Caird Hall, Dundee, Friday 11 September 2009
Dundee United’s centenary was celebrated in style on Friday 11 September as over 570 Arabs attended the black tie gala dinner in the Caird Hall.
First Minister Alex Salmond was the guest of honour and delivered a rousing speech to open the proceedings and set the tone for the entertainment to follow.
Speaking before the event Mr Salmond said, “I’m honoured and happy to be invited to this celebration of 100 years of Dundee United, and as First Minister I bring with me the best wishes of five million Scots - even Hearts supporters!”
Guests arriving from the City Square were greeted to the sounds of bagpipes played by Officer Cadet David Burnside from Tayforth Universities Officer Training Corps.
A drinks reception was held in the Marryat Hall and an introductory video was shown as guests took their seats in the Caird Hall. Remarkably, for such a large attendance, everyone was seated bang on time as Lorraine Kelly and Brian Taylor took the stage to welcome everyone and introduce the First Minister.
Also in attendance as distinguished guests were Lord Provost, John Letford, and Gordon Smith (SFA), Lex Gold (SPL) and David Longmuir (SFL) to represent their respective offices.
The gala dinner was attended by most of the players picked by supporters for the greatest ever team of the century - Hamish McAlpine, John Holt, Paul Hegarty, Dave Narey, Maurice Malpas, Ralph Milne and Dave Bowman. Dennis Gillespie Jnr accepted the award on behalf of his late father, while Billy Kirkwood stepped up to collect the award for Eamonn Bannon who could not attend. The scorer of one of Dundee United’s greatest ever goals, Craig Brewster, agreed to accept the award for the late Peter McKay, the Club’s greatest ever goalscorer. Paul Sturrock was also unable to attend due to having an important match the next day, but his daughter Lisa was present to accept his award.
Of the greatest ever team, nine players made over 400 appearances for the Club and, in total, the greatest eleven clocked up almost 6000 appearances between them! Four other players – Jimmy Briggs, Frank Kopel, Andy Rolland and Doug Smith – also made over 400 appearances for Dundee United and they too received a special centenary award in recognition of this achievement.
The Greatest Ever Manager award went to Jim McLean who was given a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept his award from Chairman Stephen Thompson.
Other former United Managers Tommy McLean, Alex Smith, Craig Brewster and Billy Kirkwood were also present along with former Assistant Manager and Director, Walter Smith. John Reilly from the championship winning squad was also present.
Before and after the awards ceremony, hosted by Brian Taylor, Lorraine Kelly introduced the superb Gary Robertson, Paul Reid and Ricky Ross, with the latter causing hairs on the back of 570 Arab necks to stand on end with his wonderful rendition of Dignity.
The evening was finally rounded off by The Cundeez who took the stage just after midnight after distributing free cds to tables and pledging another generous donation to United for Kids.
Event Manager Ronnie Dare closed proceedings with a vote of thanks.
|
