The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
United chasing fourth place for Euro boost
Dundee United are back in Europe for the first time since 2012-13. Job done, right? Look out your best sombrero, inflate the beach balls and enjoy the party in Dingwall? For the 2,000-plus United fans heading north: absolutely.
However, the men in Tangerine know the importance of securing a positive outcome today.
United must better Motherwell’s result away at Celtic to pinch fourth spot from the Steelmen.
That will see Courts’ charges enter the Europa Conference League qualifiers at the third round stage, rather than the second.
That is no small detail; no minor benefit. Here, Courier Sport looks at why.
Should Dundee United remain in fifth place, their continental campaign will kick off on July 21 with the first leg of their second qualifying round tie.
The second leg will take place on July 28.
The draw for that round takes place on June 15.
If United can pip Motherwell to fourth spot, then their first game will be on August 4, followed by the return leg one week later.
The draw for the third qualifying round takes place on July 18.
While a fortnight difference may seem inconsequential, United boss Tam Courts would be inclined to disagree.
Courts’ arrival last summer was the centrepoint of a whirlwind preseason, with the new boss attempting to get his message across, install his methods and craft a team in a few short weeks.
The Tangerines gaffer is keen to have more concerted time on the training pitch with his players – allied with some formative friendlies – this time around.
A later start to competitive action would undoubtedly aid that.
If United reach the play-off round, those ties will take place on August 18 and 25, with the draw taking place on August 1.
Elimination from the Europa Conference League qualifiers can still boost a club’s coffers.
Indeed, the financial difference between finishing fourth and fifth in the Premiership is a compelling motivator.
If a club is beaten in the second qualifying round then, according to 2021-22 figures – which are
expected to be an accurate indicator of next season’s monies – then they receive €350,000 (£300,000).
For those teams knocked out in the third qualifying round, the solace of € 550,000 (£470,000) awaits.
Just one point separates Motherwell and Dundee United going into today.
Come the summer, that could equate to £170,000.
Those figures are based on the rather pessimistic scenario of United only lasting one round in Europe. More lavish riches lie ahead if the Terrors can go on a more lengthy continental charge.
Clubs eliminated in the play-off round will bank €750,000 (£640,000).
Should United reach the
promised land of the group phase, €500,000 (£425,000) per win and €166,000 (£140,000) per draw are on the table.
Those potential fees do not factor in potential bumper crowds at Tannadice and TV rights.
The side which finishes fifth in the Premiership will be seeded for the second qualifying round.
The catalogue of potential destinations is about as long and varied as one could possibly imagine, with the caveat that many league positions and cup winners are yet to be settled across Europe; lists are not set in stone.
It could be a serendipitous reunion with Jon Daly, now assistant manager of St Patrick’s Athletic, or the
logistical nightmare of Kazakhstan’s FC KyzylZhar SK – and almost everything in between.
Faroe Islands (B36 Torshavn, HB Torshavn), Poland (Rakow Czestochowa, Pogon Szczecin, Lechia Gdansk), Hungary (Puskas Akademia, Kisvarda) are among the nations likely to have several unseeded sides represented at this stage, increasing the odds of landing a trip there.
The third qualifying round ratchets up the glamour.
United would be unseeded and the list of potential opponents is a mouth-watering one.
Providing there are no shocks in the prior round, Basel, Slavia Prague,
Twente and Anderlecht are among a swathe of clubs who would require no introduction.
By contrast, the likes of Flora Tallinn, Shkendija, Kairat and Riga would appear more winnable propositions.
For fans of nostalgia, United could renew hostilities with Hadjuk Split, who they defeated on the road to the 1987 Uefa Cup final.
If United were to reach the play-off round, the big guns arrive.
The teams which finish seventh in the English Premier League (West Ham), La Liga (Villarreal), Serie A (Fiorentina) and the Bundesliga (FC Koln) all join the party.
Let the adventure begin.