A bronze statue of Dundee United FC’s most successful manager – the late Jim McLean – is to be unveiled the day before the Dundee derby.
The statue immortalises Jim as he proudly holds aloft the Premier Division trophy, won by United in 1983, the only time in the club’s history.
Created by Edinburgh-based sculptor, Alan Heriot, the statue was commissioned following £62,000 of donations by Dundee United supporters and well-wishers from across the globe.
Set on a two-metre-high platform at the top of the ramp behind the Eddie Thompson Stand, the tribute has been designed to allow supporters to take their picture with the statue.
Its position will also allow the statue to look over towards the stadium McLean helped build.
The private ceremony on Saturday September 18 will include Jim’s wife, Doris, his two sons, Gary and Colin, and other McLean family members, as well as club chairman Mark Ogren.
There will also be representatives from the statue steering group and players and staff from the 1983 league-winning team.
Fans will have their first opportunity to view the statue from 6pm until 8pm on the day of its unveiling.
Fans’ chance to see new statue
Fans attending the derby versus Dundee the following day will be able to see the statue in all its glory from 9am onwards.
George Haggarty from the steering group said: “We are honoured to have planned, organised and commissioned this wonderful statue and look forward to the ceremony and, thereafter, the opportunity for fans to come and see the statue that they donated to the club.”
Club chairman Mark Ogren said: “The commitment and contribution to Dundee United by Jim is still felt around the city and the stadium to this day and I am delighted that we can now unveil the statue ahead of the Dundee derby.”
McLean a legend
McLean achieved legendary status among fans, spending his entire managerial career at United after joining from city rivals Dundee.
Building on the foundations put in place by Jerry Kerr, he also revolutionised United’s standing in European football.
Domestically, under his stewardship the club won two league cups and the Scottish Premier Division title and reached several Scottish Cup finals.
Meanwhile, he made Dundee United a fearsome side in European football in the 1980s, beating teams as illustrious as Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco.
He went on to lead the Tangerines to the UEFA Cup final in 1987 as well as a European Cup semi-final in 1984.