Paul Paton – September SPFL Player of the Month

So the kiddie on football (Internationals) are done and the focus is once again back on club football.  And before we take on Partick Thistle this coming weekend there was some good news for Dundee United.

Paul Paton has been awarded the September SPFL Player of the Month award.  Paton has been in fine form alongside midfield partner John Rankin and the former Partick Thistle man has done enough to impress the panel.

Paton has played in every game throughout the month and even notched a goal in the 2-0 home win over St Johnstone.

Since being brought to the club by Jackie McNamara last summer, Paton has become an integral part of the Dundee United midfield.  Whilst not the most stylish of players, alongside Rankin, the two have formed a solid pairing, protecting the defence and providing a solid base in which to support United’s free flowing attacking quartet.

His level of performance has quickly seen him become a fans favourite at Tannadice and even gain international recognition with Northern Ireland.

Would the EPL be a bit of a ‘Stretch’?

There is no denying both on and off the field, Stuart Armstrong is a very talented young man.  When he is not at his day job as a professional footballer, he is studying for a law degree, something to fall back on if for when he hangs up his boots.

On the field dazzling displays have seen him star for and indeed captain the Scotland u21’s as well as receiving a senior national team call up, although he is yet to be capped.

On his day Armstrong is one of the best players at the club.  He can do it all; he can play a beautiful, defence splitting pass, he can beat a man, he can track back, he can even put the ball in the back of the net.

The Sunday Roundup

As is typically the case, when it is international week, the club news tends to be quiet.  As such, there is not a huge amount to cover in the first edition of the Sunday Roundup.

Mark Connolly scores Killie’s second – SNS

United went into the break on the back of a abject performance at Kilmarnock, losing the game 2-0.

After the match, Jackie McNamara suggested he felt some of the players did not give enough, noting his disappointment.

Still though, the club sits second in the league, I would have bit your hand off for that at the start of the season, hopefully the break gives us plenty of time to reflect and come back stronger.

This week also seen some positive news on the injury front, with both Connor Townsend and John Souttar stepping up their training.

Chris Erskine – From Zero to Hero.

Chris Erskine scores for Dundee United

Tannadice Park, August 10th 2013.  Dundee United headed into their first home game of the season, versus Inverness Caledonian Thistle, on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Partick Thistle the week previous.

Manager Jackie McNamara had made a raft of changes to the playing squad over the summer, the first opportunity he had to really stamp his authority on the team he had taken over in the January of the same year.

One of those players brought in was Chris Erskine, who had joined from McNamara’s previous team Partick Thistle under freedom of contract.

Many had high hopes for Erskine, but following a lacklustre performance against ICT from United, which culminated in a 0-1 defeat, many wondered if Erskine would make it at the club.

Fir Park Discount

Hot on the back of the Festive Hat trick Dundee United and Motherwell have today announced an agreement has been reached that will benefit season ticket holders of both clubs for the upcoming away games.

United travel to Fir Park on 07/11/14 for a 7:45pm kickoff (Friday night, BT Sport).  For this game, United season ticket holders can hand over voucher F which will then allow entry at a discount price of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Motherwell season ticket holders will then receive the same deal for the fixture at Tannadice on 2/01/2015.

Both clubs have to be applauded for an initiative that has the fans at it heart, helping to give more value.

As always, full details can be found on the official site.

Dundee United Festive Hattrick

For those of you who may not recieved the Dundee United newsletter via email or for those who have just not heard yet, the club are offering a great deal on tickets for the games over the festive period.

For as little as £50, you can secure seats for the games versus Aberdeen (13/12), Celtic (20/12) and Dundee (01/01/15).  That means you seats are secured before tickets go on general sale.

More details can be found on the official site.

The Arab Blog – Get Involved!

The Arab Blog is not just about my ramblings, oh no.  What gets posted here is purely my opinion and whilst I like to think I am right at all times, I know that unfortunately that is not always the case.

And that, dear reader, is where you come in.  Feel free to comment on any of the posts made, chip in with your opinion, lets have a natter about it.

After all, what would the world be like if we all shared the same opinion.

The Arab Blog is also on Twitter, you will find or details over to the right of the page. Follow us, Tweet us, let your thoughts be known.

And if you want to get in touch but don’t want the world to see what you have to say, get in touch via email, the details can be found in the ‘Contact Me’ section towards the top right.

Look forward to hearing from you.