[FM20] A Family Divided!

[bestbrother]

1993, 13th September to be exact and its not a date that will go down in many peoples memories, yet it was a date destined to change the course of one family and one City.

You see on this date, Mr Dice and Ms Dee would welcome twins into the world. Bouncy bairns, born into a family not yet settled and far from perfect.

The Dice and Dee connection was not one that many would have thought gone together, yet the danger of dabbling with the 'other side' had pulled this pair together. Generations before them would turn in their grave, or at least armchairs if they knew... but here they were, young and parents of boys to be named Tanner and Dunny.

I could ramble about how their family fell apart, the stories of Mr Dice and the milkman or Ms Dee and that hot tub, but the reality was they would split and in a surprise decision the judge would award one child to each parent.

Tanner would go with his father, Mr Dice. Dunny lived with his mother Ms Dee and although they would swap parents for visits, there would be a mutual hatred between the boys, born from family tradition and that game we all love, Fitba'

Tanner Dice would follow his fathers footsteps and etch the Tangerine and Black of Dundee United into his heart. Wee' Dunny Dee had the other side of the city, Dundee FC was his home and as rivalries go, this was as big as they got outside the Old Firm (but dont let them know I said that!)

What was the point of all this intro? Well the boys Tanner and Dunny are now men, 26 to be precise and after dedicating their lives to football and their clubs, they would, on the same weekend, finally get their chance to live the dream. They wouldnt pull on the shirt, they could barely kick a ball, but what they would do is get the chance to suit up as the main man.

Dunny Dee would become the manager at Scottish Championship club Dundee F.C.

Tanner Dice got his chance as manager of Scottish Championship club Dundee United.

Their story is about to be told.....

 

[bestbrother]

: 

DING DONG DUNDEE DERBY

*Not my video, but this is why we are here, this is the passion that is tearing me in half*

 

Edited January 13, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2019 / 20 - Part 1

The Dundees are in the Scottish Championship, but for how long....

Both teams started the campaign favoured and needing promotion. There were little excuses available to Dunny and Tanner if their teams would fail. The Championship is notoriously hard to master, only 1 team goes up automatically, the other (if they can make it) will face a minimum of 2 playoff rounds culminating in facing a SPL team.. a fate United know all to well, losing out to St. Mirren at the back end of last season.

A fast start would be key and it would be the Tangerine half of the city leading the way, winning 5 from 5 to race clear, whilst 'Dee struggled collecting just 9pts from their opening 6 fixtures. United then stumbled, dropped points against Arbroath and Alloa left them going into the years first Dundee Derby at Dens in a slump.

Dundee managed to compound that slump, scoring twice without reply as a fully packed Dens Park would go mental, beating their rivals and leaving Tanner pondering where next for his ailing United.

From there on in it would be neck and neck, dropped points from either side would be capitalised on. United were rampant, beating Dunfermline 4-1 away. Whilst Dundee chalked up back to back 3-0 wins over Partick and Arbroath as we headed towards Dundee Derby #2.  United still had a slender lead at the top of the table and a win at Tannadice would stretch that even further. This time however goals were hard to come by and a 0-0 draw left no doubts that this season would be tighter than a gnats chuff.

With the pack falling behind quickly, it was clear that the title and ultimately city bragging rights would be in the hands of either Dundee side. New year and new hope but for the 'Dee January and then February knocked them for 6. Dropped points at Arbroath and Inverness would be bothersome, yet the 0-2 home loss to United in Derby #3 left a sour taste for all involved in the blue half of the city.

Tanner would see his team win 6 from 6 to start 2020 and leave no doubt that United were firmly in control of their destiny going into the run in. Yes they would face Dundee once more, but that would be at home and surely there would be no slip ups from here on in.

Yet this Championship hadnt seen the last of Dundee and whilst United stuttered once more, draws at home to Arbroath of QoTS, followed by a loss at Dunfermline. The 'Dee picked themselves up and importantly 4 wins on the spin. Morton, Ayr and QoTs all feeling the wrath of Dunnys' men as they resolved from their disappointing derby day defeat.

A 0-2 reversal at Alloa on March 7th would be Dundee's final defeat of the year, the wins would come thick and fast. United struggled to match their pace, so much so that they had to beat Dundee at Tannadice to usurp them at the top of the table. This time the spoils were shared in a 6 goal thriller, as United let slip a 2-0 and 3-1 lead. It left United looking on and hoping.

That hope would be reignited with 3 to play as Dundee dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Dunfermliine, inexpicably and as if to sum up the season for United, they then drew 1-1 at Arbroath in the penultimate game of the year. This left Dundee 2 points clear going into the final weekend of fixtures. The Dee travelled to Ayr, United hosted Alloa...

2 early goals at Tannadice saw wild celebrations at Somerset Park, as although Dundee were still goalless, their rivals trailed 0-2 to Alloa. United would pull once back to up the tension, but a crazy 20 minute spell in Ayr saw 5 goals, 4 of which went the way of Dunnys boys giving them a 4-1 win and sparking title celebrations amongst the travelling faithful.

At Tannadice, the scenes were more muted. A title they had, lost and then had again, had been lost. United could only blame themselves. Between them the Dundee sides lost just 11 games, yet United would rue 10 draws and would face the torture of another playoff campaign.

Final Table

Scottish Promotion Playoffs

Tanner Dice knew his dream job would be on the line here. Failure to go up whilst watching the 'Dee do just that would place irreparable damage on his reptuation. United soon knew what lay ahead of them.

 Alloa the team that denied them on the final day, would overcome Partick as the semi professional outfit defied the odds once more. If Alloa were to be beaten, then Tayside rivals St. Johnstone were next.

First up, Alloa, away. A 93rd minute strike by Louis Appere spared the blushes of Tanner, as his team did just enough to edge out the unlikely upstarts. Back at Tannadice things were just as tight, United scored first but Alloa immediately responded. Chances were missed at either end and although nails were chewed to their root by the sellout crowd, United did just enough... barely, but enough.

The Johnnies awaited in the Final. This time Tannadice prepared itself for the opening leg and after Peter Pawlett saw a first half red card for the hosts, it looked as if a goalless draw to take to McDairmid would be a good result. But the footballing gods had other ideas and once again the 93rd minute came into play, this time Lawrence Shankland spanked home a game winning penalty, sparking a mini pitch invasion and the belief that this was the year of the Tangerines.

A sunny afternoon in Perth awaited the sides for the decisive leg. It proved to be an end to end encounter and although the United keeper Siegrist collected the MoTM award, United did have their fair share of chances but the end result saw neither team score...United had done it, it proved to be the long way round, but it was no less dramatic and celebrated. The blue half had their day, this time it was the Tangerine side of Dundee on a high.

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

4 of these this year, not one less dramatic or important than the other....

#1 - Delirium at Dens

2-0 for Dundee sparked wild celebrations at a sold out Dens, igniting the hosts campaign and compounding the recent woes of Tanner and United.

#2 - Nothing given nor taken

Goalless between the sides in the first encounter a Tannadice. United would be the disappointed team here, but neither could claim the upper hand.

#3 - Dundee is Tangerine

0-2 and a reversal of the first fixture at Dens. United took charge of the title race with this win, yet results elsewhere curtailed that run. However winning at Dens is sweet revenge for the loss here earlier in the season.

#4 - Goals Galore

6 goals are shared at Tannadice in the seasons final derby. United will look back on and rue a 2-0 and 3-1 lead that they let slip.

 

 

Edited January 13, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2019/20 - Part 2

The Cups!

Scottish Cup dreams for both sides of Dundee. United were winners in 2010 and have been in 3 Finals since the turn of the century. Dundee on the other hand are well over 100 years without a Scottish Cup trophy, yet made the final in 2003.

This year neither side did much, infact both fell in the round they entered against SPL opposition. United fell short in a replay against Accies. Whilst Dundee went down with a whimper at Easter Road to Hibs.

The League Cup or Betfred Cup as we will currently call it, saw both teams have deep runs in the competition. Each side navigated the group phase with ease, whilst United would lose out to Killie in the Quarter Finals, the 'Dee went a bit further, getting to Hampden and pushing Rangers all the way in a thrilling 2-4 defeat at the final hurdle.

Playing for a chocolate bar here and throughout the competition it looked as if we would have an all Dundee Final, as both sides continued to exert their dominance over the lower tiers of Scotland. However with Dundee making it, United would falter 1-4 on spot kicks as Inverness spoiled the party.

Dundee would go on to win the Trophy, a first of a season defining double. For obvious reasons, both teams would like to leave this competition in their past...

Edited January 13, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2019/20 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

Both sides went into the season with high wage bills and squads that could easily see them compete at the top end of the table, to that end Tanner Dice kept his cards close to his chest and played with the hand dealt to him.

Playing at the same table, Dunny Dee wanted to add experience to his young squad. The board allowed extra resource to sign 3 players; Joe Ledley who had a distinguished career with Celtic, Ondrej Mazuch a Czech International centre back and Argentine Striker (bringing back memories of Cannigia) Leonel Altobelli, as the veteran chose a year in Scotland to wind his career down.

Best XI

Awards

Unsurprisingly the Dundee teams shared out the major individual awards this year. The team compromised of players from both teams, whilst American Ian Harkes dictated play for United and deservedly won Player of the Year.

Next Season

Dunny Dee will be looking to strengthen his squad in the summer with at least 4 players leaving on free transfers, the budget is likely to be put toward free transfers as Dundee's immediate aim will be to survive and then thrive in the SPL.

Tanner Dice may have loftier ambitions. The club appear to be releasing more funds as the squad will need a freshen up. However there is a good nucleus of SPL talent already at Tannadice and any additions on top of that will give United real hope of cracking the Top 6 on their return to the big time.

Edited January 19, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2020/21 - Part 1

Cinco Chicos & Quattro Ragazzi!

A flavoursome look for both Dundee's as promotion saw the teams let loose their purse strings in an effort to make their mark on the SPL. United seemingly become Dundee Boca... signing 5 young Argentinians named 'Cinco Chicos' by the Tangerines, as a crazy spree of £14,000,000 saw Tanner Dice really roll the dice with his and the clubs future with these incomings.

Across the road, Dunny also took a certain culture on board as 4 Italians 'Quattro Ragazzi'  (amongst others) would sign for a more modest £5,000,000 in total. Yet Dunny Dee was more hopeful that a move within Europe would see his new signings settle quicker than those of Tanner Dice.

Alas for Dunny his team struggled to find form from the off. They opened with a home loss to Motherwell before a drubbing at Ibrox left them afoot the table. United on the other hand would also lose on the opening day at Celtic, but 8 wins from their opening 10 fixtures, including a last minute 2-1 win over 'Dee, saw them top the table heading into October.

A slump in form soon saw United lose their grip on the lead, yet their had enough to continue to threaten the European places. Dundee fought back with an unbeaten October, but a run of 3 wins and 7 defeats to end the year, saw them on the cusp of the relegation places. Yet in the midst of that run? A revenge win over United, 1-0 at Dens and some small consolation for a rough run.

New year, new hope? Not at Dens, back to back defeats kept the team in a tough spot, a run replicated at Tannadice as Dundee certainly had the New Year blues as a city. United picked up in February, running up 4 against Livingston, 7 (SEVEN) at St. Mirren, before coming up trumps in an 8-goal thriller in the 3rd Dundee Derby of the year, winning 5-3 and keeping the Dee firmly under their thumb.

United were in a race to qualify for Europe and soon put their foot down, winning 6 on the spin, including beating Champions-Elect Celtic at home. As they comfortably snatched 3rd place and European football on their return to the top flight. Dundee on the other hand would miss out on a Top 6 finish, but would collect 15 points from their remaining fixtures to wind up 7th, easily safe but 26pts adrift of their city rivals after a tumultuous year at Dens.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Just 3 'derbies' this year as the split saw the teams miss out on a lucrative 4th encounter...

#1 - Dont Cry for Me ARGENTINA!

If there ever was a dream debut, then this would be it. 1-1, time ticking away and with United probing, a long ball over the top would see Diego Germano race clear and smash home a dramatic injury time winner.

#2 - Dens Delight

If the Argentines did the business in the first meeting of the sides, they would falter at Dens, as an early strike by Hosnier would secure the points for the struggling 'Dee, with Julian Chicco, the Butcher (El Carcinero) missing a late penalty to salvage a result for the visitors.

#3 - United Go Nap

Madness at Tannadice as United take the season honours in the city, topping Dundee in an 8 goal thriller. Once again Germano took the plaudits as he notched a double. Whilst Luca Iotti saw red in the first half. Dunny had seen his team tie things up at 3-3, but the extra man told in the run in and a sell out home crowd could laud it up.

Edited January 19, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2020/21 - Part 2

Cup Fitba'

Glasgow would end Dundee cup hopes this year as both United and 'Dee fell at the Quarter Final stage to the Scottish behemoths of Celtic and Rangers.

United lost out 0-2 at Celtic, but Dundee pushed Rangers to a replay before coming up short.

Contrasting fortunes here but its Tanner Dice who comes closest to winning a major trophy first, as he donned his suit at Hampden for a League Cup Final against Celtic. Sadly United lost out 1-3, but they can look back on a cup run that saw them win at Hibs, Rangers and beat Tayside rivals St. Johnstone 3-0 in the Semi Finals.

Dunny Dee had a little less to celebrate here. A scrappy penalty shootout win over Brechin was a sign of things to come, as Dundee just about made the 2nd round with a 2-0 win against Peterhead. Yet that would be all she wrote, as extra time saw the team drop out of the cup to Livingston.

Edited January 19, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2020/21 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

As mentioned in the season review, both teams spent, but it was United who invested heavier as they committed an unimaginable sum of £14,000,000 to their SPL efforts. All 5 players signed from Argentina, all from the famous youth setup of Boca Juniors. A unique strategy and a denial that the team had one scout living it up in Buenos Aries for 12 months at time....

Dundee also went down a familiar route, signing 4 Italians amongst a total of 8 new faces at the club. There was hope to add more domestic experience to the squad, but that fell short with the club unable to compete in salary negotiations.

Best XI

Awards

Diego Germano not only took Dundee by storm, but the SPL as he dominated the Young Player awards with his 25 goal tally, helping United reach 3rd place. Germano also slotted into the team of the year as the Tangerines have a club legend on their hands.

Next Season

European football back at Tannadice next year and although United have a strong core, a bit more depth should help the team face up to 4 competitions and remain competitive. Tanner Dice is becoming a firm favourite at the club and as long as he keeps 'Cinco Chicos' going, then United can push on to solidify themselves as the best of the rest in Scotland.

Dunny Dee has a bigger job on his hands, but 7th is a respectable finish for Dundee as they struggled to find their best XI. The Italian experiment didnt go as well as expected but more investment should see the team easily edge into the Top 6 and at least force a 4th derby this time round.

[bestbrother]

2021/22 - Part 1

Cracking the SPL!

With a years worth of SPL football behind them, there would be little room for any excuses for either Dundee team to perform and compete with those outside of the Old Firm. United had European football alongside their domestic commitments, whilst Dunny Dee hoped to get his boys from Dens' into the Top 6 after a strong finish to the last campaign.

Dundee gambled on an experienced  approach to their recruitment. There were no fees paid, yet in came a raft of experience in the form of Walcott, Scott Brown, Snodgrass and Obertan to name a few. The veteran look to the side came with a hefty wage bill in a brave gamble by the Dundee board.

United took a familiar route. Once more money was spent in Argentina as 4 new faces joined from the Boca youth setup. This would compromise a total of £32.5M in spending, a sum not seen in Scottish football since the Murray days of Rangers lore.

On the pitch that spending spree translated into early success. Infact United at one point were favourites to go on and claim the title, topping the league through December as the youthful Latin look of the Tangerines had the SPL on strings.

Across the road, Dundee also put together a strong opening to their season. With 2 places up for grabs in Champions League football, there was at one point hope that Dundee would replace Glasgow as the destination for Europes elite. Sadly that would drop off as the year turned and in the end only one team from the City would make Europe.

Tanner Dice saw his United team win just 4 games from January onwards, ending the year on a 6 game skid, that saw all their hopes of a Top 2 finish evaporate. Dunny Dee had similar issues at Dundee, however they would end on a 6 game unbeaten run (albeit with 3 draws) to tie themselves up with United in the standings. Sadly for 'Dee, goal difference would end their hopes of European football, losing out to United by 1 goal as the teams finished 5th and 6th respectively.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

All 4 derby days on the calender this year, it was close but one team had the upper hand in the end...

#1 - Tangerine Dream!

First derby, first goal, its Walcott for Dundee but his early strike was no where near enough to stop the United machine rumbling on in the early stages of the season. Its a comfortable win for United at Dens and they maintain having the upper hand in this fixture.

#2 - A Draw it is..

10  bookings, 6 goals, a true derby encounter and if the Dundee fans were counting their chickens, then they did so  too early as Tanner Dice went crazy at Tannadice as his team equalised in the 93rd minute to steal a point.

#3 - De'Ja Vous

Sometimes you cant make it up, more bookings as the fiesty nature of this fixture continues to boil over on the pitch. But the talking point was Dundee once again failing to make the most of their advantage, this time letting a 95th minute strike spoil the day for all of those in blue at Dens.

#4 - 3rd times a charm...

The SPL fixture computer had a malfunction here, the split forced a 4th derby, yet it would be the 3rd at Dens. Speaking of '3rds' it was the 3rd draw of the campaign, stretching Uniteds unbeaten run in the fixture to 5. This time the Tangerines tossed away the win, giving up a 2-0 lead.

[bestbrother]

2021/22 - Part 2

Cup Fitba'

It all got too much for both teams as the Scottish Cup heated up in the 2nd half of the season, just as both teams suffered a dramatic drop in form. United took Hearts to a replay in the Q/F but lost out after twice leading. 

Dundee also fell to Edinburgh opponents as Hibs had too much for Dunny's men, also in the last 8 of the Cup.

Only 2 ties for United in the Cup this year as their European commitments afforded them a bye past the group phase. Yet their run once again ended in Glasgow, as Rangers held off a weakened United lineup.

Dundee had to go the long route but fared no better, losing out in the last 8 to Celtic. There is a  theme here somewhere.

European football for one half of the City this year and Uniteds season probably suffered due to their involvement, as 16 games across the continent offered excitement, yet exhaustion come the end of the season.

Qualifying for the group stage was the ambition, something United did with ease, racking up 6-1, 8-0 and 5-2 aggregate wins. The group draw threw up ties against European stalwarts Torino and Dinamo Zagreb and although the Italians were too tough to top, United moped up the Croatians to ease through to the knockout phase.

PAOK were first up and it proved easier than expected with wins at home and away to put the club into the last 16. Alas thats were the story came to an end as Celta Vigo had too much quality to be a depleted United over 2 legs. There is no shame for the Tangerines after such a long run in the competition.

Edited January 26, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2021/22 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

United made the biggest splash in Scottish football this year, spending over £30,000,000 as they once again poached  the Argentine market to add to a squad that finished 3rd last time out. However the biggest disappointment in the market would be the loss of Diego Germano, as Nice triggered his release clause to pinch him out of Dundee for a handsome £6.25M.

 

Dundee tried a different approach, signing experienced free agents to try and spice up their club. Sadly home grown product Finlay Robertson would leave in a deal that bought in £2.5M as he chose to move south of the border to Tottenham.

Best XI

Awards

Argentine's and awards go hand in hand across football and in Scotland its no different. Following in Germano's footsteps is another United import, this time Cristian Medina proved his value and worth to collect the Football Writers Young Player of the Year Award.

Next Season

Tanner Dice has a big challenge on his hand to once again juggle domestic and European matters. Last year they were close to cracking the top of the table, but fell short in a tired end to the campaign. More signings are likely, however just as important is keeping the new crop of Argies happy at the club.

Dunny Dee on the other hand is slowly piecing things together at Dens. They were unlucky to miss out on Europe this year, so will be determined to go one step further next time out. There is likely to be a bit of money at the club, but investment in more veterans may out too much of a burden on the club.

[bestbrother]

2022/23 - Part 1

Tangerine or Blue..

3 consecutive years of top flight football is nothing to be sniffed at, at least in Dundee with both sides having their fair share of woes before the arrival of Dice and Dee respectively.

Yet with this relative success comes relative expectation. United would have European football once more and expect at least the same. Dundee had yet to crack that front, but were building steadily towards establishing themselves as regular Top 6 contender.

Once more money would be spent, too much some said for Dundee United as they gambled an astonishing £44.5M on their hopes of cracking the Top 2 and making the lucrative Champions League. Dundee also opened their chequebook, splashing out over £17M as they broke their transfer record twice over the course of the season.

For all their spending (combined) the season was almost a write off. Dunny saw his Dundee team struggle from start to finish. There was the odd brief uptick in form with a pair of 4 game winning streaks, but outside of that Dundee were no more than the best of the 'pish' as they came in 7th, failing to win a home game from February to the end of the year. Relegation was never an issue, but neither was anything else and the pressure has certainly turned up a notch on Dunny following this years slump.

Across the way, United fared a little better but it didnt look like that for almost half a season. Infact United had 10 points from their opening 14 fixtures and at one stage occupied a slot in the bottom 2 as their expensive imports misfired at every turn.

However as their European commitments quietened down as they embarked on a mazy 18 game unbeaten run, that saw them draw just 4 times and dish out wins such as a 6-1 smelting of Aberdeen, as well as wins at Ibrox and Parkhead, to wind up 4th and get another shot at European football.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Back to 3 derby days, Dundee are on the back end of a 5 game rut... can they bring joy back to the Dens Park faithful...

#1 - Tannadice is BLUE!

If Kane Hemmings wasnt etched into the hearts of Dundee fans before this, then he will forever go down as the man who scored a Hat Trick, including a 91st minute winner, to put the skids under United and earn the 'Dee their first win in the derby in 5 attempts.

#2 - United Show Class

The Dee fans hope of city bragging rights were washed away in a tight encounter at Dens, as young Kieron Bowie struck the only goal of the game to send the travelling faithful home in fine voice.

#3 - Vive L'France

French ace Azzedine Mauger scored twice as a rampant Dundee United put Dundee to the sword once more, as the hosts continued their fine run of form and consigned Dundee to the bottom 6.

[bestbrother]

2022/23- Part 2

Cup Fitba'

Extra time, Motherwell, there was little to shout about for United here as they lose to their relegation haunted SPL rivals in the 4th round.

Championship side Ayr United compounded the misery on Dunny and his men by defeating the Dee on penalties to spoil any hope of real of the team playing in European football.

United will count themselves unlucky and sloppy here as their run to the Semi Finals, should and could have bought them back so much more, but a 2-1 lead over Celtic soon fell away as once again the Glasgow giants had the upper hand.

Another early exit for Dundee as Hearts came to Dens and walked away with the win.

Another deep run in Europe that again should have been so much more for United. The competition started with the team eding through both Lokomotiv Moscow and Legia Warsaw on away goals, to once again reach teh Group phase.

Once there, United would win 5 from 6, including romps at Lechia and home to AaB as they secured top spot and a bye into the last 16. Another Danish opponent here, as Nordsjelland were dispatch on penalties, setting up a all SPL tie with Hearts in the Q/F.

United were favourites and a 3-1 home win appeared to cement that into stone, yet the Jambos overturned that advantage thanks to a pair of strikes from Eddie Nketiah, to send United out on away goals and rue an opportunity lost.

[bestbrother]

2022/23 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

United once again spent heavy as they continued to hope that investment would see improved performance and eventually those players moving on for a profit. This proved to be the case for Hoekstra, as 1 year removed from his £6.5M deal, United made a £1M profit on his move to Watford.. alas that would be negated by the same hit taken on the sale of Almiron to Valladolid.

However the real stories were written about those coming to Tannadice. Yet again Boca Juniors would be raided, but the £15M record deal for North Korean Han Kwang Song from Juventus would raise the most eyebrows.

The most exciting deal signed this year in Scottish football as that of veteran Brazilian Marcelo, who after leaving Real Madrid would give Dundee his last year of football. Outside of the Dunny would break the clubs transfer record twice, first up Antona joined for £7.5M in the summer to shore up the defence, whilst young Lewis Cowan signed for £1M in January as the teenage strike sensation looks to be the future of Scottish football.

Best XI

Awards

n/a

Next Season

United are likely to curb their spending this year as the club looks to cut costs and eat into a net debt that is soaring past £60,000,000. The squad is young and deep enough to cope, but without fresh faces will Dice be able to get a tune from his boys this year.

Dundee are in limbo. Dunny is on thin ice after last years disappointing season and a poor start next time out could well signal the end of his reign at Dens. Realistically the club is easily good enough for a Top 6 charge, but the Dens faithful may well savour a Cup run to accompany their league form.

[bestbrother]

2023/24 - Part 1

5 Years of Dee and Dice

The City of Dundee has gone through many changes, but arguably none more so than 5 years ago when the cities 2 football teams took on a pair of Twins as their managers, leading both teams on an upward curve in Scottish football. Though for as how far they have come, they are beginning to hit a ceiling... a ceiling fully enforced by the Old Firm.

To try and crack that, once more both teams embarked on a spending spree. Again Dundee less so, as although they forked out £5.5M on Argentine Barrionuevo, the biggest move saw Lawrence Shankland swap Tangerine for Blue, as the United forward who helped fire the club back into the top flight, switched colours for a mere £100,000.

That wasnt the only exit from United, as after years of overspending, they would cut their cloth and raise £32,000,000 from player sales this year. Sadly French Wonderkid Mauger would leave to join Manchester City for £8.5M, joined by another 1st team regular Laborda who chose Werder Bremen as his next club.

Expensive flops Freek De Jong, Hang Kwang Song and Marco Tumminello also left the club as United cut their losses in order to sharpen up their wage bill. United however did re-invest some of that money; Phil Jones signed on a free transfer, Marin the Croatian starlet ditched Arsenal for Tannadice, whilst Jack Harper who hit 30 the previous year for Aberdeen, made the move South to Dundee.

All of this once again added pressure to both managers, the clubs are spending beyond their means to try and gatecrash the old firm and success on the pitch is becoming more imperative by the year.

Both teams would start well as the league quickly split into top groups of 6, with the Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee teams all ensconcing themselves as the upper echelon of the league. Neither Dundee would top the table, but they would be in and around throughout the first half of the season. United losing just 4 times, whilst Dundee continued their improvement finishing the year in 3rd place as they went nap twice against Aberdeen.

New year and new hope, alas for Dundee they would struggle to put together any run of resuls, culminating in an alarming 5 game skid at the split, that saw them ship 5 at Rangers and then humiliatingly 7 at United, aptly known as The Drub'dee Derby.

Whilst Dundee spiralled, United thrived and alongside another run in the Europa Conference League, Dice pushed his team into the Top 3 losing just 8 games all year and claiming a Europa League place for the 1st time under his tenure.

At the end of it all, Dunny would finally see his team sneak into Europe as Hearts beat Hibs to ensure Dundee claim that all important 5th place finish and secure the team a much needed boost.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Derby days generally belong to United.... is this the year of the Dee?

#1 - Derby Debutants make it count

3 debutants in the Dundee derby made all the difference as United waltzed into Dens and strutted out with 3pts, 3 goals and a 3rd straight win over their city neighbours.

#2 - Battle of 'Dice

A couple of red cards and a pitch invasion over shadowed this encounter as the heat on the pitch was cranked up a notch with a late Jack Harper strike igniting the touch paper. Dundee are in a derby rut...

#3 - The Little Argie

Barrionuevo will go down in Dundee folklore, it may just be one game of many between the sides, but United have been firmly on top and in the context of the season, this at the time had Dundee still above United in the table. A small victory in a City at War.

#4 - Drub'dee

How do you live this one down? United are in Heaven, Dundee devastated, the Blues season has been falling apart in the run in and this result compounded a miserable run. United at this stage were flying and there is little hiding place for anyone connected to the Dens Park club after this.

Edited January 27, 2020 by bestbrother

[Tikka Mezzala]

Love the story!

What a great thing this would be for Scottish football. Shame it's only in FM!

[bestbrother]

52 minutes ago, Tikka Mezzala said:

Love the story!

What a great thing this would be for Scottish football. Shame it's only in FM!

Cheers mate, thanks for following. Yeah a pair of strong Dundee's would add alot to the SPL irl 

[bestbrother]

2023/24 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

"Its Just not to be" read the headlines as once more a Cup run for United was ended at the hands of one of the Old Firm, this time Celtic topped the Tangerines 1-3 in the Semi Finals. United did lead early in the tie, but Champions-Elect Celtic marched on to another piece of silverware.

Dundee on the other hand crashed out early once more as SPL strugglers Partick Thistle put their league form to one side, to win at Dens Park.

United had a bye past the laborious group stage, yet a familiar exit awaited as Rangers turned up to Tannadice and... won. Another year, another pair of Old Firm exits.

The Dee will rue a sloppy home effort against Aberdeen in the League Cup, as they end their run at the last 8 stage. Aberdeen were put to the sword twice in the league by 5 goals, yet complacency saw Dundee slip out of the competition.

European football fever has certainly gripped Tannadice in recent years, with the Europa Conference League allowing them to compete on the continent at a reasonable level.

This year another deep run saw United edge through their group on H2H record, as the 3-0 home win over Braga proved decisive. Then a thumping win over Slavia Prague setup a tie with Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

Away goals favoured United here as they did lead 2-0 on aggregate before sweating it out on the back of a pair of late Vitesse goals in Arnhem. A place in the Quarter Finals awaited them once more, however an all British encounter with Leicester would prove to be a step to far.

The Foxes smashed in 5 at Filbert Street, as although 2 early away goals for United gave them hope.. it was very little. The home tie was tighter and although a 1-1 draw salvaged some pride, the Tangerines European Dream was over for another year at least.

[bestbrother]

2023/24 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

It was a case of ins and outs at Tannadice as United cut their cloth, selling off a expensive flops, whilst also seeing a couple of first team faces move on to bigger things. £32M would arrivei into the club coffers this year as Mauger collected the biggest fee for £8.5M in his move to Manchester City.

Tanner Dice did re-invest his pot to a tune of £28M. Icelandic hitman Kjartanasson signed for £13M, whilst 30 goal frontman Jack Harper joined from Aberdeen as United propped up their firepower.

Dundee again spent heavily, though mainly on Argentine schemer Barrionuevo who swapped Argentinos Jrs for 'Sunny' Dundee. Arguably the most important deal would see Lawrence Shankland swap colours as he traded the Tangerine to Blue in a £100,000 deal after falling down the United pecking order. Another big coup for Dundee would be the return of Scott Bain as the clubs keeper. He left Celtic in the summer, freeing up a move back to where it all began for the International stopper.

Best XI

Awards

It took Cowan a while to settle in at Dundee and many questioned his transfer fee as the teenager scored just once in his first year at the club. However 12 months and 26 goals later, Cowan is the hottest property in Scotland. He made his International debut and has gone on to hit 7 in 7 for the National side, thoroughly deserving his awards this year.

Next Season

A step up in European football for United next year as the Europa League will bring increased competition and prize money. The task has to be to either close the gap on the Old Firm, or at least bring a major honour back to the club. Financially the club are in a better shape, but players may leave to ensure budgets are met.

Dundee finally get their shot in Europe next year as Dunny turned his team around to finish 5th, albeit disappointing on the back of 5 straight losses to end the season. They have some exciting prospects lining up in the Blue this year and if they can manage to hold on to those, such as Cowan, then a bright season lay ahead.

[bestbrother]

5 Year Overview:

[bestbrother]

2024/25 - Part 1

You Cant Write It...

Theres only one place to start to look back on this season and thats the final game, the last 90 minutes of football for both teams. Lets go back a few years, 2nd May 2016, Dens Park and United needed a win to survive in the SPL. Dundee had the chance to get one over their old foe and that they did, winning 2-1 and having the ultimate laugh over their city rivals in arguably the biggest derby between the teams since their League Cup Final meeting in the early 80s.

This year, that big derby got turned up a notch. You see heading into the last game of the year at Dens Park, United had a chance to get a little bit of revenge. Dundee were hosting United not fighting for their SPL lives, but hosting United with the chance to win the SPL. Thats right, Dundee had (almost) done the imaginable and a win (or a bettering of the Celtic result) would send shockwaves throughout the Scottish game, finally dismantling the Old Firm dominance of the league.

So with Dens sold out, the fans nervous yet believing the stage was set. United were out for that revenge, they couldnt watch their rivals land the title and if they needed a helping hand to stop the 'Dee, they would find it from an unlikely source as Argentine schemer Barrionuevo would inadvertently put the ball into his own net.

United led and no matter how much Dundee pushed there was no way back in. All this effort would have been unwarranted if Dundee had made the most of their 3 game in hand advantage just a couple of months earlier. The Dee looked set to win the title, as with 3 wins in those 3 games they would not be in this situation. But titles are not won on 'ifs and buts' and they are not won when you lose in your decider 0-1 at home.

Revenge was all but complete and when news filtered through that Celtic had won against Hearts, the Tangerine fans went wild, whilst Dundee having come so close, would have to lick their wounds and wonder what if.

Runners Up spot would be enough to secure much needed Champions League football for Dundee, whilst United pushed into 4th place, enough to clamber themselves back into Europe, but this year will be about remembering how United denied Dundee the title in their own backyard.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Derby Days dont get better than this...

#1 - Dundee Strike First

A South American affair as all 3 goals come from the Samba continent. Barrionuevo would rattle home a late winner, how little he knew that his name would crop up once more at a crucial time this season.

#2 - United Dominate at Dens

United took charge here as an Icelandic double put 10-men Dundee to the sword. Dens Park not a happy hunting ground for its hosts in this fixture...

#3 - Sharing the Spoils

Barrionuevo scores again in the derby, it salvaged a point for Dundee as United continued to try and spoil their rivals title push.

#4 - Champs to Chumps

Barrionuevo, his name has cropped up time and time again in derby day encounters but this one he will want to forget forever. With Dundee knowing a win gives them the SPL title, Barrionuevo smashed the ball into his own net for the only goal of the tie. United spoil the Dundee title party and what a way to do it!

[bestbrother]

2024/25 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

United chucked away their cup run this year as a 2-0 lead at home to Hamilton in the Quarter Final, showed have been their route back to the last 4. However with 14 minutes to go, Accies would stun their hosts, scoring 3 to knock United out and spoil any notion of an all Dundee Final.

Dundee saw their hopes of a Cup Final crushed thanks to a sloppy penalty shootout defeat to relegation threatened Dunfermline. 

In and out for Dundee United as Killie did enough to stunt the Tangerines and then beat them on penalties.

If you said that their run would start with a loss at Alloa, you wouldnt have give Dundee much hope in this years cup. However it proved to be a minor setback, 3 straight wins put the team through before a win over Celtic would snap the Old Firm hoodoo. From there on in it looked to be written in the stars, St Johnstone and Partick were dispatched comfortably,

Into the Final and goals from Barrionuevo and Sorensen would be enough to seal the deal and give Dundee their first major honour since the 1974 League Cup.

 

Dundee United had their first foray in the continents 2nd tier competition as they pitted their wits in the Europa League. Qualifcation for the Groups was straight foward with a pair of wins over Malmo, yet with only 1 defeat from 6 group games, United would fall out in 3rd place due to a worse H2H record. Unfortunately the required win over Panathinaikos in the final matchday, saw United go 2 up before bottling their chance and drawing 2-2 in the dying embers.

Finally European football for Dunny Dee and his Dundee men. In total Dundee would play 18 ties in Europe as they soon made the most of their chance, easily making the Group Stage that saw them rack up an impressive 5-1 win at Standard Liege on the way.

Into the groups and the goals kept coming. Club Brugge were hit for 4, but it would be the 7-0 and 13 (THIRTEEN) - 0 wins over hapless Qarabag that stood out. Brazlian frontman Clemer would score 11 of the teams 20 goals over the ties.

Into the knockout round and a familiar face would stand in front of them... Dundee United! Yes thats right, United would drop into the Europa Conference after their unfortunate finish to the Europa League. Dundee would do it the hard way here, drawing at home 2-2 before a 3-1 drubbing of the Tangerines at Tannadice.

Malmo were dispatched next, but the dream would end in the Quarter Finals with Leicester doing a number over Dundee with a 6-2 aggregate grilling.

Edited January 31, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2024/25 - Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

Little movement on the transfer front from United as their overspending in previous years saw them reign things in a little. Out would go a pair of stalwart Argentines as the teams makeup continues to evolve, the loss of Chaparro recouping £10M, whilst Brochero chose to wind his contract down to get a free transfer move back home.

In would come Morgan and Bellingham, a pair of Scottish International footballers to add a domestic look to their squad.

It started with Balotelli on a free transfer (a disastrous episode that we can all forget) and ended up with the club splashing out a whopping £84M, including a club record £19M deal to bring in teenage Danish wonderkid Patrick Kohlert from Real Madrid. Its not a sustainable policy for the club, but this years gamble could be a masterstroke for Dunny Dee.

Out would go Lewis Cowan as he demanded to leave once Tottenham signalled their interest. Whilst across the season 3 key defenders would leave. Del Fabbro for nothing to Hearts, Antona chose Rangers rather than a new deal at Dens, whilst Boswell did the same in January as he moved South to West Ham.

Best XI

Awards

No individual player awards this year however Dunny Dee came up trumps winning the Football Writers Manager of the Year award as he came close to a stunning Championship win, whilst also guiding Dundee to the League Cup and deep runs in Europe and the Scottish Cup.

Dundee's Scott Bain, Kyle Magennis and Harry Cochrane would all play their way into the SPL Team of the Year. Proving that domestic players still have a firm place in the Scottish game.

Next Season

United have to make the most of denying Dundee and build on that to forge their own title push. There is still little money to go around as the team recovers from years of spending heavily, but there will be wiggle room for Tanner Dice to add the players he will need to compete for major honours.

Dundee will be hoping that missing out on the title will not see them missing out on the lucrative Champions League money. SPL winners go straight into the group stage, Dundee will have to qualify and they will need to do so in order to pay off the previous years spending bonanza.

Success is relative and Dundee will hope to repeat their form from last year, however they are years ahead of their project and will see qualifying for Europe as a bare minimum this time round.

Edited January 31, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2025/26 - Part 1

United Are Back

Last season proved to be one of the most climatic in recent Scottish football history, so it was no surprise to many that the norm' returned and that Celtic would waltz away with the title, losing just twice all campaign.

However there was more to play for, alot more. Scottish teams had been doing their part in Europe and this year, 3 teams would have the chance to qualify for the Champions League... so 3rd place offered up a pot of gold to the rest of the SPL.

Dunny Dee already had Champions League football to contend with after last years heroics. That in turn saw a chunk of the teams key players leave the club through this season, bringing in £72M as the Dee cut their cloth.. and it showed on the pitch.

Over the road, Tanner Dice opened his purse strings, but also saw key players sold as the United rebuild gained momentum and come the end of the season, there was little denying that United were back.

The Tangerines started as they would carry on, collecting wins on a regular basis, scoring goals on the back of Piemonte and confidently pushing for a Top 3 finish. United infact would claim the Runners Up spot, going on a 12 game unbeaten run to finish the campaign, drawing just 3 times (against the Old Firm) and putting up 4-1 and 3-1 derby day wins.

Dundee on the other hand failed to get going. They always had enough to get a Top 6 finish, but European distractions held them back. There was little chance that they could challenge the top spots as a slow start saw them drop off the pace and in reality it never got any better.

There were no derby wins for Dundee, whilst the Blues also managed just 4 wins after the turn of the year, winning their last game at Dens in February, picking up just one of those wins in their final 11 games. Fortunately they hung on for 5th place, but its a far cry from their title charge last time out.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

One Day Dundee... One Day

#1 - Goalless

No goals in the season opening derby as new faces on both teams froze on the pitch. Dundee will be the happier getting an away point, but the bitter taste of last year looms large.

#2 - 'Old Face' unable to break stalemate

Finlay Robertson a highly rated youngster at Dundee would return to the city in the summer after a mixed spell at Tottenham. Surprisingly he would choose United as his destination, so when he opened the scoring at Dens in the Tangerine colours there was a little colourful language from the sellout crowd.

Fortunately for Dundee (and him) the hosts would snap up a point thanks to Italian Paolo Ratti.

#3 - Four of the Best

Ratti once again scored on derby day but there was little else for Dundee to celebrate here as United ran home 4 in reply, stuffing the Dee as they continued their march toward Champions League football.

#4 - Its all United

The last meeting of the year and what a miserable year it has been for Dundee. No wins in 4 league encounters and a Cup Semi Final loss, there is little consolation to look back on. United on the other hand are back in charge of the City... that title denying win last season looks to have sent the clubs in opposite directions this time round.

Edited February 2, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2025/26 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

Its been a long time coming... 16 years in fact, but this year after going close and suffering heart ache at the hands of the Old Firm, United finally got over the hump and after edging past Hearts in a dramatic Semi Final, the Tangerines would score another late goal via Argentine Cristian Medina, as his 88th minute strike would be enough to send the Cup back to Tannadice.

Dundee on the other hand would suffer Semi Final defeat as the hopes of an all Dundee Final would be dashed by Rangers in a tight affair.

 

United actually made the Final in both Cup competitions this year, their run highlighted by a 4-1 beating of Dundee in the Semi Finals. Alas Celtic proved a tie too far for the Tangerines as a 0-1 loss saw them looking on once more.

Dundee's run can only be summed up by their 1-4 humbling by United in the Semis. Decent cup runs overall for the Dens Park side, but no silverware this year.

This is the dream for all clubs, especially ones the size of Dundee. However qualification rounds needed to be negotiated in order for the real riches of the competition to bear fruit. First up SL Benfica.. it couldnt have been much tougher, but a 1-0 home win laid the foundations, whilst an early Ratti strike in Portugal would be enough to give Dundee the surprise win.

Sparta Prague were then dispatched easily enough to place Dundee into the group phase, where they would draw Real Madrid, Porto and Moenchengladbach. As rank outsiders, Dundee were looked upon as the whipping boys, but that impression soon washed away as Real Madrid could only draw at Dens Park on Matchday 1.

A loss to Porto was followed up by a win in Germany as Dundee held 2nd place at the halfway stage of the group. Sadly back to back defeats left them unable to qualify, but beating Porto at home in the last group game, thanks to a pair of injury time strikes would be enough to secure 3rd place and Europa League football.

 

The Dee fell into the Europa League and immediately made an impact, beating Red Bull Salzburg 6-3 on aggregate in the last 32. However that would be the highlight as a 1-3 home loss to Nice in the next round would prove too much to overturn, as although Dundee led 2-0 in Nice, a late goal by the French side put the final nail in the Dundee coffin.

It took 9 games for Dundee United to concede in this years competition a sign that the team are making their mark in European football. Those games saw United beat Hajduk 4-0 in Croatia, hit 4 at Triglav, put up 4 at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv and go nap in a demolition of Rosenborg.

Uniteds run would take them all the way to the Semi Finals, their best effort in Europe since the late 80s where they lost out to Gothenburg in the UEFA Cup Final. This time the Germans would have just that bit too much for the Tangerines. A 1-1 home draw would prove disappointing as Leverkusen ended the game with 10 men.

Then in the 2nd leg an early Piemonte strike looked to have set up the surprise outcome. However United couldnt hold on and 3 goals in 10 late 2nd half minutes put the Germans through and break United hearts.

Edited February 2, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2025/26- Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

When United accepted a bid of just under £18M for Kjartansson you could forgive the clubs fans for expecting another mediocre season. Then when Salomone left for Watford just a few weeks later, 2 of the clubs best players had left a gaping hole in Tanner Dice' lineup.

However the purse strings were loosened and a new batch of foreign players would join, most excitingly would prove to be Piemonte from Estudiantes and Conceicao Jr. from AC Milan as the pair would give United a new look attacking approach.

Whilst the most controversial signing saw Finlay Robertson join the club from Tottenham, as he snubbed a return to Dundee in favour of wearing the Tangerine colours in the city.

https://i.ibb.co/LCDxnT3/utdin.png[/img

A dramatic change on all fronts for Dundee this year as many of the key components of their title charge would leave the club. Notably Clemer joined Newcastle for £18M in the summer, before fellow stars Marcelo and Kohlert would leave in January to Lazio and A. Madrid respectively. All in, these deals bought the club a whopping £79M, much needed funds following last seasons spending spree.

Incoming Dunny Dee did fork out on adding depth to his squad. Ratti and Rey would combine for £17.5M in fees as the teams new frontline, whilst a raft of Scottish players joined the club including the return of Boswell as Dundee paid West Ham £15M to bring him home.

Best XI

Awards

Tanner Dice took United to the cusp of glory in 3 competitions, whilst winning the Scottish Cup. It is no surprise that this turn around in fortunes is being put down to Dice, after a tough few years.

Next Season

The big news coming out of the city this year is that Dundee are planning to leave Dens Park and build a brand new stadium for the clubs future. Throughout the past season the club have been involved in takeover talks, so to have this commitment from the current board should bring in much needed stability.

Dundee outside of that have to improve. They have the finance to have a bit of a go this year and without the pressure of Champions League football, there has to be the push to get back amongst the trophies.

United on the other hand now have Champions League football to contend with and it will be interesting to see how they can manage their squad with the added pressure of these higher profile European nights.

[wesl]

Derbies are the best part of football, huge fan of what this save.

[bestbrother]

On 05/02/2020 at 02:16, wesl said:

Derbies are the best part of football, huge fan of what this save.

Cheers mate, its been good fun having the rivalry and trying to compete with the Old Firm on top of that.

Will be posting my next season later and hope to get another done at least this weekend

Thanks for following 

[bestbrother]

2026/27 - Part 1

Could it be....

Cheap and cheerful, that was Uniteds approach, 3 new faces all on free transfers as Tanner Dice cut his cloth accordingly with minimal changes to the squad that came 2nd last time out. United did sell Finlay Robertson, as he lasted one year back in the City before trying his hand back in England in a £12M move.

Dundee would also make a profit in the transfer market, as Dunny Dee rebuilt his team after falling off the pace. Italian Striker Gattelli would come in as the replacement for Luis Rey, who made a controversial £20M switch to Celtic after forcing his way out of the club.

United once again came racing out of the traps, winning 4 on the bounce and going 7 undefeated before the fateful derby loss at Dens. Dundee on the other hand needed that win to spark their season into life, as although the goals reigned in with a 6-2 home thumping of Killie followed by a 4-5 loss at Ibrox.

Dundee would go on to win 9 of their next 13, including back to back nappings of Partick and Hibs as the blue half of the city saw their team firmly ensconce themselves into the top 2. Somehow United did that bit better, losing just once more before the turn of the year (1-3 at Celtic) as for the first time in a long time (very long time) the city of Dundee saw its teams head into a new year 1st and 2nd in the SPL.

It would be the 2nd half of the year that defined this season for both teams however, as they followed differing paths. Dundee came out strong, winning 4 games in January before spluttering in February and March, as home defeats to Killie and Dundee United left them clinging on in the title race.

United took another path, infact their first 5 games of 2027 saw 5 wins and no goals conceeded. Celtic would be the first team to dent Uniteds surge, but that only sparked another 5 game winning streak and with the split ahead, United topped the table knowing that 5 wins clinches the title.

Both sides of the city had Champions League football in their grasp, for Dunny Dee, it was a light that flickered and soon extinguished. Only 1 win in their final 5 games saw them fall apart and in the end wind up 4th. Rangers pipped them to that all important 3rd place, which left the title fight to United and Celtic.

With the teams tied, every game counted. Celtic did their part stuffing Hearts for 3, United, well the choke was on as a 1-2 loss at Raith handed the advantage into Celtics hands.

Next up arguably the most crucial of ties, Celtic came to Tannadice, 9 minutes in and United took the lead. They held that all the way until the 79th minute when Celtic got a dubious penalty.... Aaron Hickey stepped up and missed! United held on and we were back level with 3 to play.

The final Dundee derby of the year was next for United and once again they took care of business, this time crucially as Raith played their hand again as they took points of Celtic in a 2-2 draw. United had 2 games left to make history and win their first title for over 40 years.

Dunny Dee and his Dundee side suspiciously crashed 0-3 at Celtic in the leagues penultimate weekend, but that didnt matter as the Tangerines wasted Rangers 3-1 in their final home game of the year. The season would boil down to United at Hearts and Celtic at Ibrox. A point for United would be enough... but they did more than that, Antonio Marin scored twice in the 2nd half and the eventual 2-0 win would spark a mass pitch invasion and scenes unheard of in decades.

Tanner Dice would bring his team home as Champions, the streets around Tannadice would be lined with Tangerine and Black. The party could officially begin, Dundee is the City of Scottish football!

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Red Wins...

#1 - Dundee Win!

2-0 and a missed penalty! Dundee turn up the heat in the first derby of the year.

#2 - Sharing the spoils

United managed to save face at their first home derby of the year, going 1 down before a red card left them on the brink of back to back losses to 'Dee. Fortunately Scottish International Bowie managed to sneak home the equaliser and thats how we stayed.

#3 - We Only Had 10 Men

Another red card for United at Dens Park, as passion gets the better of the United lineup. This time however they already led 2-1 and soon added a 3rd to beat Dundee short handed.

#4 - Another Red, Another Win

Rubbing salt into the wounds here as once again the Tangerines see red but collect all 3 points, this win was huge for more reasons than one...

Edited February 8, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2026/27 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

We were close to an all-Dundee Final this year, as United also made the Semi Finals but saw their hopes of chasing a domestic double dashed in a dour penalty shootout that saw Rangers cruise through 4-1.

Its been a long time coming, over a century infact but finally Dundee have put to bed their Scottish Cup hoodoo, coming out on top to win the competition in a dramatic final.

The route there saw the team edge past Raith on penalties, whilst a 6-1 thumping of League 1 Motherwell in the Semis setup another trip to Hampden. With 30 minutes, the Dee had a 3-0 lead, it was the stuff of fairytales. With 20 minutes to go, it was 3-2 and it was a backs to the wall job. However after constant disappointments in Cups against the Old Firm, this time Dundee held firm and ensured the 2 major competitions in Scotland could be found in Dundee.

 

Semi Final exits in both Cups this year for United as they played a silly amount of football. Rangers who did Dundee the round before, would finish off United this time as well.

Quarter Finals for Dundee and an exit to Rangers once again. Prior to that it was a relatively comfortable run for the Dee, but winning the nations first trophy was not to be this year.

 

A tough debut in the Champions League for United as it took the until matchday 6 before they scored. Before that, defeats to Chelsea and PSG took their qualification hopes away. A 5-0 win over Astana to finish the group would ensure Uniteds European adventure continued into the new year.

Europa League football for United sparked further interest for the Tangerines and although their travels saw them lose at Reims and Napoli, big home wins would see them progress to the Quarter Finals.

Sadly everything came crashing down at that point as a clash with Manchester United would leave Tanner Dice scratching his head as he saw his team ship 9 goals across the 2 legs and end their European hopes.

A dream run for Dundee in Europe as once more the Blues went on a tour around the continent, as their run saw them dump out AEK Athens, Frosinone and Sparta Prague en route to a Semi Final matchup with Tottenham.

Here the fairytale would end in the cruellest of fashion. A 2-2 draw at Dens was a respectable effort for the club, however for all their pressure in the return, Tottenham held firm and a 0-0 draw saw Dundee tumble out just short on away goals.

[bestbrother]

2026/27- Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

Dundee United spent absolutely nothing, zip, nada. 3 players joined on free transfers, whilst the club sold Fraser Robertson 1 year after he joined, as his return to Dundee was quickly over.

Dunny Dee once again entered a rebuilding project partly ignited by the controversial sale of Luis Rey to Celtic, as the club raised over £40M in sales. Once again money was spent heavily with Gattelli the big deal as he joined from Sturm Graz, whilst exciting prospects Nitkovic, Mazzara and Nordbo joined the club as potential staples of the future 'Dee.

Best XI

Awards

Somehow Tanner Dice was overlooked here, with Dunny Dee snapping up the Manager Award as he led Dundee to the Scottish Cup and a European Semi Final.

Ricardo Conceicao Junior, he is destined to be a Portuguese International and in reality the 23 year old could easily wind up back at a club like AC Milan. For now though, United can enjoy one of the continents best wingers at Tannadice.

Next Season

Its a new look for Dundee as a long running takeover saga finally came to a close with a consortium taking on the club and immediately putting into action the clubs new stadium plans. Ground will soon break on a 20,000+ all seater complex that will be named the Rab Douglas Stadium (errr Dunny Dee?) As Dens will be demolished to make way for an arena to overshadow Tannadice.

Dundee United have reached the pinnacle, defending the title will be a challenge but a better crack in the Champions League will be one of the targets. Money is now freely available for Tanner Dice and if United are to stay ahead of their City rivals, then additions will be made.

Edited February 15, 2020 by bestbrother

[Gross_Ballon]

Loving this but have to admit Hearts vs Edinburgh is bigger Derby! 

Crazy to see you kept a hold of Shankland for the first few seasons 

wild seeing Kane Hemmings score those goals ! remember him in our youth set up at Rangers. 

See your wonderkid from Boca can we get some Screen shots of him before he left for France and whats he up to now on your save ? 

 

great idea and neat to see what you did with there names ! 

[bestbrother]

14 hours ago, Gross_Ballon said:

Loving this but have to admit Hearts vs Edinburgh is bigger Derby! 

Crazy to see you kept a hold of Shankland for the first few seasons 

wild seeing Kane Hemmings score those goals ! remember him in our youth set up at Rangers. 

See your wonderkid from Boca can we get some Screen shots of him before he left for France and whats he up to now on your save ? 

 

great idea and neat to see what you did with there names ! 

The Dundee derby will be the biggest in the world....

One of the best things about the save is how Hearts and Hibs are both doing decent as well (until Hibs relegation), always in and around the Top 6 and having good Cup runs to boot.

I believe you are asking about Diego Germano. He remains at Nice doing bits but never really hit the heights that he could have with United.

Thanks for following, its a slower pace than most updates on here as I go season by season, but hopefully people enjoy the format and can see how the teams are developing 

Edited February 9, 2020 by bestbrother

[Gross_Ballon]

On 09/02/2020 at 07:27, bestbrother said:

The Dundee derby will be the biggest in the world....

One of the best things about the save is how Hearts and Hibs are both doing decent as well (until Hibs relegation), always in and around the Top 6 and having good Cup runs to boot.

I believe you are asking about Diego Germano. He remains at Nice doing bits but never really hit the heights that he could have with United.

Thanks for following, its a slower pace than most updates on here as I go season by season, but hopefully people enjoy the format and can see how the teams are developing 

Well as a Rangers man its fun to watch the Scottish stories/updates etc. He looks good! esp for Scottish football. He would have been a star/club legend had he stayed. 

[bestbrother]

Glad to hear you are enjoying the updates.

Yeah Germano could have well been a United legend. Sadly as with most of the better players each club has, they have short careers in Dundee before moving on.

Current season in the books, probably post at the weekend due to work 

[noikeee]

This is great. You remain the only guy I've ever seen pulling this off, managing 2 sides at once. I still remember Peñarol-Nacional.  

Glad that tangerine Utd seem to be getting a bit more success than their filthy rivals.  

[bestbrother]

On 14/02/2020 at 15:19, noikeee said:

This is great. You remain the only guy I've ever seen pulling this off, managing 2 sides at once. I still remember Peñarol-Nacional.  

Glad that tangerine Utd seem to be getting a bit more success than their filthy rivals.  

Cheers for the compliment, I remember that save well, was exciting and a bit different as I was able to start as the 2 dominant clubs.

Good to see you have a favourite here.... lets see how it goes. Thanks for following mate 

[bestbrother]

2027/28 - Part 1

Back to back,or back to...

They say its harder to defend your title than it is to win it the first time round, United hoped to disprove that, but considering it took them 40+ years to win it for a 2nd time, going back to back may be a long way off. Once again Dunny and Tanner went at it in the transfer market, big money deals saw United add Atletico wonderkid Alex Gomez to their ranks, as his £16M deal topped the teams spending chart. In response to another tough time last year, Dee also spent and alongside the capture of a pair of Argentines, the domestic additions of Scottish Internationals Naismith and McElhaton proved to be staple signings.

Dundee would fly out of the blocks, topping the table after 6 games that included a 6-1 Tayside romp over Johnnies. In contrast United hoisted the flag on opening day, only to see their team slump to just 2 wins in the opening 3 months of the campaign, pretty much ending their title hopes there and then.

Defeat in the seasons first Dundee derby looked to spark United back into life, but it would have a greater reaction for the men from Dens, as 8 straight wins (including 2-0 triumphs at Celtic Park and then revenge at Tannerdice), put Dundee at the top of the table for the turn of the year.

United also picked up and would also win at Celtic, but 3 home defeats in 4, against Raith, Aberdeen and the aforementioned Dundee loss, saw them fall further off the pace. Sadly this proved to be the theme for the clubs efforts in 2028. Defeats would come as easy as there would be wins. Infact United would lose 11 games and wind up a whopping 27 points off the top of the table, as any hopes of sneaking into the Champions League places was easily crushed before the league split.

Dundee on the other hand would thrive on the back stretch, they would embroil themselves in a 3 way title race with the Glasgow giants, losing just 2 more games until the end of the season, both in Glasgow and once to each half. Sadly that form wasnt enough to stop Celtic marching on, and a gaggle of draws would ultimately cost Dunnys men, as Raith, Hamilton and Falkirk all took points off the Dee.

In the end Champions League qualification was on the teams mind and that race would go to the wire and ironically would be settled in the City, as although Dundee lost at Celtic, it would be a 5-3 win for United over Rangers in the final round of fixtures that ensured 2nd place and another crack at the lucrative competition for the Dee.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

Turning the tables...

#1 - Dundee Win!

United looked to ignite their season with the first derby win at Dens. A Bowie hat trick further added to his legend at the club, but this was the highlight of the league campaign for United.

#2 - Sharing the spoils

Dundee bounced back and continued their good league form with a 2-0 win at Tannadice. The Dee have had it rough in this fixture over the years, but would this result spark a change in fortune...

#3 - We Only Had 10 Men

This time Dundee would be reduced to 10 men and this time they would go on to win, making up a role reversal from last year. Back to back Dundee wins, one more and they can think about turning the City Blue...

#4 - Another Red, Another Win

Its all coming up Dundee in the league, a vital win toward their Champions League chase and importantly a 3rd straight win and a 3rd straight clean sheet over a despondent United.

[bestbrother]

2027/28 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

Lets be honest here, there is only one game to talk about and thats the Final. Whys that you ask? Well it would be the first time in over 150 years of the competition that the city of Dundee would have both teams in the Cup Final.... a Dundee Derby in a Scottish Cup Final and its all on the line.

They often say the build up is better than the real thing, anticipation beats expectation and that was the case here (unless you are a United fan). The Cup Final proved to be a romp, a one sided beating that saw league form thrown out of the window and the nerves of the occasion get to the blue half of the city.

4-0 tells its own story, United would claim their 2nd Cup in 3 years and continue to add trophies to their cabinet. For Dundee, it added to their so near yet so far campaign...

 

There could well have been a Dundee derby here as well, with both teams reaching the Semi Finals and the odds looking in favor of the Dundee clubs. Sadly United missed out, losing to Championship leaders Hibs in their Semi Final.

Dundee would do their part though as they racked up the goals to beat Cove Rangers, Aberdeen and then Celtic in a dramatic Semi Final win. However Dunny Dee would once again see his team come up just shy of success, losing to Hibs in the Final.

 

United were great here and if it wasnt for a 91st minute goal by Ajax in matchday 6, they would have surprised the competition by reaching the knockout phase. Alas that winner for Ajax meant United, Chelsea and the Dutch club all finished level, yet United fell short on H2H meetings and would settle for 3rd place.

A brief effort for the Tangerines in this years Europa League as Middlesbrough edge through over the 2 legs.

Dundee on the other hand fell to a similar fate to their city rivals in the Champions League. A fantastic win over the Gunners to end the group would not be enough and although Dundee would impress, their run here would draw to a close.

European football did continue to Dundee in the form of the Europa Conference League. Once more the team would go fairly deep, adding to their massive fixture list as wins over Utrecht and Krasnodar would setup an intriguing Quarter Final tie with Wolfsburg.

The Germans proved to have that little bit more about them this time round, as 0-1 and 0-2 defeats saw Dundee slip out and away from any chance of silverware.

[wesl]

Dundee will need a major win to live down that cup final loss..

[bestbrother]

2027/28- Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

United knew they had to add to their squad, they would lose defensive stalwart Soumare on a free transfer to Juventus, but other than that the new additions reinforced the Champions. Alex Gomez would be the headline signing with the Spanish Youth International making a big money switch, complimented by 3 more deals as United committed £26M to defending their title and taking on the Champions League.

Dundee would also go big in the market with an outlay of £19M across 4 new faces. Importantly the additions of Scottish Internationals McElhaton and Naismith brought stability to the squad, whilst the Argentine duo of Delponte and Toranzo were expected to add more flair in the final 3rd.

Best XI

Awards

A spare year for the clubs on the awards front, but Danish hitman Flemming Clifford would top score in the SPL with 16 this year. Goals have been hard to come by across the league, so for Dundee to have Clifford and Gattelli (2nd top scorer with 15) in their ranks, is a huge plus.

Whilst Dundee youngster Ethan McInnes collected the Young Player of the Year award, notching 12 goals en route in his 2nd full year at the club.

Next Season

The Dundee skyline may never look the same again in a few years time. Not only is Dens Park going to make way for a modern 20,000 all seater ground for Dundee. United are also planning a move away from Tannadice. The magic of the 2 clubs being so close may soon change... but the rivalry will never die.

Outside of that, expectations will obviously rise for the Dee as they get another shot in the Champions League. It will give them a much needed financial boost as they continue to battle with a £56M net debt.

United are at the other end of the coin, their Champions League money has helped clear some debt and left the club in good stead. Tanner Dice will demand his team bounce back and will hope the Cup Final win over Dundee to conclude 27/28 will be the spark to ignite another title run for the club.

 

Edited February 20, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

8 minutes ago, wesl said:

Dundee will need a major win to live down that cup final loss..

It was a shocker, everything pointed to a Dundee win, as I wrote the club dominated United in the league and were unlucky not to really challenge Celtic for the title. However Cup Finals and Derbies are always hard to pick and United just wanted it more.

[bestbrother]

2028/29 - Part 1

Everyone Loves a 3-Way

A contrasting year for the clubs, yet both had a chance to claim the title as Dundee as a City got embroiled in a title race with the Glasgow giants of Celtic.

For Dunny, he added just one player, a free transfer of Gary Murdoch, ex-United but highly rated as a Scottish GK. For Tanner, well it was a season of transition. Many of his stalwarts from the title winning side would move on as United raised £100M from transfers, with Manu Kone, Radovan Kokovic, Leopoldo Carrion and Francis Piemonte all moving on in huge deals.

United did re-invest as 10 new faces came to Tannadice as they spent £67M rebuilding a team that they hoped would bring back some silverware to the famous Tangerines...

But once again it all came down to what happened on the pitch and without dragging on the review, this is how things looked as we turned the year..

4 points separated the top 3 and the Dundee(s) were right in the mix. The rest of the league had been blown away and the reality was, Scotland had a title race on its hands.

United would start 2029 with the worst defeat possible, going down to Celtic, however they would respond in the right manner, spinning off 6 wins (including a 4-1 razzling of Rangers at Ibrox) to keep in touch at the top.

Dundee would also lose on their return, 2-0 at Hibs, a result compounded by a couple of draws through February as points were chucked away at Dens against Partick and Aberdeen. Dunny needed something and that would come at Tannadice as Dundee beat United to stop their run and keep themselves just about in the mix.

Everything pointed to the run in and whilst United would splutter, Dundee came to the fore, taking advantage of slips from both United and Celtic, to leave themselves in contention with just 2 to play...

A home game versus United would not only be the perfect chance to take the title race to the final day, but also clinch a spot in the Champions League for the 2nd straight year. In a dramatic day at Dens, United would take an early lead, before Dundee fought back and at 2-1 would head into the final weekend with a chance to win their first Scottish Title since 1962..

Or so they thought.. 92nd minute.. Alex Gomez and its the Tangerine half of the City celebrating the goal that would once again spoil any chance of Dundee winning the league. Celtic would make no mistake to end the year and for all the hope of either Dundee side winning the title, it ends up being another disappointment of so near yet so far.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

The title is on the line... and the Dundee(s) need these...

#1 - 4 of the Best

What a way to start the 'Derbies', a 4-1 romp and full on bragging rights for the Tangerines.

#2 - Dunny Ignites the Dee

With the media spicing things up, Dunny certainly used this to his advantage, getting the Dee to shut down United and push themselves back into the mix.

#3 - Revenge

From 4-1 to 1-3, Dundee turned the tables on it head, racking up a big win at Tannerdice.

#4 - Dont Do This Again...

Spoilers, thats what United are. If Dundee want to be the best... they will need to get out of Uniteds shadow. Theres one more year at Dens before the 'Ding-Dongs' play out at a new home for the Dee.

Edited February 20, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2028/29 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

14-0? Yes thats right, poor old Bonyrigg Rose Athletic came to Tannadice and got smacked about for 14 goals as United opened up their cup run with the massive win over the Juniors.

It would be the start of something special for United in a run that would take them all the way to Hampden Park, as Inverness, Aberdeen and Hearts would all fall by the wayside to setup a Final with the upstart Ross County.

In a replica of the 2009/10 Final, United would once again come out on top and would clinch their 3rd Scottish Cup in 4 years with a 2-0 win to cap a special campaign.

Dundee also opened up their Cup 'run' with a big win, but their 4-0 beatdown of Celtic would be the highlight, as Rangers were up next and Rangers would progress in a replay.

 

First trophy of the year and after nearly 50 years without a League Cup to their name, Dundee United finally came up smiling as they would beat Celtic 2-0 in the Final, the first of a Cup double for the Tangerine dream.

Dundee would slip out early this year, as a win over Morton would setup a Quarter Final tie with Celtic and an eventual extra time loss to the Glasgow club.

A comfortable run through the qualifiers saw Dundee dispatch Luzern and Banik Ostrava without problem... but thats where comfortable ended. The group stage saw Chelsea and Roma come out of the hat and back to back 4-0 defeats against the pair all but ended Dundees hope.

A pair of wins over Utretch would ensure that Dundee had Europa League football to look forward too, but their Champions League run would come to an end with a positive 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea.

United would put up 9 straight wins in the competition this year as the goals were easy to come by, 8 & 7 past Sheriff Tiraspol and 6 at Brondby would entertain the Tangerine faithful.

Their exit would arguably be the most disappointing result for the club in Europe since their UEFA Cup Final loss to Gothenburg back in the late 80s. Bayern Munich came into their last 16 tie as huge favourites, but United turn that on its head by going 3 up at the Alllianz!

Alas Bayern pulled themselves back into the tie with 2 goals in the final 10 minutes, leaving United with an impressive 3-2 win but a damaging blow. That would play out at Tannadice as another early United goal would be cancelled out as Bayern would take advantage of a United red card to win 1-3 and come away with the aggregate win.

Dundee only had a brief foray into the Europa League as a tough draw saw them pair up with Tottenham. A respectable 1-2 aggregate loss ended the clubs European tour in early 2029.

Edited February 20, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2028/29- Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

A revolution of sorts at Tannadice, maybe not what they wanted but a change of face can sometimes refresh the whole club. The loss of title winning stalwarts Piemonte, Capoldo, Kone and Kokovic would bring in £100M to the club and set United up financially for the coming campaign.

Tanner Dice did spend big in response as £67M left the club coffers on a variety of signings but possibly the best deal would be the 6 month loan of Jan Markovic from Manchester City. The 19 year old Czech International would score 20 in 20 apps for the club as all those involved with United are hoping he can become a permanent signing next summer.

Just a Dundee switch for the Dee this year as the pickup the contract of Gary Murdoch, who left United after sprase playing time at Tannadice, just 10 appearances in 3 years with the club.

Best XI

Awards

Tanner Dice gets his reward for a pair of Cup wins and a run at the title by winning the Football Writers Manager of the Year award.

https://i.ibb.co/fnQrFw4/clifford.png[/img]

Over at Dundee once again Ethan McInnes and Flemming Clifford would get the headlines as they continue to sparkle in the Blue shirt. Other notables would see McGhee and Cochrane get into the SPL Team of the Year.

Next Season

So we are heading into the final year at Dens Park and Dundee will be hoping to celebrate that with some silverware, if not the title as surely they can overcome the 'United Hump' and get one over their rival.

Dunny Dee is hopeful of adding new faces to his lineup, but the core at Dundee is strong and as long as they can keep that together, there is no reason why Dundee cannot be competing once more.

For United it was important for them to bring back the Cup Double as they miss out on Champions League football to their rivals. Alot will depend on who Tanner Dice can add in the summer, Markovic has to be the main target, but United will also be wary of the vultures circling their squad for a 2nd year in a row.

There remains rumours of a takeover at United, whilst plans for a new stadium continue to progress.

Edited February 20, 2020 by bestbrother

[noikeee]

Dundee might be finishing ahead in the league recently, but Utd are going further in Europe and getting the more important domestic titles. That cup win 

I'm partial to Utd after managing them in FM16.

Edited February 20, 2020 by noikeee

[bestbrother]

5 minutes ago, noikeee said:

Dundee might be finishing ahead in the league recently, but Utd are going further in Europe and getting the more important domestic titles. That cup win 

I'm partial to Utd after managing them in FM16.

Yeah United are putting Silver in the cabinet. Dundee hopefully can get back on track financially with a couple of Champions League efforts in a row. Europe is something id love either side to crack, its been close in the Europa Conference, but they are stepping up to the higher tiers now and thats a bigger gap to fill in terms of standard.

[bestbrother]

2029/30 - Part 1

New Stadium, New Hope?

The rumour of a new stadium for Dundee United had been in the pipeline for the past 18 months, yet nothing concrete had been put in place. Yet out of nowhere, the club decide to purchase the Dundee Community Stadium, a 26000 all seater complex built for the City but now renamed the David Narey Park and new home to the Tangerines. Its not often a club ups sticks this quickly, but Tannadice is now a building site and United begin a new era.

Matters on the pitch would be dramatic once more, United invested best part of £100M as they recouped the same amount in a rebuild of their squad which fell shy at the climax just a year ago. Dundee also gambled on recruitment, adding fresh faces that they hoped would compliment what they have, however once again, Champions League commitments would stretch them to their limit.

United immediately took to their new home and would start at an insatiable pace, winning their opening 7 fixtures and drawing just once in their first 15, as they took the challenge straight to Celtic. Goals were flowing, Partick, Aberdeen, Killie and St. Mirren all saw 4 or more as United were rampant. Come the end of the year, they would lose for the first time in over 30 games (combined with last season), that coming at Celtic, but United still held slender lead over their Glasgow foe.

Dundee hoping to build off another title challenge disappointment would fall well short of expectations. They would lose their first 3 away games of the year, before back to back home defeats to Kilmarnock and Celtic left the team firmly rooted in mid table with 5 wins and 5 losses. A brief uptick in form would see Dunny Dee's men lose just 2 more before the years end, but by this time and lingering title hopes had been vanquished and the race for 3rd was all they had left.

Things never really picked up either for Dundee after that. There was a run of 5 straight wins in March, but the reality of their situation came to the fore after the league split. 5 fixtures, 5 defeats, including the shipping of 5 to both Rangers and Celtic as 4th place was all the Dee could muster and a slot into the Europa Conference League.

Across the City things took a different road. United thriving in their new home, carried on their form into 2030. 10 games undefeated looked good on paper, alas 4 draws allowed Celtic right back into the title race and it would become a tooth and nail battle to the last.

United would lose to Dundee at home, a surprise result that could have been a disaster for the clubs title chances. However just a week later and United would rebound with one of their best league wins in years, clubbing Celtic 5-1 and putting their hopes in their own hands.

A 2nd win over Celtic to start the split all but settled things for United, as they moped up wins over Dundee and Hibs to leave them needing just 1 point in a home game with St. Mirren to make sure. 26000 fans would see United go 2 up, before late goals allowed the Paisley club back into the tie. Yet for all the drama, that is how it stood and United had done enough to secure just their 3rd SPL crown and  2nd in 4 years under Tanner Dice.

The perfect christening of a new stadium.

Final Table

Ding Dong Dundee Derby

No more Tannadice and the last year of Dens... there will be a new look to the Derby in years to come.

#1 - Welcome Home

The David Narey Park soldout to a rabid 26000 Dundee inhabitants and it was only right the home team took the honours here, romping to a 3-0 win and setting the tone for the year ahead.

#2 - Thriller at Dens

A 6-goal thriller saw Dundee salvage a late point and with just one more tie at Dens Park to come, they cannot sign off with any derby defeats this term

#3 - Revenge

It didnt take long for Dundee to overcome any new stadium hoodoo. A crucial 1-0 win saw Dunny's men be one of just 3 teams to beat United this year.

#4 - Dens is Done

The final derby at Dens and its United who can celebrate. Its a double delight for Tanner, as not only does he have this scalp, his team is now well on its way to becoming Scottish Champions once more.

Edited February 21, 2020 by bestbrother

[bestbrother]

2029/30 Part 2

Cup Fitba'

There was a chance for United to win the domestic treble, but it would sadly come to a close in the Semi Finals here as Celtic (a team United fought with over 4 trophies) would edge them in extra time. Small revenge for the Hoops.

Dundee would compound their poor showing in the domestic cups by losing at Hamilton early on.

 

Back to back League Cup triumphs for United as they repeated their 80-81 success in this competition. Late wins over Dundee and Celtic would set them up in a Final against Rangers, as a tense 1-0 win would ensure Tanner Dice saw his side lift a 3rd straight Cup.

Dens Park would say goodbye to the League Cup in the worst way possible. An early lead over Dundee United had the fans dreaming of dethroning the Cup holders, yet a pair of late strikes would end those dreams and leave Dundee potless once more.

 

An unfortunate end to the Champions League for Dundee as although they managed honest draws with Chelsea x2 and PSG. It failed to be enough to get a top 2 finish. Progress however for Dunny Dee, but how long before they are back to compete at the top table of European competition...

A crazy run for United here that would see them lose to a familiar face just shy of a European Final. The Group Stage would see United collect their biggest European win as the Tangerines went mental in France, smashing Nantes 10 (TEN) -0. Other wins saw United beat Lazio and Sporting in the Groups, whilst Real Sociedad and Borussia MGB were dispatched in the knockout phase.

Celtic of all teams awaited in the Semi Finals (United faced them in the Semis of all Cups this year) and with Pochettinos team winning 3-1 in the 1st leg, it left United a mountain to climb back home. And so it proved, 20 shots yielded very little and the goalless return was all she wrote.

Dundee fell into this competition as par for the course, smashing Lokomotiv Moscow in the last 32, before letting slip a 3-1 lead over Everton to lose 0-5 at Goodison and collapse out of Europe.

[bestbrother]

2029/30- Part 3

Off the Field and Beyond...

Transfers

United would withstand yet more upheavel as the team would lose key players Alex and Facundo Gomez in the summer, before Cotello, Yao and Fedel all had their minimum fee release clauses matched as they left the club in January.

Tanner Dice did spend to ensure his team would be able to entertain at the clubs new home, £30M on Van der Spek highlighted the clubs dealings in the summer, whilst Swiss starlet Bernhard Josi made Dundee his new home in a £25M switch from Young Boys as United countered their January losses.

Dundee would add 4 faces across this season with Denis Yudin would add more firepower with the Danish legend Flemming Clifford preparing to leave as he refused a new deal. Scottish Internationals Cochrane and McElhatton would leave the club, notably the latter as Barcelona snapped up the defender for a paltry £15M.

Best XI

Awards

A raft of awards for United as expected as they cleaned up all the major individual honours. On top of this, De Nicola, McCart, van der Spek, Marin, Bowie and Romero all found a place in the Team of the Year honours. 

 

Next Season

Its all change in Dundee next year as Dens is gone and the Dee will move into the Rab Douglas Stadium. The Blues will hope this change of scenery brings them as much success as United had after their move. There may well be a cull in the Dundee ranks this summer as Dunny was furious as his team slumped to 5 losses to end the season and rumours of dressing room rifts persist with under-performing high earners potentially on their way out.

Can they defend their title? Thats the challenge that Tanner Dice will face as the new stadium bounce is now out of the way. The squad is better than ever and funds remain healthy to add once more, however as always, its the vultures taking the meat off the bones that will cause the biggest problem for United as they head into the new decade.

Edited February 23, 2020 by bestbrother