Paddy Connolly says he will be a proud man when son Aidan pulls on a Dundee United top for the first time.
The striker started his career with United and became a big favourite with the fans during his 10 years at Tannadice.
He is thrilled 17-year-old Aidan is following in his footsteps after manager Jackie McNamara snapped up the highly-rated youngster in a two-year deal from Queen’s Park.
Connolly, who is assistant to Paul Hartley at Division One new boys Alloa, said: “I really enjoyed my years with Dundee United. That’s where I learned to play, and hopefully Aidan will do the same.
“I think it’s the right club for him. They’ve got Jackie McNamara in charge of the team alongside Simon Donnelly.
“Jackie has proved he’s a good coach and a lot of people hold him in high regard.
“They’ve got some young lads in the team, 16 and 17 years old, and that should inspire Aidan to try and get into the team.
“It might take him a bit of time but he will do all he can to do himself justice.
“It’s a massive challenge for him, moving to United from the Third Division. It’s a huge leap going into the Premier League where there is no hiding place.
“But he has the ability as a footballer, he works hard and has a good attitude. He’s only 17 and will be looking forward to getting the chance to playing at that level.”
Connolly added: “Jim McLean was my first manager at Dundee United followed by Ivan Golac and Billy Kirkwood.
“I learned a lot from Jim, who was completely different from anyone else I have worked under. It’s not until you leave that you realise how good he was. They are a good club with good people like Jackie and Simon.
“I’m delighted for Aidan. When I see him in that jersey it will be a proud day. I look forward to it and fingers crossed, Aidan will do all right.
“He’s got his former Queen’s Park team-mate Andy Robertson there at Dundee United as well, and they’ll be learning together so that’s good.”