Dillon signs on.

Sean Dillon

United were handed a major boost today, with the confirmation that defender Sean Dillon has signed a 3 year extension to his current deal.

Dillon, whos deal was set to expire in the summer, has played 2 matches for the Tangerines since signing from Shelbourne in 2007.

He joins Jon Daly and Lee Wilkie in extending there deals over the past month.

The club are still in talks with Darren Dods and David Robertson regarding new deals.

Talks with loanee Willo Flood and his agent are expected to begin this week.  The club are looking to sign the player permanently and he will be available on a pre-contract agreement.

East Stirling 0 – 4 Dundee United – Match Reaction

Jon Daly and Johnny Russell celebrate.

It was a wet and windy day in central Scotland but, despite the conditions, United had no problems brushing aside a plucky East Stirling side.

It certainly wasn’t a great day for a game of football but backed by a 2000 strong away support, the Arabs done what they had to do and set up a fifth round tie away to fellow SPL side Hamilton Accies.

The inclusion of youngster Johnny Russell in the side raised a few eyebrows but it was a decison gaffer Craig Levein did not regret.  The teenage striker has already played on Ochilviews artificial surface this season, bagging a brace for his loan side Forfar in his last outing there, and Levein felt that there was no better time to give Russell his first start for the club.

And, with 55 minutes on the clock, Russell picked the ball up and darted towards the oppositions goal.  His twisting run was stopped short by Shire defender Craig Tully and referee Mike Tumilty had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

And it was left to Russell to stoke the penalty home to top off the win.

Russell’s goal followed strikes by Prince Bauben, Darren Dods and Jon Daly.

In goal for East Stirling was another teenage débutante.  Jim McInally was forced into starting rookie 17 year old Jamie Newman.  The lad was on the end of four goals but he should not be too disheartened by his performance as, it would be fair to say,  he didn’t deserve it.

All in all from United’s point of view though, it was a professional performance and, in the end, an easy victory.

Bar one or two little chances for the home team, our goalkeeper and defence were never really put under too much pressure.

The midfield had the time and space to move the ball around and the forwards were not short of chances.

So it’s onwards to the next round, with an away tie against Hamilton to look forward to.  With the pleasantries exchanged between both managers following the last match, it could make for a fiery encounter.

The tie will be played on the 7/8 February.

Picture supplied courtesy of BBC Sport.

East Stirling 0 – 4 Dundee United

A professional job was done as United ran out 4-0 winners over East Stirling at Ochilview.  Goals from Prince Bauben, Darren Dods, Johny Russell and Jon Daly were enough to see the third division off.

A full match will follow tomorrow.

Dillon set to sign an extension.

Dillon to sign extension

United full back Sean Dillon (right) is set to extended his stay at the club.

The Irishman’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and manager Craig Levein has been in discussions with the player about extended his stay with the Terrors.

Dillon has been a regular for United in the right back position since signing from Irish side Shelbourne in 2007.  His solid defence style combined with the ability to moved down the wing and support the attack has seen him rarely lose his place in the starting XI.

Dillon will put pen to paper for the club and sign a three year extension to his deal.

Expect an official announcement on the club website within the next couple of days.

East Stirling V Dundee United – A Few Facts

East Stirlingshire F.C

Tomorrow sees United take on East Stirlingshire in the Scottish Cup fourth round.  It is a tie that the lads are expected to win easily.

But what do we know about our Third Division opponents?  Well we at The Arab Blog have done our homework and here is what you need to know.

Name: East Stirlingshire F.C
Nickname: The Shire
Formed: 1881
Home: Ochilview (Temp)
Chairman: Spencer Fearn
Manager: Jim McInally

United have faced East Stirling many a time although, the last time the clubs met was during the 1963/64 season.  That season the clubs met twice in the old First Division with United winning 2-0 Tannadice and the spoils being shared at Firs Park where the teams drew one all.

Arab Blog on the move.

If, like me, you tend to surf the net on the move, then this is perfect for you.

The Arab Blog now has a mobile site that will be more friendly for you iPhone or whichever mobile device you surf on the go with.

It simple to access aswell.  All you have to do is click the Mobile Version tag over there on the right.  This will take you to a preview site where you can enter your mobile number.  Once you have done this, we will send you you the link to the mobile version which you can bookmark for quick access on the go.

Alternatively, in your mobile browser visit http://thearablog.mofuse.mobi/ and hey presto, that’s you.

So there you go, mobile friendly Dundee United talk on the go.  Enjoy.

East Stirling V Dundee United – Scottish Cup

Scottish Cup

Saturday sees Dundee United enter into the Scottish Cup and they will face a tricky away tie to East Stirling in the fourth round.

With a decent run in the Co-Op Cup this season United will be looking to add to that with a good showing in the Scottish.

East Stirling, perennial struggler’s in Scottish Football, will be no pushovers however.

Former United player Jim McInally is now in charge of the 3rd Division outfit and has had them performing beyond all expectations.  They are currently sitting 4th in their division, in the play off places.

Shire gaffer McInally has no fitness or suspensions worries ahead of the weekend clash and this could see Eddie Forrest return to the team following suspension last weekend.  David Dunn is also available for selection.

Talking in the build up to the match, McInally commented that there is no need for his team to fear United and hinted that they may even go on the attack.

“We know there will be a huge gap between the teams but we will just have to do our best to bridge it.”

“One thing I want from the players is to let Dundee United know they have been in a game. If I  were out there I  would be getting stuck in about their shins. Too often players from the higher level go through these games without being tackled.

“I  don’t want that to be the case on Sunday. I want our players to be aggressive and we will take it from there.”

“Lee Wilkie’s out and Scott Robertson won’t play because he’s got an injury and they won’t risk him. Personally, I  hope they leave Jon Daly out as well as he is a huge threat up front.

“We have some thinking to do ahead of Sunday. Do we shut up shop and try to contain them or do we set up to try and score against them ?

“At the moment I  am leaning towards setting out to attack them because if you don’t score how are you going to win the match ?”

For United, the boys will have to keep their heads right to ensure an upset is not on the cards.

Lee Wilkie will miss out through suspension, although it is unlikely he would have played due to the artificial surface at Ochilview.  Darren Dods, currently in contract talks with the club, will come in to partner Garry Kenneth at the back.

In midfield, Ghanian midfielder Prince Buaben is expected to be favoured ahead of David Robertson to replace Scott Robertson, who misses out due to a groin injury.

Other than that, the team is expected to been unchanged from that which drew 2-2 with Celtic last week.

A big win is expected for the away team on Sunday but gaffer Craig Levein is taking nothing for granted.

“It’s a horrible game for us. I can’t sleep at night for worrying about these games because you are expected to win. I prefer to go in as underdogs.

“I started my managerial career in the lower leagues, so I know what it’s all about at those levels.

“There is no way we will be treating East Stirling lightly; I’ve got far too much respect for them to do that.

“Jim McInally is doing a great job there. They used to be annual struggler’s, but he’s gone in there and really given the place a big boost.

“We’ve had plenty of reports in of East Stirling’s games recently and we’re going down there to train so the lads can get used to the artificial surface.”

The Arab Blog Prediction

This is going to be a tough one methinks.  It could be an absolute massacre but then again, it could be one of those where the underdogs dig in and we only pick up a narrow win.  Hell, we might even get beat!

But I’m confident that we will have the edge and fitness to overcome this tricky tie.  3-0 United.

For a round up of the rest of the weekends Scottish Cup action, check out Inside Left.