Fans smash cash target to fund statue of United legend at Tannadice.

UNITED: Image of legendary manager will grace the Eddie Thompson Stand

Legendary Dundee United manager Jim Mclean’s image will watch over Tannadice after the funding target for a statue of the great man was reached.

A commendable effort from supporters, under the administration of Dundee United Community Trust, ensured the impressive figure of £62,000 was raised to enable a statue of Mr Mclean to stand guard over the stadium he graced with his coaching brilliance.

Sculptor Alan Heriott will now start the work and it is hoped the finished article will be in place at the ground by next May, 37 years after Mr Mclean led the club’s greatest-ever team to their finest achievement – the Premier League championship.

The Jim Mclean Statue Group led the way and, thanks to the backing of two local contractors – Carmichael & Baxter Ltd and Norman Jamieson Ltd – the initial projected cost of £70,000 was reduced, thus making it easier to achieve the new total.

Since United’s open day on September 22, the replica of the statue has been on display within Tannadice.

Last month, club chairman Mark Ogren met David Dorward, chairman of the trust, Mr Heriott and George Haggarty, chairman of the Jim Mclean

“Securing the funding for the statue highlights the generosity and passion of the United support. CHAIRMAN MARK OGREN

Statue Group, as the target got nearer.

The finished statue, showing him celebrating with the Premier League trophy, will take pride of place outside the Eddie Thompson Stand at Tannadice and overlook the United support as they attend home matches.

Mr Ogren said: “The achievement of securing the funding for the statue highlights once again the generosity and passion of the United support, and I look forward to seeing the statue in its final location at Tannadice.”

Current United manager Robbie Neilson, who led his team to a 3-0 home win over Queen of the South on Saturday, welcomed the announcement that the target had been reached.

He said: “It is absolutely brilliant news – there is togetherness at the club now and people have been driving this forward.”

From left: David Dorward, Mark Ogren, Alan Heriott and George Haggarty. Below: Jim Mclean with the trophy after Dundee United won the Premier League in 1982–83.