Tickets
Tickets | Motherwell (A)
21st November 2024
A bronze statue, celebrating the life and legacy of Dundee United FC’s most successful manager Jim McLean, will be unveiled at Tannadice Park, in a private ceremony on Saturday 18 September, 2021.
The sculpture, commissioned and donated by Dundee United supporters and well-wishers from all over the world under the guidance of the Jim McLean Statue Steering Group, will immortalise one of the most iconic representations of Jim as he proudly holds aloft the Premier Division trophy, won by United in 1983 for the only time in our history.
Situated on a two-metre-high platform at the top of the ramp behind the Eddie Thompson Stand, the tribute has been designed to enable supporters to take their picture with the statue but also allow the statue to look over towards the stadium he helped build.
The private ceremony will see Jim’s wife Doris and his two sons, Gary and Colin and other McLean family members attend alongside Club Chairman Mark Ogren, representatives from the Statue steering group and players and staff from the 1983 league-winning team.
Jim spent his entire managerial career at United after joining from local rivals Dundee FC and building on the foundations put in place by Jerry Kerr, revolutionised Dundee United’s standing in European football. Under his stewardship the Club won two league cups and the Scottish Premier Division title and reach several Scottish Cup finals – all while becoming one of the most famous names in European football in the 1980’s beating teams as illustrious as Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco as he led the Tangerines to the UEFA Cup Final in 1987 and the European Cup semi-final in 1984.
The steering group worked closely with well-known sculptor Alan Heriot and the McLean family after hundreds of donations raised the required £62,000 and spokesperson George Haggarty 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.”
Dundee United 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. I look forward to representing the Club now we can plan the event without the impact of covid-19 restrictions.”
After the private ceremony there will be a first opportunity for public viewing on Saturday 18 September from 6pm until 8pm. Thereafter fans attending the derby on Sunday 19 September will be able to see the statue in all its glory from 9am onwards.
