Scottish Cup Winner Cleland Back Where It All Began

Former player Alex Cleland returned to Dundee United in the summer in a key role as Head of Academy Coaching, bringing with him not only a deep personal connection to Tannadice but also a wealth of top-level experience.

A Scottish Cup winner with United in 1994, representing the club on no fewer than 183 occasions spanning a period between 1987 and 1995, Cleland then went on to make nearly 100 appearances for Rangers, playing a major part in securing their nine-in-a-row league triumph.

He would later move south to Everton under Walter Smith, competing against some of the finest players in the early years of the English Premiership. Now, after over two decades in coaching, he returns to pass on that knowledge and passion to the next generation at Dundee United.

A Return to Where It All Began

For Cleland, coming back to Tannadice is far more than a professional move; it’s a personal journey back to his football roots.

“Coming back and starting the journey in 1987… once I got the phone call from Scott to say there was a role, I told him straight away, ‘Yes, very, very interested. Dundee United means so much to me because it’s where I grew up as a player, where I learnt my trade, and where I experienced my proudest moments in football. To now come back and help develop the next generation is a privilege.”

Coaching Roots Grounded in Experience

Cleland’s return is underpinned by a rich coaching background built over 15–20 years, during which he has worked with youth and senior squads across the UK. Most recently as first team coach at St Johnstone.

“I've been coaching for a long time now, everything from under-13s through to under-19s, and even at first-team level. It’s something I’m passionate about, and this role excites me because I know I can bring all that experience to help develop not just players but the coaches as well.”

His journey through the coaching ranks has been deliberate and thorough, shaped by the belief that understanding the different stages of development is crucial to helping players succeed.

United Philosophy from Academy to First Team

Working closely with Academy Director Scott Allison, Cleland is helping to implement a club-wide coaching methodology that reflects how Dundee United wants to play, starting from the youngest age groups.

“Scott’s been brilliant in laying out the vision, and there’s a clear alignment with what Jim Goodwin, Lee Sharp, Dave Bowman and Paul Mathers are doing with the first team. The goal is to ensure the academy is preparing players to eventually make that step up, but we know the coaching approach has to adapt at each age level. What you do with the under-13s is very different to how you coach the under-19s.”

He’s fully committed to a long-term structure that nurtures talent at every stage of the pathway.

Bridging the Gap Between Academy and First Team

Helping young players take the step from youth football to the senior game is one of the most demanding yet rewarding challenges in the job.

“It’s a huge leap. At 15 they’re still kids, then they move into full-time football at 17, and that’s a massive change in their lives. They need two to three months just to settle into that new intensity. From there it’s development football, maybe going out on loan, and then eventually training with the first team. These are all big transitions, and it takes patience and a lot of support. Players will have good days and bad days; it’s our job to guide them through all of it.”

He is clear that the pathway to the first team is rarely linear, but with the right guidance, players can take each step with confidence.

Timeless Values from McLean and Smith

Some of his strongest influences came from two of Scottish football’s most iconic managers: Jim McLean and Walter Smith.

“The biggest thing they drilled into us was discipline. It wasn’t just about being good on the pitch; it was about how you carried yourself off it, how you respected the staff and your teammates, and how you conducted yourself around the training ground. Those standards were non-negotiable. I still believe in that today. Hard work and discipline – those are the first two things I look for in a young player.”

These principles remain the backbone of his approach to both coaching and character development.

Ready to Support Across the Board

Whether it’s the U13s, U19s, development team or anything in between, he is ready to offer his experience and energy.

“If I can help there, I will. I’m here to help in all aspects of coaching, whether it’s working with young players, supporting the staff, or bridging that gap to the first team.”

As Dundee United continues to strengthen its academy and invest in youth, the return of a familiar face like Alex Cleland, armed with knowledge, passion and perspective, is a major boost to the club’s long-term vision. 

Key Academy Role

Alex will be working closely with the Academy Director to oversee the academy programme and the development of our football methodology.

On securing Alex's services, Academy Director Scott Allison said, "We are delighted to welcome Alex back to the club as head of academy coaching. This is a key role to ensure alignment between the academy coaching programme and first-team football.

"Alex is perfectly placed for us with his experience as a former United player who made his debut as a teenager before going on to have an excellent career as a player and coach.

"He will work with our challenge cup squad, U19 and U17 players. He will also support the development of all academy coaches across the full academy pathway. We are excited with the positive early signs of development and look forward to the season ahead."

The young Terrors kicked off the campaign earlier this month, when Alex oversaw the 3-0 win away to Stirling Albion, and will again be in the technical area for the trip north to face Elgin City at Borough Briggs as the KDM Trophy journey continues on Tuesday evening.