By Graeme Dey

DUNDEE UNITED’S centenary dinner is to be attended by most of the players picked by fans for the all-time greatest Tangerines line-up—an XI that made a combined total of almost 6000 appearances for the club.

The event in Dundee’s Caird Hall next Friday will be graced by Hamish McAlpine, Paul Hegarty, Dave Narey, Maurice Malpas, John Holt, Ralph Milne and Dave Bowman.

The demands of managing Plymouth will prevent legendary striker and former manager Paul Sturrock from attending while wide man Eamonn Bannon can’t make the occasion as he’ll be out of the country.

Two of those named in the line-up—Dennis Gillespie and Peter McKay —passed away several years ago, but Gillespie’s son will attend to collect his father’s award.

Dialogue aimed at healing the rift between United and Jim McLean— not surprisingly named manager of the century— and having him at the bash is continuing.

Several other former bosses—Tommy McLean, Alex Smith, Craig Brewster and Billy Kirkwood—will be there along with one time number two Walter Smith.

Guest of honour at the dinner is to be First Minister Alex Salmond. BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor and television personality Lorraine Kelly are co-hosting. Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross has agreed to sing a few tunes.

In addition to presenting awards to the all-time great line-up, United will honour four men—Frank Kopel, Andy Rolland, Doug Smith and Jimmy Briggs—who all made more than 400 appearances for the club.