A long-serving Dundee United staff member is set to sue the club after an incident involving a youth player led to his sacking.
Gordon Grady, the brother of former Dundee and United star James Grady, was dismissed in March after his behaviour at accommodation owned by the club caused concern among Tangerines chiefs.
He had spent 26 years in various roles at United, most recently as youth caretaker where he managed accommodation for young players.
The former kitman is now set to lodge an employment tribunal claim, alleging the decision was unfair.
Sacked after ‘child protection investigation’
The 53-year-old – whose most recent role included looking after the under-20s team – was sacked for gross misconduct after an alleged incident in September at The Cedars mansion on Perth Road.
The incident is said to have involved a 17-year-old male who was signed with the side, and took place at the West End property, where Mr Grady still lives.
United have confirmed he was sacked following a “child protection investigation”.
The exact nature of that investigation is unknown at this stage; however, the matter was not deemed serious enough to be reported to police.
Further information is expected to come to light when the tribunal claim is officially lodged.
Mr Grady has not commented on his sacking directly, but in a post on Twitter – after The Courier broke the story – he wrote: “I didn’t intend to put anything out about me being away until it was all over.
‘I’m gutted that it’s come to this’
“But as it’s out there now, I’m obviously limited as to what I can say.
“I’d just like to say that over my 25-plus years at United I have absolutely loved it (with exception of last few) and met thousands of really nice people through my various roles at the club and loads who are now friends for life.
“I’m gutted that it’s come to this and the truth will come out in the end.
“I’d like to wish the team all the best for the remainder of the season going for 4th.”
Dozens of people have responded to the post to wish Mr Grady well, including Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross, who wrote: “Really sad to hear this Gordon. Wishing you all the best.”
Really sad to hear this Gordon. Wishing you all the best. Ricky
— Ricky Ross (@rickyaross) April 26, 2022
Legal firm Muir, Myles, Laverty, has confirmed it is taking up the case on Mr Grady’s behalf.
Ryan Russell, the company’s head of employment and a partner, said: “It would not be appropriate at this stage to comment upon the specifics of the case.
“However, I can confirm that I have been instructed by Mr Grady, who is deeply saddened that after 26 years at the club his employment was terminated, in relation to an unfair dismissal claim.”
During his time at United, Mr Grady helped looked after some of Scotland’s biggest stars, including national team captain Andy Robertson, Rangers-bound John Souttar, his £20million-rated brother Harry Souttar and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld.
It is understood some famous former players are considering supplying positive character references in an attempt to support Mr Grady’s case.
A community manager for nearly two decades, including a stint with Dundee United Community Trust, Mr Grady also helped shape initiatives like the long-standing J League programme.
A spokesperson for Dundee United said: “We can confirm an employee was recently dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct following a child protection investigation.”
Gordon’s brother, James, scored 28 goals in 106 appearances for Dundee between 1997 and 2000 and helped fire the Dark Blues to the First Division title in 1998.
He later joined United, scoring five times in 34 outings.
Now boss of Scotland’s newly created under-15 side, James also played for Ayr United, Partick Thistle, Morton and Gretna.
