The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ogren was ‘rooting for Dark Blues’ in battle to avoid drop
Mark Ogren has revealed he was desperate for Dundee to escape the drop. Dundee United’s American owner enjoys a positive relationship with his counterparts – and compatriots – at Dens Park, Tim Keyes and John Nelms.
And Ogren is adamant the Dee’s relegation to the Championship is a loss for supporters, the hospitality industry and the city.
United emerged unbeaten from the three Dundee derbies this season, claiming a 1-0 victory at Tannadice in September before two successive draws.
“I’ve met the Dundee owners and got to know them a little,” said Ogren. “We’ve had a few calls.
“I absolutely have sympathy for them. I know Tim (Keyes) and John (Nelms) and I like them.
“Not only do I feel bad for them on a personal level, I feel bad for us and the city of Dundee.
“It’s a loss to have Dundee down in the Championship.
“I absolutely would root for them and I was rooting for them to stay up.
“The derbies are generally sell-outs and it is good for the restaurants and pubs.
“That game lifts the whole city and it’s just really disappointing.”
Meanwhile, Ogren has offered a progress report on the Deloitte Review of Scottish football being spearheaded by United, Dundee, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian.
Improving commercial growth and branding, an examination of the SPFL structure and analysis of strategic goals were among the stated aims.
Ogren has revealed that the findings are now with the SPFL – with the Tannadice chief stating that its learnings have been “accepted across the Scottish football community”.
However, he did not give a timeframe regarding when it will be released to the public – a promise when the study was announced last September.
“I don’t know exactly when it will come out. It’s certainly finished and with the SPFL board now,” explained Ogren.
“They have reviewed it and are hoping to take parts of it to the next level.
“I think it has been positively received in the most part.
“It has been accepted across the Scottish football community.
“There’s no doubt we will be able to implement some things; some will be short term and others more long term.
“You may not necessarily see the changes. They might not be readily apparent.
“But they are things designed to increase revenue and elevate the brand.”
Ogren believes creating a sense of positivity around Scottish football is vital to growing new revenue streams.
“We have to be positive about Scottish football – there is too much negativity,” continued Ogren.
“There are great stories and entertainment out there.
“We’re not trying take over the world.
“We are just trying to expose more people to Scottish football.
“The more people see it, the more they’ll like it. That will be good for everyone.
“The clubs are doing good things, so we want to be innovative and expand the brand.”
Dundee United midfielder Ian Harkes has been named the club’s player of the season. The American notched four goals in 37 appearances, including a memorable winner in United’s 1-0 triumph over Dundee at Tannadice and the clinical header which secured a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.
He was named Premiership player of the month in September due to his pivotal role in the Terrors’ super start to the season.
Although Harkes’ campaign was prematurely ended in March due to injury, he landed the top prize at Sunday evening’s awards event at the Apex City Quay Hotel.
Harkes is out of contract in the coming weeks but it is hoped he will pen a new deal.
Captain Ryan Edwards landed the players’ player-of-the-year gong following a sensational campaign at the heart of defence.
On-loan Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt was crowned fans’ player of the year.
Levitt scored six goals in 30 outings and boss Tam Courts has made no secret of his desire to tempt the playmaker back to Tannadice next term.
Ross Graham was crowned young player of the year.
The Scotland under-21 international has been imperious in defence since returning from a forgettable loan spell at Dunfermline in January.
Liam Smith’s sensational strike from distance in March’s 2-2 draw with
Hearts was recognised as goal of the season.
And United’s unforgettable Uefa Cup quarter-final victory over Barcelona in 1987 won the historical iconic moment award.
Meanwhile, Rory MacLeod hopes Dundee United’s Tangerine teens can take the European Under-17 Championship by storm with Scotland.
And the precocious forward reckons United’s trio of call-ups is testament to the work being done by the academy team at Tannadice.
MacLeod, Craig Moore and Lewis O’Donnell have all been named in Brian McLaughlin’s 21-strong squad for the showpiece in Israel.
No other club has more players selected in the group than United, albeit
Celtic and Rangers also have three youngsters involved.
MacLeod and Moore, both only 16 years of age, have already made their senior bows for the Terrors.
O’Donnell has been in several United match-day squads but is yet to be afforded minutes on the pitch.
“It’s always good when you have a manager like Tam Courts who believes in young people,” MacLeod told Courier Sport. “He has given us a chance.
“Academy players have been trusted all season to go out there and do a shift for the club and I’ll take that confidence into Scotland duty.
“It’s a great boost to have Lewis O’Donnell and Craig Moore there too. That’s a compliment to what’s happening at United.
“We can bounce off each other. We all know each other so well and we know each others’ games so you feel a bit more comfortable.
“But I’m also close with the other boys in the squad and hopefully we can do well over in Israel.”
Nevertheless, a big challenge awaits, particularly given the absence of Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak, considered the jewel in the crown of this age group.
In Group D of the youth showpiece, Scotland begin their campaign today with a test against Portugal – considered one of the favourites to take the crown.
Scotland face Denmark in Ramat Gan on May 20 before a clash with Sweden in Lod on May 23.
Scotland’s games will be broadcast on the BBC
website and iPlayer service. MacLeod added: “Personally, playing against Celtic was the perfectconfidence-booster for going away.
An effort from MacLeod struck the post in last week’s 1-1 draw against the Hoops, who went on to be crowned Scottish champions.
“To go up against players of that calibre just pushes me into games against Portugal, Sweden and Denmark.
“They are big games against really talented opponents – but I’m feeling full of belief.
“This tournament is a brilliant platform for all of the boys in the squad – going up against some of the top players in the world from our age group.
“We’ll try to do ourselves justice.”