Spotlight on Dundee United

Today’s selection of photographs looks at Dundee United football club through the years.

The club’s website tells us that the origin of Dundee United lies in the establishment of a football club to fulfil the desire of the Irish immigrant community, which had gathered in Dundee by the early years of the 1900s.

Earlier attempts to provide a focus for the Dundee Irish failed until the formation of Dundee Hibernian. The founding of the new club was achieved by the efforts of a group of local businessmen with Irish origins, who began the process in the early months of 1909.

The driving force behind the move was bicycle trader Pat Reilly who became the club’s first manager.

Formed in May 1909, Dundee Hibernian took over the lease of Clepington Park, renaming it Tannadice Park – the home of the club ever since.

Season 1923-24 began with Dundee Hibernian but ended with the club playing under the name of Dundee United. The directors also decided on a change of colours to black and white. These changes took place in an attempt to give the club a wider appeal. Initially the preferred new name was Dundee City but local rivals Dundee FC strongly objected to this.

Agreement on the name Dundee United was reached and then approved by the football authorities. As Dundee United, the first match played was against Dumbarton on October 27 1923.

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Dundee United players get down to training at Carnoustie beach in 1951, watched by manager Jerry Kerr.

United manager Jim McLean and players are cheered by fans after the League Cup final replay on December 12 1979. After the first game at Hampden ended 0-0, United went on to beat Aberdeen 3-0 at Dens Park.

The scene after Dundee United’s Second Division game on April 30 1960 with the players being surrounded by fans. United beat Berwick Rangers 1-0 to finish second in the league and win promotion to the First Division.

Delirious with delight, Finn Dossing raises his arms in joy as he scores Dundee United’s second at Dens in 1965. Dossing scored a hat-trick in the game, which United won 5-0.