First Team
MATCHWORNSHIRT | CHAMPIONS
7th May 2024
Looking ahead to today's vital replay with Ayr United at Somerset Park in the Quarter-Finals of the 2001/02 Tennent's Scottish Cup, Manager Alex Smith had no doubt about the task at hand. "It will almost certainly be a very tough match. After the two teams fought out a keenly contested match finishing 2-2, the tie has whetted the appetites of both teams and their supporters. Ayr have deservedly taken a lot of praise for their performances and results against SPL opposition this season, plus they already qualified for one major final having seen off Kilmarnock and Hibs on their way. They will therefore fancy their chances of playing in yet another semi-final this year. However, Dundee United have the ambition to reach the Scottish Cup Semi-Finals the second year running and perhaps hopefully even reach the Final this time. Therefore, our commitment shall be total and complete."
Following Saturday's intrepid performance against Rangers, the Manager feels a new sense of confidence permeating through the team and he is determined to build on that when travelling west. "Despite the fact that we lost to a soft Amoruso penalty, we played with great spirit and no little skill. Today, we will look for players like Charlie Miller, Danny Griffin and Jim Lauchlan to show us the way, and for the pace and strength of Lilley and Thompson to present them with problems they'll find difficult to solve. We can assure the supporters that every single player will be doing his utmost for the team to overcome Ayr and take our fans to Hampden Park."
On another matter, the Manager announced that Dundee United and Jamie Buchan have parted company amicably Smith stated: "I want the opportunity to thank the player for the sterling service he gave us last season in our successful battle against relegation and wish him every success in the future."
Following Saturday's intrepid performance against Rangers, the Manager feels a new sense of confidence permeating through the team and he is determined to build on that when travelling west. "Despite the fact that we lost to a soft Amoruso penalty, we played with great spirit and no little skill. Today, we will look for players like Charlie Miller, Danny Griffin and Jim Lauchlan to show us the way, and for the pace and strength of Lilley and Thompson to present them with problems they'll find difficult to solve. We can assure the supporters that every single player will be doing his utmost for the team to overcome Ayr and take our fans to Hampden Park."
On another matter, the Manager announced that Dundee United and Jamie Buchan have parted company amicably Smith stated: "I want the opportunity to thank the player for the sterling service he gave us last season in our successful battle against relegation and wish him every success in the future."
