round match," grumbled Faramir. "We had some good moments, but Sebastien Frey sure spoilt a lot of our good chances."

"At least we got Charlie (Miller) for the match- and we have an away goal," countered Gond.

"I am not sure that our away goal will be enough- not if Frey is as tough at Tannadice Park as he was today. That last goal by Micoud really hurt- we would be in much better shape if only down 2-1 going to the 2nd leg."

Gond nodded, "That one by Ambrosini also hurt- I thought that time was going to run out before he got his head on the cross from Micoud- instead the whistle blows scant moments later."

Parma Pummels Dundee United
by Sammy Gohl
Parma looks on track for a destination in the 2nd round of UEFA as they pounded Dundee United to hand them a humbling 3-1 defeat. The Italian side looked much the class of the match as their superior technical skill allowed them to take full advantage of the struggling Dundee United backline. Dundee United keeper Thomas Myhre appears to have lost the confidence of his fellow players as he again provided little support for them in net.

retired_destiny1124

15.9.02
St.Johnstone (1) Dundee United (1)
St.Johnstone- N.Dasovic 32
Dundee United- M.Nicholls 30
MOM- Nick Dasovic, St.Johnstone

"I am beginning to wonder what we need to do to score. That is the third match in a row where we produced excellent scoring chances, but could not convert on them."

Gond commented, "Scott McDonald has played excellent this year- but he hasn't proven he is consistent scorer right now."

"I am convinced he will be- in time. Overall, I was pleased with the match- even though we couldn't manage to win. Paul (Gallacher) played well in his first match this season."

***

21.9.02
Dundee United (3) Livingston (0)
Dundee United- C.Miller 17 R.Youssef 59 Butra 81
Livingston- None
MOM- Darren Moore, Dundee United

"Hmm, I see why you wanted Darren (Moore)- big, mobile and a force in front of the net. Not that Taribo (West) didn't do well there, but he sure looks more comfortable out roaming at leftback," stated Gond.

"So far, so good on the transformation. The initial transfer bid on Jim (Paterson) fell through- so he isn't going anywhere just yet- but I suspect it won't be long before we move him."

Gond bent a pencil while thinking, "We are a much better club with Charlie (Miller) in the lineup. He balances our offense very nicely."

"I hope we can keep him the whole year. The big clubs- like Chelsea, Manchester United, etc... are starting to scout him regularly."

BarryLFC

going nicely

retired_destiny1124

Thanks HD

***

"Lord?"

"Yes, Lady?"

"Have you pierced the curtain to this other world in the last while?"

"Nay, Lady. I have tried, but have encountered some resistance to my efforts. It feels like I can extend possibly a thin tendril of my thoughts, but I haven't been able to fully make my way through as previously."

She was obviously thinking for a moment, "Lord, I perceive some type of change to the curtain. It is almost as though someone or something is unconsciously aiding me."

"Why do you feel so, Lady?"

"Because as I struggle to maintain your presence here, I have the impression that a thin veil has been added to the barrier. It is almost as if there is someone or something adding a light touch of deception to my efforts."

Worridly he asked, "Do you think this is the Dark Lord? Do you think he is adding this to prevent me from journeying there?"

He could almost sense her head shaking in disagreement, "Nay Lord, I would know that touch all too well. I believe it is some assistance to keep the curtain hidden."

"It is affecting my traveling through it, but I do believe I can force more of my mind and thoughts through. Do you think I should Lady?"

She was quiet a long time, "Yes, Lord. I believe you should continue to exert yourself. Do not ask me why I feel this is correct, but it has a feeling of being the right thing for you to do."

retired_destiny1124

26.9.02
Dundee United (2) Parma (2) UEFA Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg (Parma advances on 5-3 aggregate)
Dundee United- M.Nicholls 9,67
Parma- H.Nakata 48 R.Di Matteo 54
MOM- Hidetoshi Nakata, Parma

"I really thought we had a great chance- after Mark (Nicholls) scored the only goal of the first half. If we could have come out stronger from halftime...Ah well," offered Faramir.

"They were just a better club than we were. Even once Martin Djetou was sent off, we couldn't get a lot of chances," replied Gond.

Parma Brooms Dundee United
by Sammy Gohl
Italy ruled at Tannadice Park as Dundee United's fans had to be disappointed with their performance in drawing 2-2 against Parma- thus ending their short-lived run in the UEFA Cup. Despite taking the lead and then having a man advantage when a questionable call sent off Martin Djetou, Dundee United could not exert any kind of offensive pressure. Their lone bright light was Mark Nicholl, who scored a pair of goals.

***

29.9.02
Hearts (2) Dundee United (2)
Hearts- A.Hinchcliffe 8-P H.Murray 54
Dundee United- M.Keith 36,90
MOM- Marino Keith, Dundee United

"It sure looked like we were going to wind up with a loss," grimaced Gond.

"Yeah, I have to agree- I thought we were going to come up short. It was Marino's determination that kept him going and he got to the loose ball first. Jamie Langfield was a tough customer tonight."

"There was a lot of talk about your resting Tassos (Venetis) for this match."

"He needed a rest. Same reason Paul (Gallacher) was back in net for this one. It's still early in a long season- there are going to be times players need a match off."

retired_destiny1124

2.10.02
Morton (0) Dundee United (3)
Morton- None
Dundee United- R.Youssef 13,57 J.Fullarton 45
MOM- Rabi Youssef, Dundee United

"That was just what we needed- a nice comfortable win, with plenty of good effort and execution," rumbled Faramir.

Gond tapped at the chair's arm with his clipboard, "It was an efficient win to be sure- I was glad we never let them have a hint of hope in the match."

"You're right, you don't want to give the minnows hope at home- things can turn bad very quickly that way."

***

"Are you sure?"

"He just agreed to a contract. We will announce it tomorrow."

Iversen for Paterson
In a straight swap of players, Dundee United swapped out leftback Jim Paterson and received from Tottenham talented 24 yr old FLC Steffen Iversen. Iversen will likely move directly into the starting lineup and both the Board and the fans were happy at the addition of the Norwegian forward.

***

12.10.02
Dundee United (0) Dundee (0)
Dundee United- None
Dundee- None
MOM- Danny Griffin, Dundee United

"This lack of scoring is killing us," exclaimed Gond.

"It will sort itself out. Give it time. We are generating the chances we need, but the combination of hot keepers, unforgiving posts and mis-aimed shots are keeping us off the scoreboard now. That will change if we can just keep the boys from getting too frustrated."

***

15.10.02
Kilmarnock (1) Dundee United (5)
Kilmarnock- M.Pizzo 52
Dundee United- S.Iversen 29,33,46,67 A.Barsom 90
MOM- Steffen Iversen, Dundee United

"I bow to the wise ways of the master," chanted Gond in low, mock chant.

"Oh, stop it. You knew we were going to start scoring too- you saw how well things were going in practice."

"True, but I wasn't sure Steffen (Iversen) was comfortable with our offense yet. He is."

"There is another problem now though. Mark Nicholls told me he thinks we have too many quality forwards and is unhappy about it. I told him both Lilley and McIntyre are on their way out, but that didn't make him happy."

"Is he upset enough to make a stink about it?"

"Not yet. For now it is just a frustration thing."