DUFC

UNITED AIM TO ADD TO IMPRESSIVE RECORD

27th November 2001

Dundee United have an excellent record over the past 25 years in getting to at least the semi-final stages of national cup competitions and this evening presents the Tangerines with an opportunity to further their magnificent record when they travel to Easter Road to take on Hibernian in a CIS Cup Quarter-Final tie. Since season 1979-80, United have reached an astonishing 24 semi-finals. Having won the tournament in the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons, the Tangerines have also been Runners-Up on three other occasions, the most recent being when they lost to Celtic at Ibrox four years ago.

United boss Alex Smith is looking forward to the occasion. "It has all the ingredients of an exciting cup tie and the fact that the CIS Cup is played to a finish adds extra spice. This is a competition I have always enjoyed."

Alex reflected on the changing structure of the tournament over the years. "I remember it as a Cup that was played at the start of a season and was usually completed by this time. I realise that it had to be changed to accommodate the Champions League, however, it remains an exciting tournament although it is sad in many ways that the European competition place was taken away. This added prestige to the event and, on a personal note, I have great memories of two great finals against Rangers when I was with Aberdeen, losing one and winning one. It would be nice to go all the way with United and it would be great for the fans."

The match kicks off at 7.45pm and is pay-at-the-gate.