Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lorraine backing Dillo testimonial
DUNDEE United captain Sean Dillon’s testimonial year has been launched withaglowingendorsement from television royalty.
The next 12 months will see Arabs get the chance to mark the popular Irishman chalking up 10 years at Tannadice in a string of speciallyorganised events.
And queen of breakfast TV Lorraine Kelly, the Tangerines’ most famous fan, believes there is no more deserving recipient of such an honour.
As well as being a friend of the Dillon family, Lorraine is honorary chairwoman of his testimonial committee, a job, despite her busy schedule, she was delighted to take on.
She’s helping make sure his year in the limelight will be a memorable one.
“Sean has been such a loyal player for Dundee United and he is just the sort of man you want in your squad,” she said.
“He’s a brilliant ambassador for the club and he brings maturity and a sense of commitment to the team.
“He’s also a real family man with two gorgeous sons who are a credit to him and his wife Michelle.”
Although he’s only started working with the Dubliner on a daily basis, new United manager Ray McKinnon, also believes few deserve this honour more than his club captain.
“Sean has been a great servant to Dundee United and I’ve already seen in training what a dedicated pro he is,” he said.
“Being local and a United fan, I know what a job he’s done since he joined and, as well as maintaining an excellent level of performance on the park, he’s been a superb ambassador off it.”
Today, testimonial committee chairman, local businessman and prominent United fan Gordon Deuchars revealed some of the events already confirmed for the next year and urged Arabs to show their appreciation of Dillon’s efforts for the club.
“In the modern game testimonials are few and far between — it demonstrates commitment, loyalty and passion for the club. Sean Dillon is testament to that,” he said.
“Sean’s an inspirational individual, who is a model professional and an exemplary role model for young aspiring players.
“Both on and off the park he’s a fantastic ambassador for Dundee United and other organisations he represents.”
A busy programme will kick off with a race night in the Hegarty Suite at Tannadice next month, an event organised with the help of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs and ArabTRUST.
Between now and next May there will also be two golf days, a sportsman’s dinner, a fashion show, a day at Perth races and, next May, a gala dinner.
Work is also ongoing to arrange a testimonial match in Dillon’s honour.
And, at his request, local charities will benefit from the year, too.
Fans can keep up to date with events on Twitter on @seandillontc or via a specially set-up Facebook page facebook.com/seandillontc