REMIND GAMES
Charlie had forgotten about big draw but now wants to make more special memories
CHARLIE MULGREW admits he suffered a memory blank after Dundee United landed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tuzla City or Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League.
The Tannadice stalwart was alerted by text message that his club had gone into the hat in Nyon yesterday and he’s set about doing a crash course on both clubs ahead of the third qualifying round.
As all eyes turn to see who United face next month, Mulgrew insists he’s determined to help his side make an impact during their first European adventure after an absence of nine years.
He said: “Someone texted me after the draw and said something about AZ Alkmaar and I replied back: ‘What are you talking about?’.
“I honestly forgot the draw was taking place on Monday.
“It’s brilliant we are in this draw as it’s been too long for a club of Dundee United’s stature not to be playing clubs in Europe.
“Someone showed me a list of potential opponents a few days ago and it was clear whoever we were paired with, it wouldn’t be an easy tie and so it’s proved.
“There were teams which I was more familiar with and I knew they were a bit of a household name which we have with AZ and we have a bit of an unknown quantity in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tuzla City.
“I’ve been in the game long enough to know that all of these teams are good and difficult to play against so we know what we will be up against, it’ll be two tough tests regardless of who we meet.”
Mulgrew believes all efforts will be made to do a thorough background on both teams and be as prepared as possible for whatever lies ahead.
He said: “The goal last season was to get into Europe and we will take what we get. These are the games that every player wants to be involved in and we are delighted to be there.
“There will be a lot of homework done between now and the first game and I’m sure a lot of us will be using Google to try and find out quickly about both clubs and that’s an exciting part of it. It means everything to us as a club to be back in Europe and we want to make an impact. Make no mistake, we want to progress and we will be doing all that we can to make sure we do that.”
United boss Jack Ross has recruited former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher and Dylan Levitt from Manchester United on permanent deals and Mulgrew believes his side remain a work in progress as their European assault lies in wait.
He said: “Getting someone like Fletch in is a great signing. It did surprise me but we are delighted to have him.
“I’ve known him since I was 17 years old. It’s great to be back playing with him.
“We also have Dylan Levitt who was with us last season, he loves it at United and is a right good player. We are thankful to have these players and I’m sure the manager wants to add a few more. By the time the European games come around we will be fitter and have a few more.”