Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Welsh recalls time spent under McLean and Golac
Welsh, who will be looking out for United’s result when Micky Mellon’s men open their Premiership campaign against St Johnstone a week on Saturday, has benefited from working under McLean and Golac.
McLean’s keen interest in every player at United – even down to S-form level – was something he appreciated, while he credits Golac with excellent motivational skills.
“We had top, top quality players at United at the time and good scouts,” he recalled.
“We also had the Glasgow and Edinburgh youth satellites (Welsh was in the latter set-up) and I wondered if United were attracting players because of the interest Wee Jim showed in you.
“He was on top of everything at the club and that was rare.
“He also had a gift of watching games and not missing a thing. He would go around the changing room saying: ‘You did that wrong, you did this wrong.’ If you had made a mistake then you were just waiting for him to get to you.
“I had my moments with him but what he taught me about football helped me so much.”
Golac was, of course, a different story altogether.
“It was like going from one extreme to the other,” said Welsh.
“I loved Ivan. Don’t get me wrong, he could be tough and you wouldn’t mess him about.
“Some players need a boot up the backside and some an arm around them and he just had a knack of making you feel that you were brilliant.
“Once we went on that cup run in 94 it was never in doubt.
“So much of the game is played in your head and I knew we were going to win that day.”
Welsh, also remembered fondly by United fans for his last-gasp equaliser in the promotion playoff against Partick Thistle two years after the cup final, doesn’t make it back to his old stomping ground as often as he would like, especially due to the coronavirus.
The city and its inhabitants, however, have a special place in his heart
“I am from Edinburgh and sometimes people can be a wee bit stuck up but I really liked the Dundee people – (they) are quality,” said Welsh.
“When I go back – and I’ve not been back too often – it’s great.
“I think since I moved to America I have been to Tannadice twice and I have always been well looked after.
“I took a bunch of kids from our academy over here to a match the last time and they were on the pitch along with me. Those are good memories.”