Now, more than ever, is perhaps a good time for Dundee United fans to have a reminder of their club’s proud and eventful history.
And, thanks to the efforts of two members of the United Business Club, supported by the Tangerines and numerous fans, Arabs can get that by taking just a few step through the main entrance at Tannadice.
For months now, Tom Cairns and Peter McBride have been collecting all sorts of United memorabilia dating right back to when the club was founded 107 years ago this month.
A chunk of it is now on display just a few steps from the main reception at Tannadice. In terms of size, United in Memories looks no more than a mini museum, but, when it comes to content, it’s a treasure trove of days gone by.
Plans are also now afoot to make what’s more than just a glimpse of the past accessible to all supporters.
From next month they’ll have the chance to head for Tannadice to have a look for themselves. From 1-4pm on the afternoons of June 8, 15 and 22, Tom and Jim plan to be on hand to show off what is already a remarkable collection.
What’s been a labour of love for the pair will become a permanent and evolving feature.
“It really started from people wanting to come in and have a look around and, for a while now, if fans have got in touch we’ve been on hand to give them tours of Tannadice,” said Tom.
“We’ve had everything from a couple who were over on holiday from Canada, to groups from local organisations who’ve got in touch asking for a tour.
“From doing that we thought it would be nice if we could make room to exhibit all sorts of things that have been gathered down the years.
“The club had a lot of stuff, some of it was in the boardroom, a lot more was stored away in cupboards.
“With a bit of funding from the business club, the club’s permission and a lot of help from Paul Reid at the commercial department, we’ve been able to put some of it on display.”
Right now, the exhibits include the jerseys worn by Frank Kopel and Hamish McAlpine when United lifted their first-ever major trophy by beating Aberdeen in a League Cup Final replay just up the road at Dens Park in December 1979.
But perhaps the most striking item is a minute book of board meetings, covering several years and including the historic period in 1925 when Dundee Hibs became Dundee United.
“We’ve displayed the book prominently and it is something that grabs you right away. Hand written, it outlines the thinking behind the decision to change the name to Dundee City then, because of objections from up the road, the acceptance that wasn’t going to happen.
“The name was even registered but, when the authorities said no, we became United because that was acceptable.
“But there’s so much more and so many people we have to thank. The family of Jerry Kerr, who I regard as my first manager as a United fan, have been a big help, as were Johnny Hart’s family. They’ve given us a lot as well.”
Still to be added to the growing collection is a pile of paraphernalia handed over by veteran journalist and broadcaster Fraser Elder, who many fans fondly remember for his entertaining match reports from Tannadice and Dens on the BBC in the 1970s.
“Fraser came up from his home in Motherwell last week and brought bags of interesting stuff. He’s a life-long United fan and was telling us he was one of the first ball boys at Tannadice.”
Now the only problem is going to be fitting everything in and the solution will be to rotate the exhibits.
“Right now, our main cabinet had exhibits dating from 1909 through to 1949 but later this year is the 50th anniversary of United going into Europe for the first time and we’ll be displaying all sorts of things from the European campaigns.
“We’ve other ideas for beyond that and what we want is as many fans as possible to be able to see it. And if they have more things we can exhibit we’re only too happy for them to bring them along.”
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